Little Big Man: Review of Ant-Man And The Wasp

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed

By Alex Watson

Set right before Infinity War, Ant-Man And The Wasp is a Marvel movie that deals with family affairs than global destruction. While it might not be as strong as the first outing, there is still fun to be had with this tiny crusader. The sheer charm of Paul Rudd easily elevates this picture and we often forget what a good everyman character Scott Lang really is. However, a slightly flat story lets down what could have been an impressive sequel.

Two years after aiding Captain America, Scott Lang is under house arrest. Attempting to live a normal life with his daughter while also running a security business with friend Luis (Michael Pena). After a strange occurrence, Scott finds himself thrust back into lives of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope (Evangeline Lilly) once more. Things are then complicated by the arrival of a vengeful stranger Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) who seems to have a serious vendetta against Pym.

Ant-Man And The Wasp is a picture that has a good carefree feel to it. Director Peyton Reed once again lets this picture feel most at home during any number of creative action set pieces. The real problem comes from the story's motivation and the lack of a main villain doesn't set up any crucial showdown. We first see Scott living his bored slacker lifestyle and just counting the days until he can remove his ankle monitor. His speed drumming and home adventures with his daughter does make this picture have a breezy feel early on. After his trip to the Quantum Realm, Hank has taken a leaf out of his comrade's book and along with Hope they have developed a Quantum Tunnel to attempt reaching his long-lost wife Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). To achieve success, they inevitably need Scott's help. This reunion is a far from happy one as the duo are still upset at Scott for going rogue two days prior.

As a character, Ghost that feels drastically underwritten- as we learn her backstory, her intentions are perfectly understandable. But we never get a true chance to get to know her as spends 90 per cent of her time doing kicks and running through walls. There are also a number of side characters who feel like last-minute additions. We all love Laurence Fishburne but as Bill Foster- Hank Pym's old nemesis he feels completely wasted. Likewise with Walton Goggins- who always make the perfect movie asshole! His southern snake Sonny Burch is a calculating and potentially slippery villain who unfortunately is given precious little to do outside of being a dick. The relationship and banter between Scott, Hank and Hope are really what makes this picture sparkle. Now treated as an outsider, Scott has to win back the trust of his former friends. Hank throughout wins verbal duals by sounding almost like a perturbed father scolding his kid.

Thankfully, the fun element of Ant-Man And The Wasp does not disappoint. An exciting car chase throughout San Fransisco is the high point as cars shrinking, biggen and crash all in good measure. Plus we get a gigantic Hello Kitty Pez dispenser flying through the air- although Thomas is still the clear pop culture winner. Part of the joy of this movie is how they balance the various shrinking gimmicks- such as Hank's building that can be shrunken to the size of a suitcase. This is by far the most enjoyable Marvel character so far because Scott is just a man who wants to make things right. The Wasp by far has the most enjoyable onscreen and finally allowed to let loose by flying, blasting and fisticuffs- she narrowly outranks our hero in terms of ability.

Paul Rudd is again the beating heart of the Ant-Man franchise and few heroes are as identifiable as him. Making full use of this heroes lovable loser persona, Scott is once more on the backfoot in life. You have to feel that in any other hands but Rudd's there would be far less heart shown onscreen. Evangeline Lilly gives the picture its tough feel and as Hope she once more a woman afraid to trust our hero. In the more tender moments, Lilly is also unafraid to show the more vulnerable side to this character which gives it a surprisingly deep feel. Michael Douglas is again champ of the supporting honours and his Hank Pym is a dry-humoured yet constantly quick thinking leader. Hannah John-Kamen was an interesting choice for Ghost but doesn't get near enough material to make an impact.

Compared to the more heavyweight Marvel outings this one might not be in that division. But in terms of light entertainment, this be just the right size.

Eight Misbehaving: Review of The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight

Director: Quentin Tarantino

By Alex Watson

Shot in glorious 70MM Cinerama, Quentin Tarantino's eighth movie is his strongest showing yet. The Hateful Eight is a lengthy task at over three hours, but the ride never once feels long. A blood splattered but hilarious outing, his Wyoming set mystery both charms and shocks at any given time. Confined the action largely to one room, Ennio Morricone's catchy score helps let the tension build gradually. Over eight separate chapters, this story shows the firm divide over Union and Confederacy and how violence is sometimes the ultimate authority.

John 'The Hangman' Ruth (Kurt Russell) is escorting wanted criminal Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be hanged at the town of red rock. Fleeing from a looming blizzard he comes across former war veteran Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson) who is in the midst of the claiming his own bounty. As the storm worsens, the pair is forced to take on board the problematic Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins) who claims to be Red Rock's new sheriff. Taking shelter in Minnie's Haberdashery, the foursome becomes acquainted with four other mysterious souls. Among these include English hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), Mexican Bob (Damien Bachir), quiet cowboy Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) and former Confederate General Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern).

The violence on display in The Hateful Eight is a rare breed of thrilling, all the figures inside the room are each armed. With insults being traded, the N-Bomb dropped frequently and lines being crossed- one outcome is certain. What this picture does remind us of is what a great writer Tarantino can be and his script on display conjures a different surprise each line. Each scene or chapter stands out in its own way and each time we find ourselves second guessing events. The acid-tongued and unrepentant Daisy is the catalyst from the first frame. Destined to hang, she seeks to create us much of a nuisance as she can muster. Meeting each other in the snow, the mistrustful Warren and Ruth bond over a chance meeting years prior. Warren is a veteran with a questionable record but also has in his possession an alleged letter from Abraham Lincoln.

While stuck in the midst of the blizzard, the room becomes heated quickly and with no clear leader figure present, each man looks exert authority. The smallest details become the biggest as time goes on such as where precisely is Minnie and why would she leave Bob in charge? Gaps begin to appear in stories and alliances break as quickly as they form. Some stories told completely paralyze us, Warren's 'Black Dingus' story will linger in the memory for long after. Mannix is responsible for much of the core action. Swooping into the story with the energy and cockiness of an excited child, Mannix thrives on the chaos. In awe of General Smithers, his mutual hatred and secret admiration of Warren leads to an unforgettable climax before the stories intermission.

With some clever twists and back stories, Tarantino keeps the thrill factor constant in The Hateful Eight.  The words carry the most power in this tale and the verbal duals make this picture crackle. The thick animosity and mistrust that lurks between these eight souls are reminiscent of Tarantino's debut Reservoir Dogs. With no escape from the blowing winds and falling snow, each character is still threatening and cold even with bleeding from a gunshot wound.  Every man is for himself or are they gunning for Daisy? Constantly the suspicion is on each man for being in cahoots with the murderess. As the shots fly and the blood sprays (it wouldn't be Tarantino without it), our presumptions are left dumbfounded.

Of the series of fine performances on display, it is Jennifer Jason Leigh who makes the most impression. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she controls each scene with a slippery malice. Odds on for a supporting nomination, Leigh makes the stories tick and is possibly the closest thing this piece as to having the main villain. Samuel L Jackson once again makes for fine casting by Tarantino and his trademark swagger electrifies events. Warren is a man stripped of his honor, but still is a man you wouldn't cross. Walton Goggins for the first time emerges as a major star and those who know his work from The Shield know his ability to antagonize. Coming across initially as a troublesome and hyperactive monkey, Goggins skillfully becomes an unlikely antihero by the film's close. Though his motives are always closely examined.

The Hateful Eight is the most enjoyable Tarantino effort in some time and thrills us like no other. Fine writing, unique wit and an array of capable stars, it will be hard to have a better experience in 2016!