Friday, July 17, 2015

Ant-Man



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.

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