Review of Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) by Simon P — 10 Oct 2018

In many respects, this was a good sequel. Fun, well paced, expertly executed, but I have to say, I found many of the usual tropes somewhat lethargic, and that this film essentially fell into the classic hole of simply doing the same things as its predecessor, only bigger and with greater hyperbole.

That is not to say I disliked the film. It was for me though, less enjoyable than the first iteration. There aren't many franchises (and in this case, sub-franchise) which can continually improve the films. Paul Rudd is ridiculously charming and endearing, but (and I realise I may be the only person alive who feels this way) Evangeline Lilly is a little less so. I find her portrayal just a fraction wooden, and I don't really buy into her all that much. Paul really carries their scenes together, and in reality, Michael Peña is again the next major highlight of the film. The guy is just hilarious.

All in all, this is a strong instalment for the MCU and ably sets up the upcoming Avengers 4 (which at the time of writing has yet to be named). So it does its job well, and it absolutely worth the viewing time. Just don't expect the major warm vibes of the first one. Or maybe do expect them, but you just won't be as happily surprised.