Will the superhero gravy train ever run out of steam?
Not as long as fans worldwide keep supporting these bigger-then-life creations and franchises.
And while ANT-MAN is no IRON MAN, it certainly another notch in Disney’s comic book, action-fantasy universe. Here Mouse House subsidiary Marvel Studios serves up the screen adaptation of what is probably a (probably) lesser known superhero.
ANT-MAN is a shrinking outing along the lines of HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS and THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN. Well, up to a point as the casting and direction (Peyton Reed) of the sci-fi adventure has brought credibility, timing and a sense of humor to the project which never really takes itself too serious.
Shawnee Mission West alumni Paul Rudd stars in the title role playing Scott Lang, a petty crook and ex-con who is now recruited by research scientist doctor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to safeguard the mystery of shrinking technology from evildoers with demented visions for the process—or something like that.
Comedy and light heartedness?
There’s a barrage of it throughout the film’s 117 minute running time. And plenty of credit has to go to Paul Rudd who co-wrote the screenplay.
His one-liners are the glue that bonds what at times could pass for a nonsensical character.
Helping Rudd out along those lines is Michael Pena as his scheming prison buddy Luis.
Two particular scenes that stood out for me have Rudd working as a soda jerk at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream store. Very Funny.
And then there’s an action sequence staged in miniature on the train tracks of Thomas The Tank Engine.
Yes, the picture skews young. Some would even suggest very young.
But that’s not to say that older action-adventure fun seekers won’t get a kick out of it as well.
Visual effects which are very important to this story are first rate. As for the 3D? It’s OK but you can easily do without the up charge here.
The end credits include the promise that “Ant-Man will be back.”
Whether that will be in the form of a sequel remains to be seen. But if not that, he will surely become a welcomed addition to the multi-platformed AVENGERS series.
Disney/Marvel Studios tiniest superhero ANT-MAN proving that it’s not just size that matters, some sci-fi creations actually come in small packages—Earning a score of B-.
(Reviewed in 3D at B&B’s Overland Park 16)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 6:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. on 98.1FM, KMBZ and anytime on Facebook.
hopefully its a blockbuster.
not a better individual than paul rudd and his family.
he deserves this to be BIGGEST FILM OF YEAR (hopefully)!!!!!!!
Great, another super hero.