“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”: A Review
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is the first film in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marking the third and final film of the trilogy, director Peyton Reed returns to the helm with easily the most ambitious entry of the three, even if it isn’t quite the breath of fresh air the first two films provided.
Taking place after the events of “Avengers Endgame,” Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has returned home to San Francisco to reconnect with his mentor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his family, specifically his now-teenage daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton, “Pokémon Detective Pikachu”). When Cassie accidentally pulls them and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lily) into the Quantum Realm, they must reunite in order to face off against Kang the Conqueror (Johnathan Majors, “Creed III”), who threatens all manner of realities in the multiverse.
This film marks a vital step in the Multiverse Saga, with Kang having a presence that will reach as far as the in-development Phase Six. Both the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars” and “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” will be the culmination of this setup.
Though the film does get busy in places during its 124-minute runtime, it still has plenty to enjoy. The movie is bolstered by both its returning and new cast members, with Kathryn Newton and Johnathan Majors being key standouts among the newcomers. It is also a visually-stunning start to Phase Five, with the Quantum Realm mixing both digital and practical special effects, resulting in a sight to behold. On top of previously having directed episodes of the hit “Star Wars” spinoff series “The Mandalorian,” Reed cited the unmade Jodorowsky version of “Dune” as a key influence on the film’s visual presentation.
With the film having the highest opening of the trilogy, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is an easy recommendation, marking an ambitious start to Phase Five with Marvel’s biggest little movie to date.
Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Evangeline Lily, Kathryn Newton and Johnathan Majors
Directed by Peyton Reed
Rated PG-13
