New to the Marvel universe, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is ‘perfectly average.’ PHOTO CREDIT: Entertainment Weekly
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest blockbuster, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was the introduction of one of the franchise’s most interesting villains: Kang the Conqueror.
Before getting into this review, let it be understood that in my opinion, Marvel has a very distinct way of making these formulaic superhero movies. I like to describe it as “Marvel-esque.”
What I mean by “Marvel-esque” is that the structure of Marvel movies tends to be eerily similar in terms of the “wow” factor for visuals and cheesy dialogue. Here’s the warning: spoilers ahead!
Marvel movies are typically very colorful and have well-detailed computer-generated imagery. The third installment of Marvel’s Ant-Man series is no different.
The bizarre and visually intense landscapes within the quantum-realm are definitely huge eye candy for viewers. Whether a new fan or a longtime Marvel fanatic (or as Stan Lee called them, True Believers), “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is able to be watched with little to no context needed.
Paul Rudd, who plays the protagonist Scott Lang (Ant-Man), executes his role well. He is the quirky-funny but serious father of Cassie Lang, played by Kathryn Newton. The Wasp, played by Evangeline Lilly, saves Ant-Man’s life (literally) more than once and it was incredibly satisfying. Also, Bill Murray was there!
Kang is the newest villain introduced to the movie franchise and I have to say his world-crushing abilities and unique powers are so refreshing. I loved how easily he flung Darren, or the name he wants to be called: M.O.D.O.K., across the hallway of his giant spaceship-prison with the flick of his finger.
That being said, I was disappointed with how easily he was defeated. He has the power to destroy timelines and throw entire worlds into extinction… and he got defeated, ultimately, by ants. However, I love ants so it actually made me smile quite big in the theater (go myrmecology!). Granted, the end reveal of the multiversal colony of Kangs made me feel better about his quick and untimely demise in his time-ship.
The ominous “Kang will return” moment in the end credits scene actually made me feel a little excited. This villain brings something to the series similar to that of Thanos, except this time it’s multiversal and not universal. An eerie threat to the MCU heroes that we know and love is definitely not new, but not often does the villain actually have experience killing said heroes.
The movie serves up a lot of classic Marvel movie lines and slow-mo entrance moments… almost too many. By the time we get to Wasp’s entrance on the defeated (“defeated”) Kang’s ship, we already know Ant-Man, played by Paul Rudd, was going to be saved.
The movie received a 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 6.6/10 on IMDb and an 84% on Fandango; pretty much sitting right in the middle for the most part. In my opinion, as an average Marvel moviegoer (I don’t hate the movies, but I don’t love them), “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was perfectly average.