The Multiverse starts with a Kang! That’s right, the next phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has started with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The first film in the supposed “Phase Five” of their storytelling is both big and ambitious, despite the small nature of our hero. Ant-Man has been neutral territory in terms of storytelling in the past. The first film was a heist film disguised as a superhero film, with the same to be said about the second but the scope grew a little larger. With the third film the scope has been blown wide open with a film that is set almost entirely in the Quantum Realm, a mini-universe that exists underneath our own, which offers the film plenty of advantages and some visual disadvantages too.
Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly return as Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, the titular Ant-Man and the Wasp, and they share their new adventure with Hope’s parents, Hank and Janet, who are played again by Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer. These characters have grown a lot since their first introductions, but the film introduces us to two other characters who steal the show. Kathryn Newton plays an older version of Cassie Lang, who has aged up a lot since the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp, and she is discovering herself more within this film and what her role in the wider universe, or in fact the multiverse, could potentially be. The star of the film and the character in charge of replacing Thanos as the next big threat is Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
Kang is intimidating, manipulative and dangerously persuasive when it comes to getting what he wants. Kang has a lot of mystery and a lot of backstory, and thanks to Majors’ performance we are fully invested in this character. Kang has built an empire in the Quantum Realm and has become a tyrannical ruler. Thanks to his presence there is a resistance forming and Scott, Hope, Cassie, Hank and Janet are caught in the middle of it. The story sees a lot of surprises and twists and turns, all of which feel fun, entertaining and what you would expect from a Marvel film. This is the most fun I have had watching a Marvel film in quite some time. Within the film there is humour then there is gravitas, and thanks to Rudd and Majors the tone between the two are carefully balanced.
There is a common problem with recent Marvel films and that problem lies within the visual effects. Due to the sheer amount of work going into these films there are bound to be some drawbacks and some noticeable flaws, and there is a certain character in the film that looks like something from the uncanny valley, which basically means they look too false to look real, hence the phrase. There are other aspects of the film where the CGI does look over-done and in your face, but that also adds to the comic-book charm of the film. The creatures, effects and world-building all blend seamlessly into each other and the result is like a bizarre and bonkers version of a Star Wars film, making Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania feel unique and quirky.
Like I said before, this is an incredibly ambitious film and due to that there is a lot of foreboding in terms of what is coming in the next Avengers film with hints and easter eggs for keen eyed fans. There is also a lot of establishing of the Quantum Realm too, as I am sure this won’t be the last we see of this colourful and vibrant world. There is a lot to take in, visually, emotionally and narratively speaking, but it works and I have enjoyed this film twice now and I never felt bored. There is still room to improve but this is a greatly satisfying conclusion to the Ant-Man trilogy.
★★★★☆
4/5
Final Verdict:
Paul Rudd and Jonathan Majors totally eat up the scenery as their characters of Scott and Kang meet and become enemies. Rudd may bring the comedy but it is thanks to Majors who brings the seriousness to the film and helps keep the film feel grounded too. Kang is a proper threat to Scott and to the Quantum Realm. Majors’ performance is magnetic and powerful, proving himself to be a true powerhouse and a movie star. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a great start in Marvel’s next stage of the Multiverse Saga, and let’s hope that Marvel keeps this momentum going.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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