Another successful entry in the MCU

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2015)

Ant Man is the latest instalment in the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe, of which there are to be 10 more(!) within the next 4 years, and the last in Phase 2, which formally concluded with Age of Ultron. It stars Paul Rudd as a recently released convict who is trying to rebuild his life, get back to work, rekindle old relationships, all that good stuff. However, he struggles with all of these things, and is tempted back to his wicked ways. In the process, he discovers this suit that can shrink him to minuscule size, and, of course, steals it. This brings him to the attention of a scientist, played by Michael Douglas, who reveals that he originally designed said suit, and offers to send Rudd out on a mission to save the world from Douglas' business rival, and reunite Rudd with his family.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most ambitious film projects in recent memory, and the fact that a fair chunk of its individual entries have been well received is a testimony to the ambition and though that goes into them. However, it is starting to approach two obstacles; the over-saturation of superhero flicks in the multiplex's schedule, and the continually changing tastes of moviegoers.
Thankfully, Ant Man changes gears by going for a more humorous tone, whilst retaining much of the fast, fun action bravado seen in The Avengers. A lot of these jokes did get a chuckle out of me, especially a string of gags in the climax involving a Thomas train set (one of which has been flaunted EVERYWHERE in the advertising. Thanks for keeping the surprise, Disney.)
The visual effects employed to display the suit's microscopic capabilities are brimming with imagination, and suck you into the trials and tribulations of Rudd as he navigates through shoes, toys and, of course, ants. Yeah, it's mostly CGI, and admittedly it does look kind of fake at points, but it works because I don't think it has been used this way successfully before.
The two main characters as described above are far and away the best characters in the movie. Their contrasting personalities, with Rudd as the good natured rebel and Douglas as the brilliant but seasoned scientist, provides a dynamic between them that carries much of the movie in between the smacking and the punching. Both of these characters are fully fleshed out, and we learn about their motivations and desires as the story unravels.
What about the other characters? They're okay. There are these three other borderline ethnic stereotypes that share an apartment with Rudd, and the Latino guy does provide a sizable portion of the feature's guffaws. Evangeline Lily plays this woman who I don't really remember, and then there is also the villain, the business rival I mentioned earlier. He has patented the Yellowjacket, which has similarities to the Ant Man costume, such as the ability to downsize its bearer. If the MCU had an Achilles heel, it would be its portrayal of antagonists. Although Yellowjacket is not the weakest villain to come out of Marvel Studios (I'm looking at you, 9th Doctor blue-elf-thingy from Thor 2!), as he does come across as threatening at the very least, we don't we get why he wants to destroy much of humanity, apart from a petty spat between him and his old boss.
Oh well, that is just one rogue ant in a colony of fully functional ones, and Ant Man is still a huge (or should that be small) thrill ride to sit through, both on its own, and intertwined with the likes of Iron Man and Captain America.