Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) - A Mixed Review

From the outset, it's important to note that my review of 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' comes with a balanced perspective, giving it a 6/10 rating. The movie feels like it's caught between the pursuit of becoming a light classic and a mere cash grab, highlighting the enduring MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) phenomenon. The movie's reliance on heavily CGI-driven scenes can sometimes detract from the overall immersion.

Visuals and CGI

While the visual effects are commendable, particularly for characters like Kang, Ant-Man, and Wasp, the spaceship and world design fail to measure up. Often, they resemble simple, generic designs that lack the realistic and grounded feel one might expect from a film within such a large-scale universe. The use of space art as a costume for sci-fi elements feels somewhat lacking in coherence and practicality.

Plot and Themes

The plot of 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' continues the MCU's recurring theme of villains resembling aspects of a divine entity, which can sometimes feel overused. While characters like Kang might originate from a creative angle, his portrayal feels somewhat stereotypical and less convincing compared to more humanized villains like Captain America vs. Bucky. This overemphasis on divine villains can detract from the narrative's depth and makes the heroes appear more self-righteous.

Characters and Chemistry

Despite the sometimes frustrating character arcs, there are moments of memorable chemistry, such as the fight scenes between Scott Lang (Ant-Man) and Cassie Lang, which are effective and engaging compared to Kang's confrontation. However, these enjoyable moments are often clouded by overused tropes, particularly with Cassie, who, while visually appealing, suffers from a character where the writing is woefully unconvincing. Cassie's portrayal is akin to recent entries like Iron Heart and Captain Marvel, often left unfulfilled and uncharacterized.

Humor and Pacing

The humor in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' oscillates between being genuinely amusing and a bit cheesy. Elements like the telepathic detective and Michael Douglas' brief but impactful cameo add some comic relief, albeit intermittent. However, the film's attempts at humor don't always hit the mark, a common issue with the MCU's approach to comedic elements, which can sometimes veer into predictability and overuse of clichés.

In summary, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' is not without its strengths, but its reliance on predictable and clichéd storytelling, combined with a heavy dependence on CGI and a few questionable character decisions, limits its potential greatness. If you're a die-hard MCU fan, it's worth your time, but for others, it might come down to whether the MCU ecosystem is enough to make it a compelling watch.