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Matt Vs. Antman

Marvel's 2015 summer season ended with the release of Antman starring Paul Rudd. Antman was a film that I waffled on whether or not I was going to see it. I know little of the source material other than his name being Hank Pym and being an Avenger who has the power that can shrink himself. Outside of that, the character is pretty much a blank slate. I've always heard good things about Paul Rudd and Marvel is usually an entertaining time so I've decided to give this film a shot.

Paul Rudd stars as Scott an idealistic thief who once released from prison tries to reconcile with his family and rebuild his life. However having trouble to find a job, Scott meets up with some old friends who convince him to rob the house of an old rich businessman named Hank Pym. Pym is estranged from both his daughter (Evangeline Lily) and his former company now controlled my his old protege Darren Cross (Corey Stoll). After cracking Pym's safe, Scott discovers and puts on the Antman suit which gives him the ability to shrink at will. Later Scott attempts to return the suit but fails and is facing another prison term until Hank Pym intervenes. He is given the choice to help steal a dangerous prototype shrinking suit from Cross or go to jail. From there the film covers Scott's attempts to learn how to use the suit and communicate and control ants int preparation for the final heist.

 While Antman was enjoyable, it seemed to copy many of the character beats of the original Iron Man. Even the villain is a bald CEO who's motivation is to steal the ideas and technology of others was copied. Jeff Bridges' Obadiah Stane was still a far more entertaining if bland adversary than this bald menace. The final fight between Cross in the Yellow Jacket suit and  Scott in the Antman suit. Given the nature of the suit's powers, the climax is at a rather small scale. This battle is a must see for fans of Ants and Thomas the Tank Engine. Rudd carries the film with his charisma and Michael Pena's supporting character Luis provides some laughs. The film is not without its problems as Hope (Lily) is a bit underdeveloped and the film seems like again a lesser version of Iron Man, The effects were serviceable and the film's playfulness was top notch. Aside from the post-credits teaser, the only other Avenger in the film is Falcon who has a glorified cameo. As with Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel again has proven it can take relatively unknown s and turn them into enjoyable films.
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