a potentially innovative setup that takes the 'safe' approach

Rating: Null/10 (17 July 2015)

Onetime S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Dr. Hank Pym is a brilliant scientist and creator of "shrinking technology" that allows its user to become a formidable weapon, but not without dangerous complications. Fearing his technology will fall into the wrong hands--thus creating worldwide ramifications--Pym finds his solution in the form of Scott Lang, an ex-con looking to go straight. One of the more unique additions to the MCU this throws out some good (if derivative) special effects and nifty action scenes, but it stays strictly within the confines of the origin tale formula making it difficult to shake an inherent feeling of déjà vu. Lacks a compelling villain or well-drawn supporting characters, and fails to take any real chances, but has enough gratuitous cameos and in-jokes to keep dedicated fans interested, and goes a long way on its sense of humor. Rudd does what he's supposed to do, easily inhabiting the skin of a flawed everyman seeking redemption, while Douglas brings considerable presence as his aged, emotionally scarred mentor. **½