'Ant-Man and the Wasp' : Film Review

Marvel fans, “Ant-Man and the Wasp” will not bring you any epic battles, but don’t be discouraged. In fact, rejoice! The sequel to the 2015 movie is refreshingly lighthearted and loads of fun.

In this installment, Paul Rudd reprises his role as Scott Lang’s alter-ego Ant-Man, the superhero who’s capable of shrinking in size but increasing in strength. Also returning is Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne; but this time around, she also plays Ant-Man’s new ally, The Wasp.

Both actors were re-united with the original’s director, Peyton Reed.

The sequel finds Scott Lang (Rudd) still trying to prove himself as a fantastic father to his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), while he’s serving two years of monitored house arrest for misdeeds he allegedly committed in “Captain America: Civil War.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglass) and his daughter Hope are trying to develop a technology that could propel them to reach the Quantum Realm, a subatomic universe where Pym’s wife, Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) vanished 30 years ago during a mission to save earth from nuclear destruction.

Is it possible that Janet is still alive? Is it possible that Scott knows the answer to the question? Or is it ultimately possible for Pym and Hope to get to Quantum Realm? Of course, we won’t tell you the answers. After all, this is a no-spoiler review!

However, we can tell you that the villain is a woman called Ghost (compelling Hannah John-Kamen), who has ties to Pym’s ex-colleague Bill Foster (believable Laurence Fishburne). Also, in the mix is Scott’s best pal Luis (scene-stealing Michael Peña).

Guess what? The movie also has high-octane fun, especially during multiple car-chases and action sequences throughout the streets of San Francisco. Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world, certainly makes a big splash.

And did we also tell you that our super heroine shines with serious kung-fu chops and an amazing pair of wings?

All in all, Lilly is excellent while Rudd is endlessly charming with his perfect comic timing. Together, they exude charisma, a massive force to be reckon with. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” is better than the original!

Hint: Make sure to stick around for the post-credits scenes!

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