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.

Gears of War: Review of Fury

Fury

Director: David Ayer

By Alex Watson

As Plato once wrote "Only the dead have seen the end of war" and this will most likely continue to be the case in the world we live in. War films have forever been a staple of good storytelling in Hollywood and Saving Private Ryan has so far set the bar in terms of WW2 films. This week writer/director David Ayer brings us an account of a tank crew facing insurmountable odds in his film, Fury. But how can this movie compete against an already established field?

Sergeant Don 'Wardaddy' Collier (Brad Pitt) is the tortured yet adored soul of a fiercely loyal tank crew consisting of Boyd (Shia LaBeouf), Grady (Jon Bernthal) and Gordo (Michael Pena). The squad is tired of war but continues to kill Germans nonetheless. Things are complicated by the arrival of rookie gunner Norman (Logan Lerman) who has to learn quickly the lessons of war and its scars, particularly when the crew finds itself stuck in the open with 300 armed Germans strolling into view!

David Ayer's Fury is a credible attempt by this man to get away from the police genre he has been stuck with in the past. His movie makes for a compelling view of the strained final days of WW2 and for the most part, it works very well. We open with a potent shot of a German officer on a white horse emerging from the smog and trekking across a field filled with destroyed US tanks. The ghosts of war are already present and the loss of innocence and sense of impending death that follows gives a haunting spirit hanging over Ayer's film.

When we meet our heroes, they are not portrayed as heroes by any means. This group of beleaguered GI's have the horrors of war painted on their expressions, but still they struggle on. Wardaddy is not made out to not be any kind of likable persona. His cold blooded killing of SS officers and often ruthless approach to war such as "History is Violent!" at points makes him no better than the Nazi's he sets out to kill. But as a leader, he has the firm head while the bullets fly and is determined to fulfill a promise to see his boys get home. From this you can see why his group would follow him through fire.

Aside from some neat and tense moments, such as a stunning shot of a sky swimming with bomber planes- Ayer fails to really break any new ground in this film and the stuff on display we have seen too many times before. This squad are the same type of grizzled veterans that Spielberg introduced previously and sadly they fail to add any real depth to proceedings. The side story of the dehumanizing of new recruit Norman is one that feels a little cliched as he goes from wimpy young cub to gun roaring lion by the films climax.

But what it make lack in originality, Fury makes up for it pure thrills and we are given a finale battle that leaves us hanging in excitement. Stuck at a crossroad with 300 germans rolling into view and nowhere to run, the crew decides to make one brave (albeit suicidal) last stand! Watching the bullet swarm around like fireflies and the night sky lit up with shell blastings, this is one sequence that stands out and surprisingly gives us a poignant yet taut ending that it so badly requires.

As normal Brad Pitt does well as the disturbed combat master Wardaddy, but it doesn't feel like a role that particularly stretches his ability. Cleverly Pitt gives his nature a very rough edge and makes him out to be borderline hero and enemy. Throughout though we are drawn to Pitt and he proves to be troubled face of war.

In the supporting ranks, Shia LaBeouf delivers a performance that is surprisingly excellent as war torn technician Boyd. Demonstrating a range of emotion that many wouldn't have thought likely, LaBeouf demonstrates his potential and hopefully this will prove to be some kind of a turning point for this man! Logan Lerman again impresses post Percy Jackson, but although he tries his best, Norman is not the endearing character that we yearn for him to be.

Fury might not be in the same league as more recent efforts such as The Hurt Locker in terms of thrills or good story lines. But it does provide a very realistic and gut stirring view of the last days of war. Aided by some good performances, this is still an effort that deserves your attention.

Three October Movies To Get Excited About

As we move closer to award season, the films that will be in contention are slowly rearing their heads. TIFF brought us a taste for what is to come, but now we are back to regularly scheduled multiplex showings. Here are my three picks for October!

Nightcrawler 

Dan Gilroy's suspenseful and pulsating Los Angeles set crime thriller has been a smash hit with critics so far. Telling the story of ambitious freelance crime journalist Lou (Jake Gyllenhaal) who becomes gradually more obsessed with the dark underbelly of his occupation which leads to him crosses a dangerous line! Gyllenhaal has been proven to do intense acting well and it appears that this could be one of his career best!

Fury 

War movies have always been a staple of award season nominations and it appears that director David Ayer could have a contender on his hands with Fury. Set against the backdrop of WW2, Sergeant Dan 'War Daddy' Collier (Brad Pitt) commands a fatigued Sherman tank crew who soon find themselves involved in one hell of a battle where the odds are firmly stacked against them! From the clips on display this could prove to be an exciting underdog stories with a firm heart to support it! With a solid cast including Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, Logan Lerman and well... Shia LaBeouf this is one to watch.

Birdman 

Mexican maverick, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu returns next month with his comedy-drama Birdman. The revolves around fading star Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) who is synonymous for playing superhero 'Birdman' and his attempting to get his career back on track by staging a bizzare broadway show- only for his mind to slowly unravel! From the looks of things this could well be a memorable and dark comedy drama from Inarritu and most likely, a revaletory turn from Keaton that cleverly mocks his former turn as 'The Dark Knight' aka Batman!