Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — When Marvel churns out a movie for their cinematic universe, it doesn’t matter how unknown the title is, people will have big expectations for it.
Ant-Man, isn’t the biggest name on the Marvel roster, but ever since turning a relatively unknown team in the Guardians of the Galaxy into a pop culture phenomenon, the miniature hero has big shoes to fill.
Just like Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel has elected to go for an off-beat and light-hearted approach which is in stark contrast to the sometimes dark treatment of the Avenger members.
Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas take center stage as they lead a cast complemented by the likes of Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, and Michael Peña.
A movie about Ant-Man would always require a strong leading man to ensure it’s success, and Rudd fits the bill perfectly.
Rudd’s humorous portrayal of Scott Lang mixes in well with the almost Christoph Waltz-like Hank Pym of the venerable Michael Douglas.
While Rudd, Douglas, and Lilly drove majority of the film with their chemistry and heroics, it was Peña who stood out with his role as the comic relief.
Peña’s performance was augmented by writer Edgar Wright’s treatment of certain scenes, utilizing the quick wit and slick editing present in his previous works such as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
What makes Ant-Man stand out in the field of many Marvel movies is the way it does not seem to take itself too seriously.
Even when compared to the latest Marvel flicks, which have all taken a lighter turn in terms of feel, Ant-Man still sticks out.
The plot is simple, and the creative team seem to know that and avoided brooding heavily on it instead electing on building up our tiny hero instead.
The very noticeable product placements in key points of the film do take away from the moment, the choice of music featured could be better, and the antagonist doesn’t feel as menacing as the villains of late. But in the end, all this does not take away from what was an enjoyable Marvel film.
