The weakest of the Marvel Franchise but hear me out

Rating: 6/10 (10 August 2015)

I remember a long time ago when they first released "leaked" footage of Ant-Man screen tests or something like that. It was a poor quality video of "Ant-Man" kicking some guys butts. I thought it was a joke. Marvel had finally hit rock bottom. This would finally be the film that broke their incredibly impressive streak. I have always said that certain Superheroes simply do not translate well to live action. However, I suppose if anyone can do it, it would be Marvel/Disney who have single handedly changed the face of Cinema over the last decade with their Superhero Universe they have created. Did they need Ant-Man? No. Should they have done it? Not in my opinion. However, its not a total wash. Ant-Man was indeed okay and I'm impressed that they were able to pull off even "okay." I think this should have been made into a film geared towards a younger crowd. Start a "Marvel Kids" Universe. It would have worked much better because the entire concept of Ant-Man looks ludicrous. Although its also one of the most impressive parts of the film is that it relies so heavily on "perspective" special effects, meaning how the world looks from Ant-Man's view when he is super-small.
One thing Marvel has done to near perfection is casting for its Superhero Universe. The cast for Ant-Man is very good but when the plot and concept is so implausible its hard for even the best actors to bring it to life. Paul Rudd struggles (in my opinion) to find the right vibe for this character. His characteristic humour and sarcasm seems almost forced and I'm not sure he fits the role well. I'm not saying he wouldn't make a great Superhero but I'm not sure this script was right for him. One of my all time favourite actors, the legendary Michael Douglas plays Hank Pym, the creator of the Ant-Man suit. Douglas is very good in the role, adds intensity and emotion to the role and probably gets more depth than any other character. I expected him to have a small supporting role and he is actually a main character which was a pleasant surprise. Evangeline Lilly is also good as Douglas' daughter Hope. The romance between her and Rudd is sort of forced and their chemistry isn't there hardly at all which is unfortunate. Corey Stoll is our villain and he is good but not great. Every good superhero movie can be make or break by the villain and he does okay but he doesn't hit greatness. Michael Peña, David Dastmalchian and T.I. round out the supporting cast as Rudd's buddies and comic relief for the film. They are good but unnecessary and sort of get in the way more than help.
Peyton Reed was a bit of an odd choice for director of this film. I think he's a good director (he did direct the now classic Teen flick Bring It On - no I'm not joking, I love the original Bring It On) and he has far more experience in comedy than action. Ant-Man just feels like it doesn't know where it wants to go. It bridges the Marvel Universe by mentioning Iron Man, Thor, Stark, Avengers and features Falcon in a cameo role. Ant-Man should have been a Marvel One-Shot or as previously mentioned a kids film because it just barely passes as being entertaining and it feels like it has a lot of issues and a stumbling pace. Its okay at best and Marvel is always better than okay. Ant-Man is unnecessary to the Universe and I can guarantee you, there won't be a part two even if he does join The Avengers. This one drags down the overall quality. 6/10