The latest from the Marvel Comic book Universe is Ant Man. At a time when superheroes are becoming bigger with every movie, this one dares to think differently. Directed by Peyton Reed, it has Michael Douglas in the role of a scientist, Dr Pym, who has developed the shrinking ‘ant man’ suit.
Wearing it for most part of the movie is Scott Lang (Paul Rudd). This earth-shattering new technology where a man can shrink to the size of an ant has to be kept away from falling into the wrong hands. Taking on Team Ant then is the ‘Ant’agonist Darren Cross- a bald, forever cross-looking Corey Stoll. The stage therefore is set. A reluctant superhero poised for greatness. An invincible enemy. Also at stake is the future of humanity. But the only problem – the film takes too long to come to the point!
Watching Ant Man is a lot like opening a pack of chips. The first half is just gas. Family drama unfolds in the form of estranged father - daughter relationships. Dr Pym can’t get along with his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) while Scott is unable to spend time with his young daughter he loves so dearly. It’s only post interval when the chips fall into place and our 3D glasses are put to full use as we gorge on some delectable CGI and special effects. The hero shrinks to the size of an ant one moment and is back to being his usual self the very next second further adding to our delight.
Due credit must be given to the writers Joe Cornish and Edgar Write for the novelty of their idea and the humour they managed to inject it with. Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd’s flawless comic timing ensure that Ant-man is genuinely funny without being silly.
Watch out for the climax where our tiny hero meets his match in the form of Yellowjacket. But it’s the masala post the end credits that would have us smacking our lips! Make sure you stay till the very end.
All in all, Ant-man is super enjoyable though not flawless. The two-hour duration could have been shortened a little and the family drama muted. But keep your expectations ant-sized and you are bound to have a good time.
I’ll go with 3.5 QUINTS OUT OF 5.
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