“Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania” stings the competition.
March 21, 2023
On Feb. 17 “Antman and The Wasp: Quantumania” was released in theaters worldwide. It was much anticipated and became the number one movie in the world on its opening weekend, bringing in $144 million. Though the film received some negative ratings, the movie showed a more serious side of this franchise while still delivering the classic Antman humor that drew viewers in initially.
When I watched this movie I was gripped from the very beginning. There was no beating around the bush when it came to getting into the quantum realm. There were only about 5-10 minutes of the characters (Antman, The Wasp, Hank Pym, Janet Van Dyne, and Cassie) being on Earth before they got sucked into the quantum realm. Then the characters were separated into two teams : the Pyms and the Langs. I really enjoyed this split because it allowed us to see more parental relationships between Hope and her parents and the relationship between the now (very) grown Cassie and Scott. Both relationships struggle against making up for lost time and, to me, it was portrayed in a very beautiful and realistic way.
Now in the quantum realm the heroes face the main villain Kang The Conqueror (Jonathon Majors). Kang wasn’t even referred to by name until about 40 minutes in, and just by descriptions you knew he was not one to be messed with. Now Kang (or Kangs) are the new main villain in the MCU, just like Thanos was, and Majors plays his role(s) stunningly. He first made an appearance in Loki as He Who Remains and now as Kang The Conqueror. If not for them being played by the same actor I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference. As The Conqueror, Majors is more fear-inducing and spine-chilling., and I am very excited to see more of him and his other variants in the upcoming MCU movies.
The plot of the movie is something that really impressed me. Although the Antman movies are now known for their comedy, this film allowed for a more serious side of Antman, and I really enjoyed seeing the interactions between parent and child. But there were still hilarious jokes throughout the movie that showed the Antman comedic flare. This especially came from Scott/Antman (Paul Rudd) and Hank Pym (Micheal Douglas) who landed their comedic lines exceptionally well. I also really enjoyed the fact that the movie did not touch on Scotts and Hopes (a.k.a the Wasp played by Evangeline Lilly); the movie told us they loved each other and were happy together and shifted focus to the different budding relationships throughout the movie.
Antman and the Wasp are my favorite movies throughout the Marvel universe. They are fun, action-packed, and hilarious. This movie was no exception but one thing that really made me love these movies was the Wasp. She is my favorite character throughout the M.C.U. and she is done justice in the movies. Also, Michelle Pffier (Janet Van Dyne) and Michael Douglas (Hank Pym) did a wonderful job playing these two long-lost lovers and showed their love for each other still continuing and growing throughout the film. Even Cathryn Newton (portraying Cassie Lang) did a fantastic job representing a grown Cassie coming into her own. But I can not forget about Paul Rudd, who delivers as usual. His portrayal of the tiny but mighty superhero is always enjoyable and unforgettable.
Something else that really stood out about this movie was the amazing score. It matched what the scenes were giving at all times, whether it was sadness or action, the music matched that tone and amplified it. The C.G.I. was top notch as well, and I expected nothing less from Marvel. But because this film takes place entirely in a different universe(ish) there was heavy green screen being used and it looked incredible.
Finally, the ending of this movie. I believe this movie was an excellent setup to the next big Marvel villain/issue. This movie gave greater insight into the Kang variants and what is expected to happen in the upcoming Phase 4 Marvel movies. When I watched it I was not concerned if it was going to deliver or not, I was concerned if it would meet the expectation that I hold the Antman movies to; and it 100% did. This movie has really excited me for the rest of the Kang Movies and for what Marvel has to give to us in the future.