'Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania' kicks off the Marvel Cinematic Universe's fifth phase with mixed results. The film is fun and entertaining but bogged down by tropes, less than stellar visuals, and even its own scope.
The film begins strong with all the energy, heart, and humor audiences love about the 'Ant-man' series but loses its luster and becomes less interesting not too long after Scott Lang, his daughter, and the Pym family enter the quantum realm. It does, however, pick up again in the final act and sticks the landing for the most part.
The brunt of 'Quantumania's weakest points are within its second act. While the film does possess plenty of fun moments, intriguing characters, and ingenuity in the middle- the narrative often slogs along in a mish-mash of Sci-Fi tropes. It is also frequently visually incoherent. The more recent criticism of the MCU’s underwhelming visual effects is on full display in this film. While I don’t mind a comic book film having a comic book aesthetic, other MCU films have pulled this off while retaining a certain level of verisimilitude, vibrancy, and awe. I'm confident one could take a glimpse at the concept art and see all the potential that was squandered.
Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-man continues to engage the viewers with his charm and elicit pathos particularly with the relationship with his daughter Cassie, who is on the verge of adulthood, and is now played by Kathryn Newton. The standout performance though is Jonathan Majors as the villain of the film. He plays the aptly named Kang the Conqueror, originally introduced in season one of 'Loki', who will be the next Marvel big bad. Majors has this uncanny ability to evoke menace with his presence despite a calm demeanor. He also evokes sympathy despite never doing anything sympathetic. Modock is also a pleasant surprise and a scene stealer as well.
'Ant-man and The Wasp: Quantumania' is entertaining, often enjoyable, and for some that suffices. However, to be part of the MCU legacy, I along with many expect more. The MCU and all the talented filmmakers who have contributed to it have come too far for it to falter now. Hopefully this film doesn’t signal a downward trend for Phase five, but merely a clunky, humble beginning.
MY STAR RATING 2.75/5
Be sure to visit the Brown Deer Public Library for comic books and movies galore available for check out.
