Dr. Hank
Pym (Michael Douglas), a brilliant inventor and scientist, has designed a suit
that allows the individual wearing it to shrink, possess super strength and
control an army of ants. When Pym discovers his former protégé, Darren
Cross (Corey Stoll) plans to use this technology for evil, he recruits thief
Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and trains him. Lang becomes Ant-Man and must use
his skills to stop Cross, also known as Yellowjacket.
Pym and
his daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) have a shaky relationship.
Pym shipped his daughter off to boarding school after her mother died.
She understandably feels abandoned, but she is the one who brings Cross’ plans
to Pym’s attention. Lang has served time for a Robin Hood-type crime, and
he is trying to reconnect with his young daughter. These motivations make
for some good themes (i.e. second chances and taking care of your family).
Ant-Man is
enjoyable. The idea of a thief trying to do right by his daughter is
interesting, as is working with technology that provides special powers.
I like the interaction between the characters and the connection to the
Avengers. Michael Douglas is engaging as Hank Pym. I like Michael
Douglas' work in nearly all his movies, even if I don't like the movie in
general. Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly are good in their roles also.
