BLU-RAY REVIEW: ANT-MAN AND THE
WASP
10/16/2018

OVERVIEW:
Moviegoers are still buzzing about Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and
The Wasp,” the follow-up to 2015’s “Ant-Man” and the 20th
consecutive Marvel Cinematic Universe film to debut at No. 1
opening weekend and ranked in the box office top 10 for six
consecutive weeks this summer. On Oct. 2, fans can instantly
watch the laugh-out-loud super hero adventure Digitally in HD
and 4K Ultra HD™, and on Movies Anywhere; and on Oct. 16, take
it home on Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™.
Exclusive
extras provide an inside look at some of Marvel Comics’ most
celebrated characters and the consummate, comedic actors who
portray them in “Ant-Man and The Wasp.” Featurettes spotlight
Paul Rudd, who returns as good-hearted thief turned hero, Scott
Lang, and delivers big laughs both on set and in theaters;
Evangeline Lilly, who transforms into The Wasp, the first female
character to be featured in the title treatment of a Marvel
Studios film; and iconic actors Michael Douglas and Michelle
Pfeiffer as super couple Hank and Janet Van Dyne. Viewers can
explore more about the visual development artists and effects
used to bring the characters to life and drastically alter the
size of the Super Heroes and their surroundings. Additional
extras include deleted scenes, bloopers, outtakes, and audio
commentary by “Ant-Man” franchise director Peyton Reed.
“Ant-Man and The Wasp” comes packaged in several formats to best
fit today’s varying consumer desires. Viewers can instantly
bring home the film two weeks early on Digital SD/HD/4K Ultra HD
and receive access to two exclusive features — including a
clever commercial promoting a close-up look at the online magic
school that FBI agent Jimmy Woo references to learn his card
tricks and a 10 years of Marvel Studios featurette profiling the
artists of the MCU — or they can purchase a physical copy of the
film as either a Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD,
Blu-ray and Digital Code) or a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray and
Digital Code), granting the flexibility to watch the device of
their choice.
SYNOPSIS:
In “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices, as both the Super Hero Ant-Man and a father, in the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War.” As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission to rescue Janet van Dyne from the Quantum Realm. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp, all while attempting to serve house arrest, assist fast talking-Luis (Michael Peña) and the X-con Security crew, and thwart the efforts of a new adversary called Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and her ally Bill Foster (Laurence Fishburne).
FILM REVIEW:
Scott Lang: Hold on, you gave her wings?
Dr. Hank Pym: And Blasters.
Scott Lang: So I take it you didn't have that tech available for me?
Dr. Hank Pym: No, I did.
Ok Marvel fanatics, the answer to "where the heck is Ant-Man?" during the Infinity War film is answered. I'm not sure you're going to like the answer, but it's an answer. The consequence of such plays a noticeable influence on the plot of this movie. Other than that, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is up to his old ANTics again in this totally entertaining movie. When I say totally, I'm referring to the fact that this film, like the first one, has a bit of everything: it's intellectual, funny, action-packed, with just a hint of romance, and some of the most amazing special effects and visuals you'll ever see. If you want to compare it to the first Ant-Man film, I would have to say it's about as good. The first one might have a slight edge, but of course this is all subject to your own opinion. I can see some of you might think this one is better, others that it's about the same, and others that it's not as good. I think it's neck and neck. Dr. Pym and Hope along with all the science involved with the Ant-Man and now the Wasp, bring a highly intellectual component to the film. Scott and his "other" crew especially Luis (Michael Peña) are in the forefront of the comedy in this film, considering that almost everybody has some form of comedic moment(s). Be on the lookout for another one of those Luis telling a story moments in the film . . . it is comedic magic. In the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Ant-Man and now Ant-Man and the Wasp are arguably the funniest of all Marvel films with the exception and honorable mention of Thor Ragnarok. As for the action-packed, well it goes without saying anything else about it. But of course, I will, because the introduction of the Wasp in all this is quite the treat. She really kicks butt beyond Ant-Man's capabilities and they make a fantastic dynamic duo. My crush on Evangeline Lilly started with Real Steel (I haven't had a chance to see her other work yet) and has grown with these two Marvel flicks. She is holding her own in this superhero world. The love/hate relationship between Scott and Hope is entertaining and will keep you on your toes. You just don't know if they are coming or going. The special effects in this film are truly mesmerizing. In this regard, I do believe this second installment surpasses the first one. Another special aspect to this one is we are treated to a little bit more of Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), Scott's adorable little girl. She is as cute and adorable as ever.
One aspect of this film that I found to potentially leave you wanting is that of the villain. Powerful and difficult to deal with, yes, conflictive, yes, motivated to be a villain, sure, but the cause of her motivation is not very villainous thus weakening her status as one. But then again the overall focus seemed to be more about saving Hank's wife, Hope's mom, from the quantum realm. This is the ultimate goal of this movie. So the villain aspect was almost secondary which is a little weird, but overall, it worked well enough. Priscilla got a kick out of the various shots in San Francisco, and literally jumped out of her seat at the now anticipated Stan Lee cameo. Director Peyton Reed reprises his role and keeps the fun going. If the formula works, don't change a thing. This movie is truly awesome fun and you just might leave the theater wanting to see it again. By all means, don't miss one of the most jaw dropping end credit scenes EVER!
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in widescreen in a 2.39:1 aspect ration preserving its
theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the
picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good,
a 5.1 Master Audio in English that provides a good complement
to the picture. It also includes
English and Spanish subtitles.
VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.39:1) 16x9
AUDIO:
7.1 DTS-HDMA, Brazilian Portuguese, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital
Subtitles -
English SDH, French Canadian, Latin Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
SPECIAL
FEATURES:
Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
Movies Anywhere Digital App simplifies and enhances the
digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing
consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place
when purchased or redeemed through participating digital
retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in
eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating
studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere.
Movies Anywhere is available only in the United States..
Director’s Intro by Peyton Reed
– The talented creator behind some of Marvel Studios’
funniest and most charming films will invite home
audiences deeper into the world of “Ant-Man and The Wasp.”
Making-of Featurettes:
Back in the Ant Suit: Scott Lang
– Hero and all-star dad Scott Lang keeps the laughs coming
for the audience, cast and crew.
A Suit of Her Own: The Wasp –
Highly trained Hope Van Dyne is now the Wasp. See how some
of her craziest stunts and action-packed scenes were
brought to life.
Subatomic Super Heroes: Hank &
Janet – Hank Pym’s wife Janet was lost in the quantum
realm. Trace the legacy of these characters and the iconic
actors who portray them.
Quantum Perspective: The VFX and
Production Design of “Ant-Man and The Wasp” – Explore the
movie’s visual effects and production design from a whole
new viewpoint, in which every micro and macro detail
counts.
Gag Reel and Outtakes –
Audiences are treated to the hilarious quips that did not
make the film as well as exclusive outtakes from Stan Lee
and Tim Heidecker.
Gag Reel - Join in the fun with
these outtakes from the set.
Stan Lee Outtakes - Stan Lee
tries out a series of hilarious one-liners for the scene
in which his car shrinks.
Tim Heidecker Outtakes - Check
out Whale Boat Captain Daniel Goobler and his improvised
whale-watching riffs.
Deleted Scenes (with commentary
by Director Peyton Reed)
Worlds Upon Worlds - As
Janet leads Hank through the surreal landscape of the
quantum realm, they encounter an intelligent life form.
Sonny’s on the Trail - On
the hunt for Hank Pym and his lab, Sonny Burch and his
henchmen check the security camera of a neighborhood
bookstore.