‘Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania’ Review: A Bumpy Start To Phase 5
Marvel’s Phase 5 kicks off with ant-man and the wasp: quantumania, a colorful, but messy sequel that sets the stage for the future of the mcu.
After two films that felt rather stand-alone compared to the rest of the entries in the MCU, Ant-Man has finally received a story that is grander in emotional and visual scope, a refreshing change of pace. Audiences are reunited with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), who has settled into the life of a relatively well-known celebrity as Ant-Man, spending more time with his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) and girlfriend Hope (Evangeline Lilly). However, his complacent bliss abruptly comes to an end when his daughter sends a signal to the Quantum Realm that results in pulling her entire family into the subatomic world.
It becomes very clear early on that Marvel is trying their best to emulate a Star Wars film with this third installment, the Quantum Realm and its quirky inhabitants resembling locations and characters of the beloved franchise. However, this homage works in the film’s favor, delivering mostly dazzling visuals and wholly unique characters that Scott and the rest of his family encounter on their journey. These new character and landscape introductions are able to accomplish considerable world building, fleshing out the Quantum Realm in ways the previous films only scratched the surface of.
The secret weapon that the film has in its arsenal is its cast. Rudd continues to be an effortlessly charming delight as Lang, once again delivering the laughs and dramatic weight with a deft hand, especially as the stakes begin to exponentially increase. The supporting performances are also strong, especially from Michelle Pfeiffer, who returns as Janet Van Dyne, wife of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Audiences will finally learn about her time in the Quantum Realm, her flashbacks doing an admirable job informing her PTSD in the present day. Pfeiffer brings the goods throughout, reminding audiences of her undeniable star power. However, the scene-stealer of the film is Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror, Phase 5’s overarching villain. Majors continues to be one of the most fascinating, versatile actors working today and he continues to put that on full display. He’s equal parts menacing, unpredictable, charming, and sympathetic, no easy feat for a character who’s main ambition is to burn and conquer every world in existence.
While the film can be a vibrant, breezy, Star Wars inspired blast when it leans into it, this is a sequel that suffers from an identity crisis. The first quarter of the film is sloppy at best, unable to decide whether it wants to be a quirky, self-contained Ant-Man film like the previous two installments or an epic, more serious cosmic adventure. The film doesn’t find its footing until its final act, where it embraces the best of both worlds to deliver a truly show-stopping climax.
One of the more surprising disappointments of the film was the central relationship between Scott and his daughter Cassie. While Newton is a talented actress with charm to spare, their chemistry feels forced here. The emotional connection that was palpable in the previous instalments and in Avengers: Endgame simply isn’t present here. When their relationship is truly put to the test and pushed to its limits as circumstances become increasingly more precarious, the emotional core of the film ultimately feels hollow as a result.
While many of the visuals in the film are incredibly well done and realized, there are numerous instances where the effects look unfinished and frankly cartoonish. Especially in the 3D format, it’s easy to tell these actors are on a soundstage or in front of a blue screen, taking the viewer out of the film. With Marvel’s high output over the past few years, it isn’t difficult to see that these projects haven’t been given the proper time in post-production to fine tune these effects. These talented visual artists clearly needed more time to work on the film, resulting in a sequel that can dazzle one minute and be cringe-inducing the next.
Ultimately, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a very mixed bag. When it leans into being a cosmic, breezy sci-fi adventure it soars, but it takes far too long to find its footing and deliver the start to Phase 5 Marvel fans have been eagerly anticipating. While this may be a bumpy start, Kang is sure to be a villain whose lore and omnipresent shadow will be a strong foundation for this next phase of films and shows.