Ant-Man – As the MCU has grown since the late 2000s, fans are eager to hear more about more impending films.
With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the fourth phase of the MCU, which is now divided between movies and television episodes, was completed in late 2022.
With the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Marvel is kicking off Phase Five.
The Ant-Man sequel seems to be extending the multiverse idea in advance of the upcoming Secret Wars film.
Following the early screening for reviewers, reviews and leaks have already started to pour in.
On the other side, despite the fact that the previous few MCU movies have been well welcomed, Ant-Man seems to be continuing the trend of performing below expectations.
The movie
In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which also includes some new characters and some old ones, Phase Five is introduced.
Cassie Lang accidentally sends Scott Lang, Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym, and Janet Van Dyne into the Quantum Realm in the most recent Marvel movie.
Scott must work for the new threat Kang the Conqueror in order to bring his family back to Earth, while Janet must face her past.
Among the returning characters are:
- Scott Lang/Ant-Man – Paul Rudd
- Hope Van Dyne/Wasp – Evangeline Lilly
- Dr. Hank Pym – Michael Douglas
- Janet Van Dyne/Wasp – Michelle Pfeiffer
- Jimmy Woo – Randall Park
- Veb – David Dastmalchian
Meanwhile, the new characters and faces are:
- Kang the Conqueror – Jonathan Majors
- Cassie Lang (old character, new actress) – Kathryn Newton
- Lord Krylar – Bill Murray
- M.O.D.O.K. – Corey Stoll
- Quaz – William Jackson Harper
- Jentorra – Katy M. O’Brian
What critics are saying
In contrast to the bulk of MCU movies, Ant-Man and Wasp: Quantum of Solace has gotten mixed reviews.
Although the third Ant-Man’s visuals and Jonathan Majors’ acting are two highlights, it would be hard to overlook the entire plot.
“I can say with 100% certainty that viewers are in for a treat,” wrote Danielle Solzman of Solzy at the Movies.
Similar excitement was also shown by critic Jenna Anderson of ComicBook.com, who wrote:
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is an eccentric and essential spectacle, which further expands the possibilities of what the MCU’s tentpole projects can still be capable of.”
But Hoai-Tran Bui of Inverse wasn’t impressed, so it’s not all sunshine and butterflies.
“It commits the worst sin a movie can me,” wrote the Inverse critic. “It’s boring.”
“Marvel movies have long become less like movies and more like feature-length commercials for the next big thing,” she continued.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is sadly the greatest embodiment of that.”
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Andrew J. Salazar of Geeks of Color and Louisa Moore of Screen Zealots both voiced sentiments along the same lines.
“This isn’t the worst Marvel movie,” wrote Salazar, “But it is one of the more forgettable.”
“It’s one of the more unremarkable entries in the MCU,” wrote Moore.
Notably, the comments were rather critical of the writing.
Many claimed that the plot’s erratic tone diminished the grandeur of Ant-Man.
“A bit uneven, it feels like Jeff Loveness’ script wasn’t sure what genre this movie wanted to be,” said Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds.
According to Peter Canavese of Groucho Reviews, the plot of the film was flat:
“Screenwriter Jeff Loveness’ themes are half-hearted and his dialogue sounds like it was written by ChatGPT.”
The action and the visuals were two highlights in an otherwise mediocre MCU movie.
“Its action sequences at times get to go to particularly wild places most blockbusters can’t go,” said Canavese. “Most notably when Scott encounters something called a ‘probability storm.’”
“One of the most ambitious visual feasts that Marvel has put out yet,” said Jenna Anderson.
“Quantumania is easily a contender for the most Kirby-esque visuals in a superhero adaptation.”
The jurisdiction
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is one of Marvel’s less creative flicks in terms of plot.
Without a doubt, Jonathan Majors’ acting, the action, and the cinematography in the movie will be its key draws.
The layout of the Quantum Realm will appeal to Dune and Star Wars fans.
Following the format of most Marvel movies, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania largely serves as a stepping stone for the subsequent major narrative.
Its lack of character development and constant attempts at humor may turn off many viewers, but the movie is nonetheless worthwhile.
Image source: Entertainment Weekly
