Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is here! Despite its uneven tone, it mostly works as an enticing superhero adventure. Although, it veers away from the amusing nature of the other Ant-Man films it stands out as a more solid film than most of the Phase 4 installments.
Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne and Hank Pym, and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.
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Quantumania features an all-star cast that includes Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll and newcomers Kathryn Newton, Jonathan Majors and Bill Murray. Each character brings something fresh to the story while also staying true to their roots in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film also features the introduction an outstanding villain in Kang the Conqueror, who is sure to make Thanos-like waves in the MCU over the next 10 years.
The film kicked off the fifth phase of the MCU and it did so to mixed reception (at least from critics). It does seem the fanbase is a little less critical of this installment and we are in the same boat.
While the movie’s title leads you to believe the movie is about Rudd and Lilly’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, it feels as the film progresses it is more about the original duo of Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, which is a great take on the team-up. Plus, Majors’ captivating performance as Kang and Rudd’s watchable charm help elevate Quantumania from its lackluster visuals, turning it into a gloriously weird cinematic experience.
While the third film didn’t blow us away, it definitely feels like the leaders at Marvel Studios are setting us all up for a great phase 5 with Kang The Conqueror ready to make a mess of the universe or should we say multiverse.
Quantumania is currently in theaters while on the horizon lies Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023) and The Marvels (November 10, 2023). We are also expected to get Secret Invasion, Loki Season 2, and possibly Ironheart among other Disney+ shows in the mix over 2023.
