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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Marvel Studios

Written by Jeff Loveness

Directed by Peyton Reed

Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, Bill Murray, Katy O’Brian, William Jackson Harper, David Dastmalchian, Randall Park and James Cutler

Rated PG-13

Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

The latest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the official kick off of phase five for the studio and its characters. As established through the Loki series on Disney Plus and throughout the press, the latest adventure of Ant-Man serves as the official debut of the universe’s next big bad in the form of Kang the Conqueror played by Jonathan Majors. In that, the film does not disappoint.

After spending decades in the Quantum Zone, Janet Van Dyne (Pfeiffer) has been set free by her daughter Hope (Lilly) and Scott Lang (Rudd). What they don’t know is what Janet’s life was like in the zone, what she did to survive and that there are other living creatures down there including Kang. Pfeiffer is great as Janet and this movie gives her a chance to shine in a way that grows and evolves her character. Her interactions in the Quantum Realm and the reality of both her situation and the secrets she kept from everyone give her character more dimension.

Paul Rudd continues to be an awesome Ant-Man. This time he’s dealing with both being a celebrity and trying to re-forge his relationship with his daughter Cassie (Newton) who wants to help others in ways her father seems reluctant to do with his newfound celebrity and responsibility. Lang is dealing with some imposter syndrome in this movie and Rudd continues to bring charm to the role in more subdued ways given the stakes of the story. Kathryn Newton is good as Cassie and can definitely bring out a character who wants to be a hero, but she doesn’t really do much beyond run until the third act.

Jonathan Majors is awesome as Kang. His interpretation is a complete change from the variant he played in Loki. This Kang is just as manipulative, but is unapologetically single-minded in his purpose and ruthless in how he goes about it. There is no reasoning with this character and I was apprehensive about how this character would work in an Ant-Man film since they are usually played for comedy, but this movie works with both characters pitted against each other because it gives Scott the opportunity to finally fight for something bigger than himself (no pun intended).

The Quantum Realm looks amazing. The production designer does a great job with the look of the world including Kang’s city. Peyton Reed does a great job of making a more serious film for the characters while also keeping the humor intact and relevant, especially with Scott and a surprise character return that I won’t spoil, but is fun in its menace. If there is one character that seems out of place in the film, it’s Wasp. Evangeline Lilly doesn’t really have much to either say or do in the film beyond react to situations and she doesn’t really drive the plot at all. She does have a great moment with Janet as mother and daughter finally discuss her life in the Quantum Realm, but those same moments could have been had with Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym and given the same emotional result.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is a fun, exciting and inventive film that doesn’t necessarily re-invent the genre, but does lean into the things that work for the characters while also creating a great antagonist in Kang. While I don’t know if another Ant-Man movie might be necessary, the character could definitely return for other adventures with this antagonist as the focal point.

There is a mid credit scene that establishes Kang as a much bigger threat than his appearance in this film. It also establishes something that his He Who Remains variant warned about in season 1 of Loki on Disney Plus.

There is also an end credits scene that feels like a departure from the world of the film, but firmly connects the character of Kang to the events of Loki season 2 with a pair of interesting cameos.