It’s just that,either I’m too old to know all these Marvel characters,or DC Comics was more my thing. My acquaintance with the original Ant-man is microscopic at best. Somewhere in the back of my mind I think I recognize a figure who rides an ant and commands other ants, but that’s all. On the other hand, I’m sure that I’ve seen a comic strip about it. Little did I know that he was actually such a significant hero that he would get his own movie.
Regardless of how the original was presented, this is part of the Avengers universe. It’s not that the Avengers participate that much in the movie, just an occasional character. But they are still present in abstract form, as is S.H.I.E.L.D. Iron Man is mentioned and if I remember correctly, Nick Fury is too. Admittedly in passing, but still. It is quite clear that it is taking place in the same universe and I would be surprised if this was the last time we saw Antman on film. My guess is that he will be woven into later Avengers films, but we will see later.
So far, my theory is as true as Schrödinger’s cat. The film itself is of course surrounded by technology, that is somewhat inherent in the nature of things. Everything takes place in a universe where technology is far advanced and where the physical laws of the real world do not apply. But it is done in such a way that it is nevertheless believable. It also looks really cool and some scenes are incredibly cool. If anyone had any doubts, the film is about a guy who can take on the size of an ant.
Everything around him therefore looks gigantic. As a teaser, I can mention a fight inside a briefcase with everything that belongs there. Of course, there is much more than that, but it might catch some interest. I think they have made the film a bit humorous. Dare to make superhero films without humor! That would be refreshing. They could have at least avoided the most obvious humor. It has a tendency to be a bit silly and that certainly does not benefit the experience of the film. But it is full speed at times and it is forgiving of some of the humor.
The acting is really good and the film boasts, in addition to Paul Rudd in the title role, also Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly. All in all, it is a perfectly okay film in my eyes. Maybe a little more than that but not really top class. Maybe it will grow from one more round in the player but it is doubtful whether it will reach the same heights as the CaptainAmerica films or the Avengers. There is simply no room for that type of action in this story. But given my hunches about future films with Antman, maybe that can be remedied. Until then, this is a solid building block to stand on.
Translation of a review I did in Swedish some years ago
