Ant-Man and the Wasp [2018] is the sequel to the well crafted and fun Ant-Man in which Paul Rudd solidified his ability to be a fan favorite. Peyton Reed is back to direct along with the same major cast members and protagonists including the commanding portrayal that Evangeline Lilly gives to the Wasp. This time around the film is focused on a depleted Scott Lang (Rudd) two years after the events of a little civil dispute in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his forced recruitment to help Hope Van Dyne (Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) locate and save the mother of Hope and wife of Hank from the quantum realm…and fight off a villain…and keep Lang out of trouble from the law…oh and pester with a black market dealer.
Paul Rudd: This guy can do nothing wrong with the character of Scott Lang. Paul Rudd continues to dominate this performance in his third appearance as the ex-con turned hero. Rudd is no stranger to comedic elements in films and really taps into some of his best timing for Ant-Man and the Wasp. Rudd’s ability to phase in and out of important conversations in the film in order to land an amazing laugh is nothing short of entertaining. Through Rudd the character of Scott Lang consistently can land in a conversation of “best adapted characters”.
Evangeline Lilly: Rudd is not the only jaw-dropping performance in the film. Evangeline Lilly got the chance to fully embrace the role of her character and the Wasp. Hope Van Dyne single-handedly became the best female representation in comic book films to date with Ant-Man and the Wasp. Lilly easily illustrated the hard work and dedication she has placed into this character from her delivery of dialogue, to her range of emotions, and of
Nonsense: Though this film is full of some masterful performances, it lacks in almost every other area. There is an argument that the clear plot of the film is a rescue mission for the lost Dr. Janet Van Dyne. But when there are three other underwhelming subplots, one in which focuses on what is supposed to be the main antagonist, it becomes very difficult to say what the film is about. There is such little strong focus on one of these four plots that they all miss the mark for a feature film. The rescue mission is underwhelming, the villain is about as flat and pointless as can be made, comedic relief prevents any real threat that Lang may face consequences for his actions, and despite a fun performance by Walton Goggins there really is no purpose for his character. The story is actually so underwhelming that the film can actually become boring at times.
Ant-Man and the Wasp may very well be the worst MCU film in the last few years with a plot that leads to no purpose. The only saving grace are the amazing performances from Rudd and Lilly.
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