Check out our Parent Review of Ant-Man

Ant-Man serves as a highly entertaining comic book adaptation, with the film focusing on a more heist oriented storyline with a comical edge. Though there are some convenient plot points and weaker moments, the film really distinguishes itself from other comic book films and provides a great lead in Paul Rudd.

Shortly following the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man tells the story of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a clever thief with a heart of gold, who is released out of prison following a robbery.


When Lang is prevented from seeing his young daughter, he’s forced back into a life of crime to provide for her by pulling off an incredible heist. Backed into a corner by the law, Lang is confronted by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), a genius inventor keen on recruiting Lang to handle the ultimate piece of technology.

Director Peyton Reed does a great job at avoiding the formula that plagues many Marvel films, especially with the heist film style that is presented. The clever nature of how the heists are presented make the film extremely unique and is a credit to how the film is written. Additionally, the film actually avoids the formulaic nature of the third act, creating a unique ending that works with the style of the film.

The dialogue is also very well realized, with a very keen focus on character development, especially that of Scott Lang and his relationship with Hank Pym. Though the film’s main villain of Darren Cross suffers from a lack of development, and some of the emotional moments of the film feel a little bit forced, there’s ultimately a strong emotional core that’s established.

Paul Rudd gives a fantastic lead performance that combines his comedy back story with a redemption storyline and makes for a value addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rudd brings a great deal of comedy to the film, and even pulls off some of the dramatic moments of the film. Also, Michael Douglas gives a great performance that supersedes the nature of a mentor character and is fully-fleshed out as a character. Douglas also pulls off great chemistry with the entire cast, especially a great comic banter with Rudd.

In addition to the leads, the film features a strong supporting cast. Evangeline Lily gives a great supporting performance, and while the character is more established for sequels than for this film, she pulls off a great role. There’s also a great comic side character in Michael Pena, who actually compliments the film instead of being unnecessary. However, talented actors like Corey Stoll and Bobby Cannavale are given limited development and aren’t given enough screen time to really standout.

At 117 minutes, Ant-Man is perfectly paced, and while the first act is a little slow and focuses a little too heavily upon exposition, the film rarely drags. The visual effects are also seamless within the film, especially with the unique stylized nature of the film by Peyton Reed. The ties to the larger Marvel universe are clever, but the film isn’t reliant upon them and definitely works as a standalone film.

Ant-Man is an extremely fun film, with great performances, action, and comedy that works as a heist film and a superhero adventure. The collaboration between Peyton Reed and Paul Rudd is a successful one, creating a unique film amongst the growing weariness of the action movie genre. Grade B

Ant-Man- Review for Teens

Ant-Man serves as an ideal summer blockbuster for all ages, with a great combination of heart and spectacle. Teens familiar with the Marvel films will enjoy the winks and nods Ant-Man gives to the other films in the series, as well as how this film fits into the universe and leads into other films, specifically next year’s Captain America: Civil War. However, the story and action will work to even the casual viewer.