On an estimated budget of $162 million, Ant-Man and the Wasp grossed over $622 million worldwide in 2018. Following its critical and commercial success, Peyton Reed agreed to return for a third installment around November 2019. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, and Michelle Pfeiffer announced their return alongside newcomers Jonathan Majors and Kathryn Newton. Jeff Loveness, who previously wrote for The Office and Rick and Morty, was hired to write in early 2020. Initial filming started in February 2021 in the Turkish region of Cappadocia, along with additional filming in San Francisco. Principal photography was done at Pinewood Studios between July and November 2021, followed by an extensive post-production period in 2022. The film was supposed to be released in February 2023, then was pushed to July before returning to February. After premiering at the Regency Village Theater, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hit theaters worldwide on February 17th.
%
Rating
Synopsis
Having helped save humanity, Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) lives with his girlfriend Hope van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly). While visiting her parents Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer), Scott’s daughter Cassie (Kathyrn Newton) has some exciting news. She’s developed a machine that can send a signal down to the Quantum Realm, which makes Janet panic. While they shut it off, the message is received, and the gang is sucked into the Quantum Realm. Scott and Cassie run into a group of rebels while Hope, Hank, and Janet try to find answers. After trying to find help from Janet’s old friend Lord Krylar (Bill Murray), she reveals a horrible secret. She says she met Kang (Jonathan Majors), who she helped, before learning that he’s a megalomaniacal maniac bent on conquest. Now, it’s up to our heroes to help the rebels stop Kang from escaping the Quantum Realm.
Review
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is, by far, one of the most ambitious films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While undoubtedly commendable, maybe this film is a bit too ambitious for its own good. Before going into my issues, the movie has qualities that work, namely some of the performances. Undoubtedly, Jonathan Majors is the highlight as Kang the Conqueror, playing a cold and calculating villain with occasional outbursts. He’s easily one of the best villains in the MCU, alongside Tom Hiddelston’s Loki and Josh Brolin’s Thanos. Also, Michelle Pfeiffer is given more to do and an opportunity to remind us why she’s such an accomplished actress. Paul Rudd is likable as always, Evangeline Lilly works well off him, and newcomer Kathryn Newton is a welcome addition. While Michael Douglas and Bill Murray are decent, they both feel wasted in this. Plus, Corey Stoll’s inclusion feels pointless.
From a visual standpoint, the effects are otherworldly and weird, like a cross between Star Wars and Heavy Metal magazine. The creatures and people of The Quantum Realm have a distinct style, each looking more bizarre than the last. Unfortunately, all this ambition and flair is a disservice to the first two movies, which felt more down to earth. Part of the appeal of the Ant-Man movies was how the titular character was more of a blue-collar hero. Sure, they’re about a man with size-changing abilities who commands an army of ants, but they felt grounded. This film is so out there and wild that it doesn’t even feel like it’s in the same universe. While the movie has some great performances and unique visuals, the whole film is a very underwhelming experience. Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is mid-tier at best, which might be worse than terrible.
