Review of Ant-Man (2015) by Filmgob — 19 Jul 2015

Finally, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' has arrived, after what seems like a lifetime of promises and troubled development. More a low key and scaled down outing compared to 'Age of Ultron', it commits to a restrained approach, as it should, being an origin story centred around a heist concept.

First up, let's talk about the action. The effects were fantastic, even in the 2D screening I saw. The fight scenes are, although not mind blowing, more inventive and fun than what's been served in recent MCU releases. There are great uses of everyday environments and devices (bathtub, vacuum cleaner, record player) in the first shrinking scene. In the third act, we see our hero riding flying insects while dodging bullets, causing a giant Thomas the Tank Engine to crush a cop car, fighting Yellow Jacket in a briefcase while The Cure's 'Disintegration' plays on an iPhone (yes, all this happens).

How about the performances? Paul Rudd as the leading man is a good fit, a likeable down on his luck guy thrown into the battle between SHIELD and Hydra. Michael Douglas is great, and his relationship with Evangeline Lily is played out beautifully.

Now all that is fine, but there are problems that let the film down. In trying to keep the tone in line with the rest of the Marvel universe, there's a look of bland direction to much of it. Structure and pacing wise, at times it's too fast moving and later too drawn out. Try not to notice the score, which sounded like uninspired drivel. Another weak villain is introduced, this time played by Corey Stoll, almost a rehash of Jeff Bridges from 'Iron Man' but without the presence.

Marvel's basic **** humour once again rears it's ugly head at the most inappropriate moments. It's not clever, just unbelievably irritating. Michael Pena and his criminal colleagues are truly awful stereotypes here, too busy throwing around cliches like "dayumn" and "yo son" while the white heroes are saving the day. If you've read some of my other reviews on Marvel films, you know I don't let this kind of borderline racist crap pass!

At the end I was left wondering, is this a character that really needed a standalone film? Sure it's a welcome change of pace, however it's more filler than killer. The premise of a tiny hero who controls ants may seem problematic for some, but the real issue is that too many cooks have come and gone in the kitchen.