Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In a surprising turn of events, Ant-Man and The Wasp:

Quantumania, the latest Marvel movie, manages to surpass its recent predecessors with its complex plot and engaging characters.

Starring Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, Ant-Man, the film wastes no time diving into the action, taking us on an interdimensional journey that leaves us breathless.

We follow Scott as he explores the Quantum Realm alongside daughter Cassie, Hank Pym, Janet Van Dyne and Hope, played by Kathryn Newton, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfieffer, and Evangeline Lilly, respectively.

Throughout the movie, the team finds themselves trapped in the Quantum Realm, a world ruled by the villainous Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors in a role that proves he's the movie's backbone.

It turns out that Janet Van Dyne has a history with Kang, having kept secrets about her time in the Quantum Realm before being rescued.

The film's focus on this interdimensional world is overwhelming, with its omnipresence to the point where it becomes a drinking game of sorts - take a shot every time someone says "Quantum Realm," and you'll soon be catatonic.

Scott's reintroduction is rushed, with the first six minutes being a brief rundown of his life since Avengers: Endgame.

He's been living off of the fame of being an Avenger, signing autographs, and posing for selfies.

In contrast, his girlfriend and partner, Hope, has taken over her father's company and uses the Pym Particle to save the world.

The concept of a rumoured anti-vaxxer playing a science-led saviour feels out of place, but somehow, the movie manages to balance it well.

Quantumania is jam-packed with plot twists, including a Star Wars-style story of resistance and dictatorship.

It is refreshing to see the film get the basics of good vs evil stakes right, thanks in large part to Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Kang.

However, the movie's slow start is irritating, with various elements competing to take us out of the action.

Jeff Loveness' writing is hit or miss, and the Quantum Realm's indistinct, over-the-top visuals are off-putting.

In some sequences, I could see through the filmmaking, which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the film.

Peyton Reed tries to create a vibrant world full of oddball characters but falls short, leaving us with a blurry acid trip of colour.

Once the team splits into two, we see Scott and Cassie meeting the resistance, while Hank, Hope, and Janet learn about Janet's mysterious past.

Unfortunately, we have to endure repeated scenes of Hope and Hank asking Janet what's going on, what she knows and what she's not telling us.

This narrative decision is insufferable, and it feels like we're left waiting for something to happen, which does eventually come.

All in all, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is a movie that's well worth watching.

While it's not the best Marvel movie out there, it's not the worst, either.

The movie's complexity, engaging characters, and strong performances by the cast make it an enjoyable ride.

It will leave you with more questions than answers, but that's part of the fun.Despite the issues with pacing and visuals, the film picks up when Kang enters the picture.

Jonathan Majors steals the show as the villainous conqueror, bringing a sense of gravitas and commanding presence that was lacking in the first half of the movie.

Kang's motives and backstory are intriguing, and he serves as a formidable threat to our heroes.

The film also benefits from the chemistry between its lead actors.

Paul Rudd is as charming as ever in his portrayal of Scott Lang, and Evangeline Lilly brings a sense of strength and determination to her role as Hope.

The father-daughter dynamic between Scott and Cassie is also a highlight, providing some emotional depth to the film.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to balance humor and action.

There are plenty of laughs to be had, particularly in the interactions between the members of Team Ant-Man, but the film never loses sight of its high-stakes plot.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, and the use of the Pym Particle allows for some creative set pieces.

In the end, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is a mixed bag.

It has its flaws, particularly in its first half, but it also has moments of greatness. Jonathan Majors' performance as Kang is a standout, and the chemistry between the lead actors is strong.

The film's balance of humor and action is also a plus.

Fans of the MCU will likely enjoy the film, but it may not win over those who aren't already invested in the franchise.