Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Movie Review

Can you believe that we are only two months into 2023 and Phase 5 of the MCU has officially begun!

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the latest movie from the Marvel Studios and is the first movie in Phase Five of the MCU. This movie sets us up for what's to come AND sees the return of Kang (and the multiple variants of the baddie).

Plot:

After becoming a well-known celebrity to the public, life seems to be going pretty well for Scott Lang. Alongside his new found fame, he is also now the author of his own autobiography that tells a different version of how he helped save the universe during the events of Avengers: Endgame. Although Scott's priorities as a hero are now secondary, his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) is all about being one. Alongside increasing her scientific interests, she has been working on a device that can contact the Quantum Realm. However, when Scott, Cassie, Hope (Evangeline Lily) and her parents are pulled into the Quantum Realm, they discover new worlds, people and a whole new universe that is taken over by Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors).

Let's start off by saying that I think it is fair to say that the third Ant-Man movie is the most ambitious of the trio!

The Quantum Realm isn't a new concept for the Ant-Man franchise as it is the place where Janet disappeared for three decades BUT it has never been used as a primary setting in the MCU.

Visually, you can't knock this movie. Sometimes we didn't even know where to look, there was that much going on! We would even go as far as saying that it is one of the most visually stunning MCU movies that really embraces the wacky comic book visuals.

We also loved the character designs for those that lived in the Quantum Realm. We especially loved the little blobby character that wanted holes so badly! (When you watch the movie, you will know exactly what we mean).

When it comes to characters, we are introduced to a few new characters and creatures and our understanding of the Quantum Realm has been completely transformed in the process!

Characters:

Less about Ant-Man and more about Kang.

Despite being the third instalment of the Ant-Man movies, the movie really focused on the set up of Kang the Conqueror's story as the next Thanos-level MCU villain. Alongside Kang, Janet van Dyne seems to be the central point of this movie. Combining her history and trauma with Kang and his rise to power.  

Now, we love Paul Rudd. So the lack of Paul Rudd in this movie upsets us. Despite being called "Ant Man and the Wasp" - there wasn't much of Ant-Man in this movie or even the Wasp herself!  Despite their names being featured in the title, Ant-Man and the Wasp often fade into the background, seeming more like supporting characters than leads.

Now let's talk about Jonathan Major... well, he really is the star of the show in this movie and is one of the main reasons to go watch Quantumania. For us, he dominated the screen and was the character we ended up talking about the most once the post-credit scenes had finished. 

We were first introduced to Jonathan Majors character at the end of Loki Season 1, but Quantumania is our first taste of Kang in true conqueror mode as we see him starring as different variant of the character. It's looking like Kang is set to haunt us throughout Phase 5 and 6 of the MCU. We can't wait!

Narrative + post - credit scenes:

Sometimes it's okay not to make sense! Sometimes...

For us, the Ant-Man movies have never been about "saving the world from villains" but more about the comedy with the theme of family driving throughout. Luckily, in the new movie, family still remains a part of the sequel.

Yes, there is a little humour in this movie but truthfully, we expected more. Not so much that it's soul destroying and borderline cheesy, but the humour that we look forward to laughing at in most MCU movies. 

Whilst the first two Ant-Man movies were far from perfect, they relied more on the comedy - and more than just the gimmick of its central hero. In Quantumania you really felt the absence of comedy.

Like every Marvel Studios movie, Ant-Man 3  post-credit scenes have left fans wanting more! Marvel's post-credits scenes are known to connect different projects in the wider MCU. The movie's second post-credits scene features a clip from Loki Season 2, which sees Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) attend a presentation by Victor Timely (Jonathan Majors). Exciting...

Final thoughts:

Overall, the movie was fun. It lacked the humour that we know and love from past Marvel movies BUT it was amusing when appropriate , serious when necessary and for us, didn't feel like the story dragged too much. We're intrigued to see where Marvel is heading during this new phase and we're excited to see what Kang will be getting up to in the future.

It will also be interesting to see if the Quantum Realm makes more appearances throughout the MCU!

We wouldn't go as far as saying that this is the best MCU movie out there BUT it is a fun movie. Yes it's a little weird in parts but it sets us up for the new phase from the MCU.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is out now in cinemas worldwide.