Sunday, August 16, 2015

Ant Man


DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed  LEAD CAST:  Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Anthony Mackie, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian  SCREENWRITER:  Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd  PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige  EDITOR:  Dan Lebental, Colby Parker, Jr.   MUSICAL  DIRECTOR:  Christophe Beck  GENRE:  Action & Adventure, Mystery and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, comedy  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Russel Carpenter  DISTRIBUTOR:  Walt Disney Studios, Motion Pictures  LOCATION:  United States RUNNING TIME: 117 minutes
Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: PG 13
            Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is an ex-convict who has just been released from prison where he served time for committing a crime—urglary. He has vowed to change his ways after his release so the first thing he does is find a job. But consequently, he has trouble finding one because of his record. This leads to further complications of not being able to see his daughter Cassie until he is able to pay child support. Until some ironic events lead him to Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) who offers him another chance—he is tasked to use a suit that will make him shrink. He is hesitant at first, but he will come to a point wherein he’ll have no other choice but to take the offer or he’ll remain in jail. Dr. Pym wants Scott to use the said suit to plot a strategy to stop the evil plans of his former trainee, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who is bent on unlocking the secrets of shrinking technology and selling this to the highest bidder, putting in danger the entire humanity.
            Ant-Man is a fine “little” film with a big heart in human beings’ both human and super-humanness. The story is solid, focusing on one flawed man and in the background are a web of relations and interrelations that make the film very personal. Ant-Man alternates with its comedic and dramatic appeal. This is not the usual superhero movies audiences see with protagonist trying to stop a villain that is about to destroy the world. Rather, this is a film that talks widely about second chances and healing broken relationships. Given the meat of the story, the film in its entirety has worked well in choosing the cast. The actors fit their characters well. Paul Rudd is truly likeable in this film and the supporting cast headed by Michael Douglas gives added force to the film with their simplicity, sincerity and natural depth. Technically, Ant-Man is excellently done. More than a spectacle, the CGI works in intensifying the film’s appeal and storytelling. The special effects do not overpower the very essence of the film that audiences hardly notice that there is CGI at work; they just suspend their disbelief and are convinced that yes Ant-Man is for real. That in itself makes the entire film a real success.
            Ant-Man centers on flawed characters and their equally flawed relationships – and how all power, fame and money shrink in the background when heart and character and meaningful relationships take center stage. It may seem that Ant-Man is just another super-hero story but overall, it is a story about family and friends, about fathers and daughters, mentors and protégés. The film demonstrates a father’s great love for his daughter: both Lang and Dr. Pym sacrificed a lot for the sake of their daughters. Meaningful relationships really give breath to one’s life and reasons for humans to live. Unconditional love is the fuel that keeps relationships burning. More than a story about the triumph of good over evil, the film has also given premium on giving sinners and convicts or ex-convicts a second chance. For as long as there is a tiny desire for a man to change his ways, there is always hope and that is only possible if one concerned soul would be willing to extend a helping hand. The film is calling its audiences as the Church calls on his people to be disciples in their own little ways. Dr. Pym has done just that with Lang. But given the film’s sci-fi action and violence, heavy theme and some crude language, CINEMA deems the film as suitable for audiences 13 and below with Parental Guidance.