Review by: David North-Martino

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) is an American superhero film directed by Payton Reed and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Douglas.

Have we reached superhero fatigue? Although not the best of the trilogy, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is still fun enough, well written and directed, and well paced. Even so, audiences and critics didn’t take to this one. In my mind, it was better written and more intelligent than Dungeons and Dragons : Honor Among Thieves (which I didn’t bother reviewing), while still being enjoyable.

Perhaps the Quantum Realm is a little too weird and convoluted for the average movie goer or even critic. I found it well realized and much less convoluted than Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.

Like a true trilogy, as Scream 3 taught us, we go back to the beginning, in this case to Janet Van Dyne’s beginning in the Quantum Realm. And the dark secrets she has kept.

Then we join Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Rudd) trying to live a semi-normal life while dealing with the aftermath of not only the “blip” but his life as an Avenger. That is, until Janet Van Dyne’s secrets catch up with everyone.

Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror is the standout allowing him to show more range than in Creed III. His trouble with the law notwithstanding, if he can clear up his legal issues, he would certainly continue with a promising career, and hopefully return as Kang.

The absense of Michael Pena is sorely felt, but we still have David Dastmalchian, the most underated and underused actor in Hollywood, in a voice role.

They didn’t really want to make an Ant-Man movie opting for an ensemble cast. All the characters are well balanced. The visuals are great and the IMAX scenes immersive. I give this outing a solid 3 stars. If you enjoyed the last two films, it’s worth a watch.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is streaming on Disney+.

Story Doctoring:

I think the Quantum Realm isn’t relatable to most viewers. Besides adding more humor, I wouldn’t change much with this story. For the next outing, I suggest going back to the regular world. Ant-Man is best while trying to balance his life as a superhero and his responsibilities as a dad.

Rating: Three out of Five stars