One of my favorite films is Shaun of the Dead, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Written and directed by Edgar Wright, that film brought Wright to my attention. Consequently, the prospect of him writing and directing a Marvel movie was intriguing. Ultimately, Wright departed the project (accounts vary as to whether he left or was dismissed), and Peyton Reed (Yes Man, Bring it on) assumed directorial duties. As a result, I approached the summer 2015 cinema viewing with some initial reservations.
Upon his release, burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is collected from prison by his friend and former cellmate, Luis (Michael Peña). En route from the prison, Luis informs him of a potential new heist. Scott initially declines. However, facing unforeseen difficulties adapting to life outside of prison, he concludes that his only path to reconnecting with his daughter involves accepting one final job, a decision that precipitates unexpected consequences.
From the outset, the film’s appeal was evident. Veteran actor Michael Douglas, portraying Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, establishes the film’s tone early on. Subsequently, we are introduced to Scott Lang, portrayed with considerable charm by Paul Rudd. Rudd’s charisma is readily apparent, fostering immediate empathy for the character. The dynamic between Scott Lang and his daughter Cassie (played effectively by Abby Ryder Fortson) elevates the film beyond a typical superhero narrative, imbuing it with elements of an everyday hero’s journey. Evangeline Lilly plays Hank Pym’s daughter, Hope Van Dyne, and it’s refreshing to see her again after her role in Lost. Her character arc throughout the film feels genuine and well-developed.
A compelling antagonist is essential to any superhero story, and here we have Darren Cross, also known as Yellowjacket (named after a species of wasp) when he dons his suit. Corey Stoll portrays Yellowjacket, striving to embody a classic villainous persona, but the performance falls somewhat short of its potential. While not as weak as the antagonist in the sequel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, a more impactful portrayal would have been welcome.
The supporting characters, particularly Michael Peña’s role, present a minor distraction. There’s something slightly off about their presentation. The action sequences are inventive and engaging, and the manipulation of scale contributes to a visually innovative final battle staged within a train set. While the shifting logic of strength and weight, dictated by the needs of each scene, might be noticed, it’s easily overlooked as toy trains collide with police vehicles. Remnants of Edgar Wright’s distinctive style are discernible in Ant-Man, notably in the sequences featuring Michael Peña’s storytelling, but his direct involvement as director would have been preferred.
The Ultra HD edition boasts exceptional image quality, characterized by deep blacks and excellent contrast. The film’s numerous visual effects are enhanced by this high level of detail. The Dolby Atmos audio track, however, exhibited a slightly lower gain than usual on my amplifier, requiring an increase of approximately 8db to achieve the typical listening level. Aside from this minor issue, the sound design is impressive, featuring numerous immersive surround effects and a dynamic range between high-intensity action and near silence. The supplementary material is comprehensive and informative, including several documentaries, deleted scenes, bloopers, and a commentary track. However, this positive impression was tempered by the realization that this content duplicates the bonus material from the original Blu-ray edition released four years prior, suggesting that Disney’s approach to including substantial new bonus features remains unchanged.
In conclusion, Ant-Man was, and remains, a worthwhile addition to any collection, further enhanced by this UHD edition. I recommend taking the opportunity to complete your Ultra HD collection with one of the best Marvel movies!
