Ant-Man and the Wasp

After Scott (Paul Rudd) successfully returned from the quantum realm in the last movie, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) told his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) that it may be possible to recover Janet (Michelle Pheiffer).  He dusted off some old plans for a quantum tunnel.  Fast forward to the present, Scott is on house arrest for his involvement in Captain America: Civil War.  He is only a few days from being released from house arrest when he has a bizarre dream of meeting Janet in the quantum realm and playing hide and seek with a very young Hope.  The following morning, he is abducted by Hope and Hank.  They think he is quantumly entangled with Janet and can lead them to her.  However, there are obstacles, including a phasing villain called Ghost, a well-connected dealer of ill-gotten high technology, FBI Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park as a hilariously G-Rated character), and Scott's comically bumbling crew: Luis (scene stealing Michael Pena), Dave, and Kurt.

 

Much like Thor in Ragnarok, Scott becomes more of a comic figure.  He was really quite brilliant and resourceful - see his skills in breaking into Hank's house and stealing the suit - but is now often clueless and needs everything explained.  He suffers a lot of slapstick from a malfunctioning suit that leaves him too big or too small.  He too often comes across as a hapless but charming loser rather than a hero.  By comparison, Wasp is infallible.  Hmm.

 

Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins) was a strange villain as he had no powers at all, just lots of goons to be rapidly dispatched by Ant-Man, Wasp, or Ghost, depending on the needs of the moment.  Burch takes over from Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) who returns as a minor ally rather than adversary.

 

The mass issue is even worse in this movie.  Hank carries around an array of shrunken vehicles that should have their normal weight if all that happens is the space between atoms is decreased.  The ten story building should sink into the earth once compacted to the size of a suitcase.

 

The mid and post-credit scenes play into the 'Snappening' of Avengers: Infinity War and provide a dark ending to a comparatively light and comic movie.

 

Fun movie.  Go see it.