Review: ANT-MAN and THE WASP

After the events of Civil War Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is placed under house arrest. His relationship with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) is changed due to his actions (making them all criminals). Now, they need his help for one more heist! Ant-Man and the Wasp build on the events in the first film and does it all significantly better. The jokes land, for the most part, the action is solid, and the story is somewhat intriguing. The film is a comedy first and foremost so don’t expect the same gut punch you got from Avengers: Infinity War or Black Panther. If you’re someone who isn’t a fan of the more comedic Marvel films this probably won’t be any different.

One of the sticking points for me is, well… the story. Ant-Man and The Wasp is very predictable and after 20 Marvel movies, you desire something more than your average blockbuster. That seems to be the problem with this particular franchise. Ant-Man is probably never going to have that film, that moment that will stick with people. In Spider-Man 2 you had the Train scene, in Wonder Woman you had No Man’s Land, in Avenger’s: Infinity War you had the snap, all the great comic book movies have their defining moment. Each MCU franchise has had one, all except Ant-Man. A character who will likely be forever stuck in mediocrity.

Ant-Man and the Wasp is a good movie and is better than its predecessor in every way, but by Marvel’s standards, it can be seen as a disappointment. If you’re just looking for some laughs or some fun action I would recommend it. If you want to see the Marvel saga follow up to Avengers: Infinity War, I suggest waiting for Captain Marvel.