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.
