ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA
2023 | Dir. Peyton Reed | 124 Minutes
"You're out of your league, Ant-Man."
Scott Lang and his loved ones are hurled into the Quantum Realm by Kang, a treacherous villain from Janet van Dyne's past. Trapped in the sprawling microscopic world, Kang takes Cassie prisoner, forcing Scott to commit a mind-bending heist to retrieve the key that would release him from his confinement. Meanwhile, the subatomic denizens living under Kang's oppression mount a last-ditch uprising against their merciless ruler.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania flips the series' low-stakes sci-fi comedy heist formula on its head by ramping up the drama and significantly increasing the level of danger faced by its heroes, noticeably dialing back the signature levity of previous Ant-Man romps. Marking the first cinematic appearance of Kang, the film firmly establishes the seemingly limitless potential of the threat posed by the time traveling multiversal despot. While this sequel markedly does not stand on its own as a self-contained story, it’s reasonably successful in continuing story arcs that began in preceding chapters, delivering some great character moments for its previously established cast of heroes. Perhaps to the chagrin of some, it bluntly sets up narrative threads that are clearly intended to be resolved in future adventures, a common trait for this phase of Marvel Studios films. The picture nevertheless offers fun visuals, inventive action, and amusing character moments boosted by engaging performances from new and returning cast members. The running theme of common heroes choosing to fight oppression on any scale, even under the most extraordinary and seemingly impossible circumstances, is simplistic but stays true to the core values of the series.
Most of Quantumania's runtime takes place in the Quantum Realm, a sprawling microscopic world only briefly glimpsed at in past Marvel Studios pictures. Its bizarre landscapes and inhabitants are rendered in visually creative and appealing ways. Off-putting by design, though hilariously comics-accurate, the film's depiction of M.O.D.O.K. perfectly fits the character's inherently zany nature. While the big rebel uprising finale is a bit generic, the centerpiece heist sequence involving rapidly multiplying variants of Scott and Hope caught within a "Probability Storm" stands out as one of the most entertaining moments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date.
Paul Rudd has never been more effortlessly charming as Scott, and Quantumania allows him to lean a bit more into drama as Scott fights to protect Cassie and goes toe-to-toe in an tense all-out brawl with an enemy who claims to have killed Avengers. Believably formidable, Kang as portrayed by Jonathan Majors is a force to be reckoned with, giving a nuanced and powerful performance as the cold and collected conqueror. Delivering an energetic performance with a dash of vulnerability, Kathryn Newton is a perfect fit as the good-hearted rebellious teenage Cassie, sharing incredible chemistry with Rudd particularly as stakes are suddenly elevated. Evangeline Lilly unfortunately does not have much to do in terms of character development for Hope, though she does have her fair share of big hero moments that really suit her. As the other Wasp of the feature, Michelle Pfeiffer's role as Janet is, conversely, greatly expanded, not only delivering important exposition with conviction and gravitas but also taking an active part in a number of action sequences. Appearing to be having the time of his life, Michael Douglas owns some of the funniest lines and reaction shots as Hank Pym, even saving the day with a smirk backed by an army of massive hyper-intelligent ants. Corey Stoll makes a surprise return as Darren Cross, reborn as the sadistic but comically deeply insecure M.O.D.O.K., and he genuinely brings an unexpected depth to the character despite his new categorically ludicrous form. The film also features Katy O'Brian as rebel leader Jentorra, David Dastmalchian as the voice of the hole-obsessed slime monster Veb, William Jackson Harper as wary psychic Quaz, and Bill Murray essentially just being Bill Murray as the corrupt Krylar.
A rollicking caper with mind-boggling stakes, thematically centered on the simple notion of "looking out for the little guy" no matter the scale, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is designed first and foremost to be a prelude for things to come. Though it ultimately comes off as somewhat muddled by objective storytelling standards, the film opts to build upon momentum gathered in previous installments to reach character development crescendos. For die-hard fans of the franchise, it is the most emotionally satisfying Ant-Man picture to date. This extended excursion into the delightfully wacky Quantum Realm is also greatly elevated by the comedic charisma of Paul Rudd and the dramatic prowess of Jonathan Majors.
MID-CREDITS STINGER
A trio of Kang variants host a massive gathering of countless other Kang variants in an enormous otherworldly stadium.
POST-CREDITS STINGER
At the turn of the 20th century, Loki and Mobius witness an on-stage demonstration presented by a Kang variant going by the moniker Victor Timely.
FRAGMENTS
- Always thrilled to see Randall Park return as Jimmy Woo, even more thrilled that his brief scene also features a cameo appearance by Ryan Bergara of Watcher
- Ruben Rabasa is a riot as the coffee shop attendant in the prologue and epilogue
- I adore William Jackson Harper as Chidi on The Good Place, and though his role is somewhat inconsequential in this he's still a lot of fun
SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
