Ant-Man and the Wasp continues the story of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Now under house arrest for his involvement in the Sokovia Accords, Scott is trying to balance his responsibilities as a father to his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) with his secret identity as Ant-Man. His quiet life takes an unexpected turn when Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) approach him with an urgent mission.
Hank and Hope have been working on a device to bring back Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), the original Wasp, who has been lost in the quantum realm for years. Scott, who has experience with the quantum realm, becomes an essential part of their plan. However, they are opposed by a mysterious villain known as Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who has the ability to phase through solid objects and is seeking to steal their technology for her own gain.
As the team works together to find Janet and stop Ghost, they encounter a series of obstacles, including the FBI, a criminal syndicate, and a constant struggle to keep their identities secret. The film is a mix of action, humor, and heart, with the characters facing personal challenges while also saving the world from disaster.
Ant-Man and the Wasp delivers a fun, fast-paced, and entertaining follow-up to Ant-Man (2015), blending action, humor, and family drama in a way that feels fresh and light-hearted compared to other MCU films. Directed by Peyton Reed, the movie takes a slightly more comedic approach, with Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang continuing to charm as the loveable, albeit flawed, hero. His interactions with Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne create a fun dynamic that balances the action with emotional depth.
The film excels in its character-driven storytelling, particularly in exploring the bond between Scott and his daughter, Cassie. The introduction of Ghost as a villain adds a layer of complexity, with Hannah John-Kamen’s performance giving the character a sympathetic side, though her motivations could have been explored more deeply. The action scenes, especially those involving the shrinking and growing technology, are inventive and visually stunning.
The movie also brings in a healthy dose of humor, particularly through Scott’s antics and his relationship with his fellow heroes, including Michael Peña’s Luis, whose comedic timing steals many of the film’s funniest moments. While it doesn’t carry the same gravity as Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a welcome, enjoyable entry in the MCU. 8/10.