Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, now needs no introduction. After a first lap as irresistible as its star, Paul Rudd, in 2015, this superhero capable of shrinking to subatomic sizes returned in 2018 in the much less successful Ant-Man and the Wasp (Ant-Man and the Wasp). What about the third part, showing on Friday? Long story short: after 31 movies (yes, 31), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Ant-Man and the Wasp. Quantumania) demonstrates that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is still capable of venturing into uncharted territory. If we want.
As a reminder, the Ant Man original came to close the second phase of the MCU. Eight years later, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania opens for its part the fifth. In the meantime, many films have appeared, humanity (and the universe, and the metaverse) have been threatened countless times… and the special effects have been refined.
For example, in the prologue of the first Ant Manthe appearance of a Michael Douglas (Hank Pym) having suddenly recovered his physical appearance from Wall Street made a great noise. Since then, the digital “rejuvenation” of actors has become commonplace (although an increased level of realism is promised with Harrison Ford in the 5e IndianaJones this summer).
However, when it comes to special effects, Quantumania fills the view. The result of three and a half years of development, as director Peyton Reed confided to us in an interview, the quantum realm where most of the action takes place could very well serve as a backdrop for an opus of star trek as directed by James Cameron between two sequelsAvatar. Visually, it’s stunning.
More cohesion
The less said about the plot, the better. So let’s just clarify that Scott, Hope (aka the Wasp), Cassie (Scott’s daughter), Hank and Janet (Hope’s parents) must face an “über-villain” in the quantum realm. Quantum realm where Janet remained a prisoner for 30 years, after a mission with Hank took an unexpected turn.
In this respect, and here again, without fanning any surprises or reversals whatsoever, this third film “repairs” one of the biggest flaws of the second by really giving something to do with the character of Janet and the star who embodies her. , Michelle Pfeiffer. From accessory, the role becomes pivotal. Moreover, if the screenplay for the 2018 sequel was written by five people, this time it is the work of a single screenwriter, Jeff Loveness, and the result is more narrative cohesion.
However, not all the characters are treated satisfactorily: Hank and especially Hope are long relegated to the periphery, the second only coming back in force at the end. This inequity is however inevitable: the characters who gain in importance multiply, while the number of possible sub-plots remains limited if we want to avoid scattering (sub-plots and asides, the film does not miss not).
Among the newcomers, the terrifying Kang (Jonathan Majors, of a terrifying surface serenity) is undoubtedly the most memorable addition to the MCU in a while. Featured in the series Lokithis powerful despot must return in 2025 in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Another antagonist, whose identity we will keep quiet, infuses the film with a farcical side that often clashes with the level of ambient humor, which is, let’s say, a little less supported.
Charm and self-mockery
However, we appreciate an unusual concern for conciseness for the MCU, with a duration barely exceeding two hours. And in fact, Quantumania Starts off at full speed and hardly slows down until the end, which is perfect for this kind of blockbuster.
Speaking of perfection, as in the past, Paul Rudd imbues Ant-Man with an inimitable charm and sense of self-mockery.
However, the real star of the film is the Quantum Realm, whose visual influences include The Wizard of Oz (The Wizard of Oz1939), Barbarella (1968), Star Wars (Star Wars1977) and Flash Gordon (1980). Obviously, the originality of the whole is due to the particular mixture of these influences. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania therefore has for him the reassuring side of what is familiar, and the power of attraction of what is unknown.