Family, Redemption, Comedy and Ant Sized Action: Ant-Man Movie Review

Family, Redemption, Comedy and Ant Sized Action: Ant-Man Movie Review

If you’re thinking of heading out to the movies this weekend, take the entire family to check out Marvel’s Ant-Man.  The film is open in theaters everywhere and of all the Marvel movies to date this is probably the move family friendly and funniest one they’ve made.  Last month I traveled to Los Angeles to screen the movie and attend a press junket to interview talent from the film.  I’ve been sharing those interviews with you leading up to the release of the movie.

Fun for the Whole Family

The first Marvel movie my kids watched was Guardians of the Galaxy and even that movie had parts they were a little scared to watch.  After screening Ant-Man I will say it’s very family friendly.  I would take my seven and eight year old to see it.  There aren’t a lot of violent scenes in the movie, just one or two scenes that may be a little scary for some kids.  Overall it’s more comedy and laughs for both adults and kids alike.

Redemption is a Central Theme

Both Scott Lang and Hank Pym are looking for redemption in the movie.  Scott Lang, recently released from prison wants to do anything he can to be able to provide for his daughter.  His desire to do better causes him to end up at the house of Hank Pym looking to score a big payout.  Little does he know Hank has had an eye on him for a while.  He doesn’t end up with money to help his daughter but in the end he’s the hero and not just to his daughter.  Pym on the other had has a strained relationship with his adult daughter Hope.  His love for her is the central problem in their relationship but once he realizes the’s not a little girl and she’s able to take care of herself they improve their relationship.

Family Isn’t Always About Blood Relation

Once Scott Lang and Hank Pym realizes what they must do to stop Darren Cross, they realize they need a team.  Family isn’t just about blood relation in this movie.  It’s about having a team of people you can trust and rely on.  Oddly enough the family in this movie doesn’t just stop at the humans.  Scott, Hank and Hope all have a special connection with the ants in the movie.  Even the audience gets drawn into that connection with these amazing ants in the film.

Educational

You may not expect to leave the movie learning something but I did.  I learned a lot about the four different ants featured in the film.  Each of them special and super in their own way.  It made me want to go do more research on the types of ants and what they are all capable of doing.  I now have a new respect for ants.  They can be very effective, especially in large numbers.

Laughs for Everyone

One of the first trailers I say for Ant-Man featured the scene when he was fighting Yellowjacket on the Thomas the train.  It was so funny to me and the kids laughed so much, they asked about seeing it in the movies that same day.  The funny men in the movie though are Scott’s friends who help him pull off the heist of the year.  They’ll have you laughing throughout the movie.

Paul Rudd is a Hit!

While in LA for this event, I saw a news story about people questioning Paul’s ability to pull off the role of Ant-Man.  Known for his comedy people didn’t see him as a super hero.  I get you’re used to seeing Marvel superheroes like Thor and Iron Man, but after seeing this movie I truly believe that no one could pull of this role but Paul Rudd.  He is Ant-Man.  This character reminds me of the regular joe coming out on top and the hero.  That’s what Ant-Man is about.  It’s about proving to the world that you are the hero, even if they don’t know it.  He’s your everyday person, who’s changing the world and kicking major butt thanks to the suit and help from both Hank and Hope with training.  Anyone who’s ever doubted him in this role will have a change of heart, in my opinion.

Marvel’s Ant-Man is now playing in theaters everywhere.  It’s going to be a rainy weekend in Baltimore so it’s the perfect reason to take the family to the movies and check out the film.  Also be sure to check out my interview with Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, and the Antourage (Michael Pena, T.I., and David Dastmalchian).  Be sure to check it out opening weekend and come back tomorrow to ready my review of the movie.  Remember folks this is a Marvel movie so stay after the credits for not one but two bonus scenes.