Ant-Man (2015): MCU’s Littlest Hero is Funny and Smart

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Marvel is something of a must-see-all-the-stuff franchise for me. In fact, I think their R-rated addition may be the first in the MCU that I’ve zero interest to see. This is why waiting as long as I did to see last year’s introduction to their newest (and smallest) hero is something of a surprise.

Ant-Man

Ant-Man (2015) Film Review

A second chance isn’t something Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) wants to make a bet on. He’s had a few too many chances already and it’s time to clean up his act. Driving this is his daughter, Cassie, who needs to know she can be proud of the father she loves. As a professional burglar, Scott works hard to distance himself from that life, but with a record, not many will hire him. Add in the fact that his roommate (and best friend) is also a career criminal and he has an uphill battle.

Despite his promise to be done with that life, circumstances corner Scott. Under pressure, he pulls a job his friends nag him to join. Only when he gets to a safe that’s supposed to be full of cash, there is nothing but a suit. Turns out it isn’t an ordinary suit. After some tampering, Scott discovers it turns him into a minuscule human being. This scares him, and forces him to do the one thing he’s never done: return a stolen item.

In the act, he’s arrested and is then given the chance to wipe the slate clean. The offer comes from Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the man Scott robs. Stepping up to be a hero may have risk involved, but it also may be Scott’s only chance at a relationship with the daughter he loves.

If ever someone were to ask which Marvel film was the least “intense” or the funniest, without question the answer would be AntMan. Perhaps I don’t remember, or maybe my mind would change if I’d rewatch some of the films I’ve only seen once. That said, I cannot remember another MCU title that makes me laugh THIS much. Ant-Man leaves me in stitches. As I write this, and think back over some of the earlier Marvel movies, perhaps saying this is the most comedic isn’t fair. But to clarify, I DO think this is the funniest while being a script one can take seriously.

The humor credit is due to the cast, so we’ll start there as we move through the good and bad. Everyone is sensational in this. From leading man Paul Rudd (whose talent to pull this off I did doubt) to his best friend Luis (Michael Peña); and their “crew,” all of whom offered a hefty percentage of the giggles, and finally Michael Douglas, and Evangeline Lilly as Hope. This role is perfect for Rudd, and I enjoy seeing an Avenger with a family. Bonus! The scenes between he and his daughter are darling. Judy Greer co-stars, and props to the writers who manage to give Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter a cameo.

To explain the charismatic appeal of this film is tough to put to paper. One of the things that allow it to shine a bit brighter is the “littleness” of the character. Because he can shrink (not to mention command an army of ants; yes, this is a thing), the same-old, same-old re-imagines action in a new dimension. Epic fight sequences still rule, only the writers have a lot more play with these because of who the hero is; which makes it quite funny. Plus, this lessens the sense of intensity that might accompany such scenes.

Saying more about this film isn’t necessary. It’s everything I want and then some. Seeing Ant-Man integrate into the Avengers world will be a distinct pleasure. Something I have no doubt will happen given the post credits scene (there is actually two). Fans of Marvel know this; if you’ve not yet seen Ant-Man, you’re missing out. It’s rare that a superhero film can be this fun and still manage a good plot. For an origins story, this is one of the most memorable.

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(Content: There isn’t much content in this one aside from a few minor profanities or some “adult” jokes, and sci-fi like violence. The film is PG13.)

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

14 comments

    1. Great review! I finally decided to watch Ant Man, but I'm about the 20th in line for the DVD at the library, so I'm glad I read this review to help the wait! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. :)

    2. Molly: Right!? This was my reaction as well! But it was Marvel and I wasn't going to miss it. That final scene had me giggling so much plus I thought the father-daughter relationship was darling. :)

      Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for the visit.

      Candice: Thank you! Hope you wind up enjoying Ant-Man. It's really VERY cute and fun, which isn't always the case with Marvel. Let me know what you think once you have a chance to see it. :)

  1. Perfect review for this one, Rissi! A lot of people I talked to didn't enjoy it, so like you it took me a while to see it. When I finally watched it last week or the week before, I was surprised by how much I loved it! I TOTALLY agree with you that Ant-Man is the funniest Marvel film!! I was totally cracking up. (Especially the scenes with Peña…that guy was hilarious.) High five to yet another amazing review! :):)

    1. Thanks, Bekah! As always, I really appreciate you visiting. :)

      Really!? You recently saw it too!? How fun. I'm glad not to be the only one to delay so much. We actually got the Blu-ray at Christmas and it sat for a while before we watched it. Fortunately it was SO worth the wait with Pena's hilarious dialogue being ONE of the many reasons why (those stories he'd go off on? So funny).

    1. It's REALLY good, Kara. Especially if you enjoy Marvel or other Sci-fi films like it. Either way, if you do see it, I hope you enjoy. :)

  2. Nice review Rissi! I'm so glad you liked this one. :) And I totally agree with everything you said — it is so funny, yet has a good amount of seriousness too, and one of my favorite things about it was how the Ant-Man character allows for the action to be on a smaller scale without being any less exciting and involving than the movies that destroy whole cities!

    1. Hi, Sarah! Thank you. I really appreciate you stopping by, reading and sharing your opinion. It's always most welcome. :)

      The filmmakers did a really nice job with this one. So much is the same and yet everything is different because of Scott's super power. Also, one of the funniest scenes was when he came up against Falcon. I couldn't stop laughing! :)

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