ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA MOVIE REVIEW | Did It Suck? | Let's Talk Episode 74

Summary

In this review of *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, the reviewer discusses the film's world-building, notably the vibrant quantum realm, and the standout performance of Jonathan Majors as Kang. Despite the film's engaging visuals and atmosphere, the reviewer critiques its pacing, underuse of Kang, and the comedic portrayal of Modok. The film, while entertaining, struggles with pacing and relies too much on setting up future MCU events, leaving it feeling like more of a setup than a self-contained story. Overall, it's seen as an okay entry in the MCU, with potential for more in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie introduces Kang the Conqueror as the main antagonist, played by Jonathan Majors, who is portrayed as an incredibly charismatic and intimidating presence.
• 😀 The film is set in the quantum realm, where the world-building and atmosphere are compared to a Star Wars Cantina scene with a variety of imaginative alien life.
• 😀 Jonathan Majors' performance as Kang is one of the standout aspects of the movie, with the reviewer praising his ability to make the character both persuasive and threatening.
• 😀 The movie explores the backstory of Janet Van Dyne, who has been trapped in the quantum realm for 30 years, and her encounter with Kang, which sets up the main conflict.
• 😀 The review highlights the film’s underuse of Kang, criticizing how the character does not receive enough screen time despite being central to Phase 5 of the MCU.
• 😀 The pacing of the film is a major issue, with the reviewer describing it as a borderline slow burn that feels more sluggish on repeated viewings.
• 😀 The movie is criticized for being overly comedic at times, particularly with the character Modoc, whose portrayal is considered a missed opportunity in the eyes of comic book purists.
• 😀 The film’s visuals are stunning, but some scenes suffer from noticeable CGI and green screen work that felt subpar compared to other high-profile films like *Avatar: The Way of Water*.
• 😀 While the movie focuses on Ant-Man, the Wasp (played by Evangeline Lilly) takes a backseat, with Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) having a more prominent role as a secondary protagonist.
• 😀 The movie is mainly focused on setting up Kang and the Avengers' *Kang Dynasty*, which the reviewer feels could have been accomplished better through the *Loki* series.
• 😀 The reviewer concludes that while the film is decent overall, it doesn’t have the same impact or quality as other MCU properties, leaving room for improvement in pacing, character use, and visuals.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* in relation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?

The film primarily focuses on introducing Kang the Conqueror as the main antagonist of Phase 5 and setting the stage for future MCU installments, particularly *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*. The story also dives into the quantum realm and explores its unique world-building.

How does the reviewer describe the atmosphere and world-building in the quantum realm?

The reviewer praises the quantum realm's atmosphere, likening it to a Star Wars Cantina scene, with diverse alien creatures and human-like beings, creating a vibrant and imaginative universe. It feels like a space adventure rather than a micro universe.

What are the strengths of Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Kang in the film?

Jonathan Majors is lauded for his charismatic and intimidating portrayal of Kang. His ability to make the character both persuasive and charming contributes to his powerful presence, making Kang a formidable antagonist. The reviewer appreciates how Majors lures the audience into the character's charm, making him appear less like a villain at first.

What criticism does the reviewer have regarding Kang's role in the film?

The reviewer is disappointed by Kang's limited screen time, particularly in the first two acts of the film. While Kang is the central antagonist, his presence is not fully felt until the latter part of the film, and the reviewer expresses frustration with the lack of action scenes involving the character.

How does the reviewer view the performances of the other main cast members, such as Paul Rudd and Michelle Pfeiffer?

The reviewer finds the performances of Paul Rudd, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Newton to be solid. Pfeiffer, in particular, stands out as Janet Van Dyne, taking on a secondary protagonist role. While Evangeline Lilly's portrayal of Hope Van Dyne (the Wasp) is not criticized, it is noted that she plays a more background role.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the portrayal of MODOK in the film?

The reviewer finds MODOK to be an entertaining character, but they feel that the character's portrayal is a missed opportunity. The reviewer expresses disappointment with both the casting choice and the character's fate, describing MODOK as more of a comedic figure than the serious villain he is in the comics.

How does the reviewer feel about the pacing of the film?

The pacing of the film is a major point of critique. The reviewer describes the movie as feeling fast-paced on the first viewing, but on subsequent watches, it becomes a slog. The slow pacing detracts from the overall experience, especially since MCU films typically hold attention with action and spectacle.

What does the reviewer say about the CGI and visual effects in the film?

While the film features stunning visuals, particularly in the quantum realm, the reviewer points out noticeable CGI and blue screen issues. They mention a specific scene involving Janet, Hank, and Hope meeting quantum realm inhabitants that feels artificial and fails to live up to the high standards set by films like *Avatar: The Way of Water*.

What is the reviewer’s stance on the inclusion of comedy in the MCU, especially in *Quantumania*?

The reviewer defends the use of comedy in the MCU, pointing out that it has been a staple since *Iron Man*. They feel that *Quantumania* does not overdo the humor like *Thor: Love and Thunder* did, and while MODOK's comedic elements are entertaining, they don't mind the comic relief in general. The reviewer criticizes those who complain about comedy in MCU films, arguing it's a longstanding aspect of the franchise.

What is the reviewer’s final overall opinion on *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*?

The reviewer describes the film as 'just okay,' with standout moments like Jonathan Majors' performance as Kang and the immersive world-building of the quantum realm. However, they lament the underutilization of Kang, the slow pacing, and the film's reliance on setting up future MCU stories rather than delivering a fully satisfying standalone experience.