A Fun Time
Summary
An entertaining film with great pacing and humor, Quantumania is a fun watch with the family, but falls short of stellar within the Multiverse Saga. Still, Rudd returning as Ant-Man is just as charming, and Jonathan Majors absolutely nails it as Marvel’s next big bad, Kang.
Plot: Accidentally tapping into the Quantum Realm, Ant-Man and his team explore the mysteries of this strange new world, and unravel the dangers that threaten their very own home.
Review: Perhaps the most anticipated film since the conclusion of Endgame, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania kicks off Marvel’s phase five with a massive departure from the last two Ant-Man releases. Here, we leave Earth and head face first (literally) into a more Sci-Fi-esque universe. This aligns with what Feige & Co have been planning for in a post-Thanos world: the multiverse.
With all of Marvel’s television series and films, phase four had some good, but mostly not-so captivating stories that feel more disjointed than not – with viewers waiting and waiting for the next ‘Avengers’-type installment. Up until now, there have been glimpses of the multiverse but not enough to really feel that interconnectedness that first drew audiences to the MCU. Even this film falls short, unable to fully allow viewers to grasp the layered multiverse concept.
Despite this, we do have some great wins in this movie that make for a really enjoyable theatre experience. We are reunited with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), the quirky, laid-back hero often looked at as the spare Avenger. As always, Rudd brings heart and humor to Ant-Man, especially as his relationship with teenage daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) becomes the forefront of the story. The strange creatures we meet along the way also proved to be a great addition as well, particularly as comic relief. It felt very reminiscent of Ragnarok and Guardians of the Galaxy with all the bizarre, unearthly creatures.
Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror was as magnetic as his first MCU appearance in the Loki series. He was absolutely chilling as the villain: stoic and sinister, yet explosive in the moments you’d least expect. I can’t wait to explore more of his story arc in future Marvel installments.
Overall, Quantumania is an entertaining superhero film with a solid villain, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. Though with so much Marvel content pushed out lately, it has become increasingly difficult to pick out stand-out films and this third Ant-Man installment is no exception. It’s an enjoyable film to watch with the family, but not quite mind blowing in Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will be released in theatres Friday, February 17, 2023.