Superb Film! Ant-Man Is A Tiny Triumph
As has been the case going back to 2008, this Marvel movie is being held up as the next big test to see if Marvel can do it all with even smaller players.
Ant-Man is such a small-scale picture that it’s easy to take for granted what a technical marvel it actually is. It features some rather dazzling special effects work in the service of its central super heroic gimmick, and said effects are presented in an offhanded way that suggests that no expense was spared in the pursuit of its sci-fi vision.
The characters are all incredible(Pena almost steals the show), and there is a general warmth throughout. The heist structure proves to be an advantage... the film turns into a visual wonderland of perspective and invention. The surrounding film is very good, with some strong comic beats and a generally enjoyable story. There are plenty of delightful beats big and small.
The best part of the Phase 2 Marvel game plan was the diversification of genre, as Kevin Feige was vocal about wanting all of the films to exist in distinct sub-genres and thus exist not as superhero movies but as thrillers and fantasies and action comedies that just happened to contain a superhero in them. Well played Mr. Feige.
A special thanks to good ole Scotty Mendelson!