SCI-FI ACTION; 1hr 57min
STARRING: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Peña
Small but perfectly formed: Rudd
Who would have thought an atom-shifting particle could work such wonders on a regular, up-against-it dude? Such is life for reformed burglar and ex-con Scott Lang (Rudd) after he’s co-opted by pioneering scientist Dr Hank Pym (Douglas) to shrink himself to ant size in a brilliant scope out of perspectives. His testing assignment, “to break into a place and steal some shit,” will hopefully save the planet from the evil designs of Dr Pym’s one-time protégé turned big-time menace, Darren Cross, aka Yellowjacket (Stoll).
Ain’t that always the Marvel way? What cuts the mustard with director Peyton Reed’s eeny-meeny guy is Rudd’s clear-eyed relatability as a lawbreaker struggling to go straight, a dad seeking redemption and, most importantly, a super-strong, lightning-fast do-gooder in a skin-tight suit, backed by an army of willing and able ants. His human support team couldn’t be better, as well. A savvy Douglas, Lilly hanging tough as Dr Pym’s daughter, Stoll’s villainous relish and chipper support from Peña as Scott’s loyal buddy, help set the quirkily endearing tone. Couple that with exhilarating, size-defying visuals and the concept of micromanagement may never be the same.
