‘Ready Player One’ 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Review: Spielbergian Magic

Although fans can already own Ready Player One digitally, the film will soon be available to own on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on Tuesday, July 24. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, I had an opportunity to have an early look at a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray copy of the film to explore the picture quality, surround sound and special features. Here are my thoughts…

Picture Quality 

Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest visual storytellers of all-time, and the story of Ready Player One requires a master of Spielberg’s caliber to properly bring the eclectic nature of author Ernest Cline’s original vision to the big screen. When it was in theaters, the visuals of the film from both the real world and of course, inside the OASIS were immaculate thanks to Spielberg’s cinematographer Janusz Kaminski’s remarkable eye.

On the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, the visual transfer for Ready Player One is yet another home run for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. In a film that is chock-full of Easter Eggs (especially since the MacGuffin of the story is literally an Easter Egg), even pausing through some of the most visually-dense scenes showcases the stunning imagery and colorful world of the OASIS for fans to check out all the Easter Eggs they can find. All of this is thanks to the impressive high dynamic range (HDR).

The demo-worthy highlights include the race sequences, the Shining sequence and the third act action climax.

The post ‘Ready Player One’ 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Review: Spielbergian Magic appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 7 Recap: ‘Lotus Eaters’

SPOILER ALERT: The following recap explores major plot details for the the seventh episode of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger entitled, “Lotus Eaters”.

Also read: Marvel’s ‘Daredevil’ Star Charlie Cox On A Potential ‘Defenders’ Season 2

The episode begins with a flashback sequence in which we see a young Mina Hess with her father Ivan Hess the morning before he returns to the oil rig when the infamous explosion occurs. While at work, he gets angered over the fact that the conduction sealing tiles never came and therefore, weren’t installed. He alerts someone to notify Nathan Bowen about that fact, to which the emergency lights are triggered. We then see Ivan in present day in his catatonic state.

Back at the church, Tyrone/Cloak and Tandy/Dagger are at the church, where Tyrone still mourns over the death of Duane – blaming himself just like he did over his brother Billy’s death eight years prior. Tandy attempts to reassure Tyrone by telling him that her father Nathan used to say that one must learn from their failures.

Tandy takes Tyrone to see Ivan in an attempt to find out what the yellow door inside Ivan’s vision leads to. Through the yellow door, they appear on the oil rig when one of the workers attempt to attack them both, showing that the rules inside this vision are completely different when they both work together. The two then meet with Ivan inside the vision, whom is unaware of his name.

The duo realize that they are on the oil rig and rush themselves downstairs to the core room to find the killswitch and the valves. On their way there, they are confronted by two workers trying to bring them down. They both realize that the oil rig is about to explode like the incident eight years prior. Through this realization, they are transported back to Ivan via some loop – signifying that this vision has occurred inside Ivan’s mind indefinitely since the incident.

Tyrone and Tandy follow closely with Ivan to attain some more information  as they continue to explore the oil rig during the explosion. Tandy attempts to tell Ivan that she and Tyrone are from the real world and that this vision is a result of him being in a catatonic state for eight years. Ivan laughs her off, much to her dismay.

Also read: ‘Daredevil’ Star Wants To Team Up With Tom Holland’s Spider-Man

Tandy attempts to remind Ivan of his daughter Mina, whom he denies ever having despite expressing a deep desire to have one. Tandy then brings up her father Nathan Bowen, which triggers a memory within Ivan. He remembers his name, and cites that he is always calling. Through this fact, Tandy picks up the phone when it rings and starts to talk to her father.

Nathan expresses concern about hearing Tandy on the rig. Fighting through tears, she tells him that she misses him as the explosion triggers her and Tyrone back to the beginning of the loop with Ivan.

Tyrone fears Tandy is too emotionally compromised from talking to her father on the phone, to which he decides to get to the core room himself to rescue everyone inside the oil rig. We then see the same two workers get compromised in attempts to stop the explosion as they along with several other workers start to surround him right before he teleports elsewhere on the rig. As he attempts to fend off the workers on his own, we see Tandy on the phone talking with her father as she asks him about his day. Tyrone tries to stop the valves and hitting the killswitch – only for the explosion to occur taking them back to the beginning of the loop.

Tyrone tells Tandy that they should leave the vision and return to the real world. Tandy is reluctant because she still wants to talk to her father on the phone. Tyrone removes himself from the vision while Tandy remains inside Ivan’s vision. Frustrated, Tyrone enters back inside the vision as he realizes that Tandy has been stuck inside it for a long period of time – so much so that she even briefly forgets Tyrone’s name.

A concerned Tyrone attempts to snap Tandy out of her own mind. Given her own fears and fragmented memories, Tandy dismisses Tyrone’s claims that they are friends and expresses that she is fine inside the vision. The explosion occurs and they return to the beginning of the loop.

Tyrone asks Tandy about how many loops she has been through, to which she reveals that she had lost count after 200. Tyrone tries to tell Tandy that she has lost touch with reality and that wanting to hear her father’s voice does not justify staying inside Ivan’s vision. An angry Tandy lashes out at Tyrone, claiming that he would want to do the same thing if he were put in her shoes and it was his brother Billy on the phone.

Tandy attempts to use her daggers to attack Tyrone. As Tyrone dodges her daggers, he provokes her emotionally in accusing her of not telling her father the truth on the phone calls about her life in the present day – about how she has no friends and has turned to drugs. Tandy prepares yet another dagger as the explosion occurs and they are sent back to the beginning of the loop.

Tandy demands Tyrone to leave the vision, to which he replies that he would do the same thing if it were Billy on the phone. Tyrone laments that he does not remember Billy’s voice anymore and even agrees to leave Tandy alone in the vision if she asks her father one question. On the call, Tandy tearfully asks her father if someone is riding in the backseat – to which he claims that nobody is. The explosion occurs once again.

Tandy notices that Ivan is eating one of those cookies that his Mina made for him. She uses the cookie to remind him of Mina, claiming that despite all the dramatic situations in life, he has a responsibility in protecting his daughter. Ivan still forgets about Mina, but his memory of her comes back to him when Tandy reminds him of cardamom – the natural antidepressant. Ivan takes a bite out of the cookie and laments that he needs to get back to Mina but is unable to because he is stuck where he is. Tyrone tells Ivan that he can possibly escape from this state if he goes to the core room. The explosion occurs once again.

 

Also read: ‘Luke Cage’ Star Mike Colter Calls Out Josh Brolin As Thanos

Tyrone, Tandy and Ivan rush towards the core room as they each fend off the compromised workers in an attempt to prevent the explosion from occurring. As Ivan tries to take care of the valves, the explosion brings them back to reality as he reemerges from his catatonic state. Ivan does not recognize the two, to which he asks them about where his daughter Mina is. The father and daughter then have an emotional reunion as Tyrone and Tandy leave.

Tyrone returns home while Tandy goes back to the church. Tyrone opens an old shoe box that includes an old tape and hand recorder from his father, to which he calls Tandy. Tyrone expresses to Tandy that she may be the only person that truly understands his situation. Tyrone plays the tape for her, which includes audio of him from years ago along with his brother Billy. The audio involves young Tyrone beatboxing as Billy freestyle raps.

As the tape ends, Tandy jokes with Tyrone about it. Feeling quite touched by their conversation, Tandy asks Tyrone to play the tape again. And in this moment, the two are closer than they ever been thus far – hinting at their blossoming romance that looms ahead.

10 Things To Expect From San Diego Comic-Con 2018

Previous1 of 11Next

It’s finally summer, which means San Diego Comic-Con 2018 is just around the block! The biggest pop-culture event of the year, all of the biggest names in comics, movies and television will come together at the San Diego Convention Center and share their plans with their biggest fans. Hundreds of people will be dressed as their favorite characters as they search through back-issue bins, look at exclusive prints and talk with their fellow nerds.

Marvel Studios won’t be showcasing any upcoming movies in Hall H this year, but there are still a lot of exciting things to look forward to. Dozens of new comics will be teased by the major publishers. Movies will be announced and secret cast members will be revealed.

Hit Next to learn more about 10 exciting things you should expect to see at San Diego Comic-Con 2018!

Previous1 of 11Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

 

The post ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 7 Recap: ‘Lotus Eaters’ appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 6 Recap: ‘Funhouse Mirrors’

SPOILER ALERT: The following recap explores major plot details for the the sixth episode of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger entitled, “Funhouse Mirrors”.

Also read: San Diego Comic Con 2018 Full Wednesday & Thursday Panel Schedules Released

The episode begins with Evita and her Auntie Shantelle together as Auntie Shantelle begins to conduct some sort of card reading about the city of New Orleans while she also has suspicions about Evita’s connections with Tyrone/Cloak and the powers she senses within him.

Tyrone continues to investigate Duane and what goes on in his warehouse and business while Tandy/Cloak finds herself posing as an intern for Mina Hess as she investigates more into the Roxxon Corp. case.

In the hopes to capture Detective Connors from the inside, Tyrone propositions with Duane about taking on a job with him at the warehouse, lamenting about the loss during the finals basketball game. Duane denies Tyrone a job, claiming that he has more opportunities and a future that those working in the warehouse don’t have at the moment. As Duane leaves, Tyrone continues to investigate a certain person – only to be warned at gunpoint by someone.

Detective O’Reilly returns back to the department, to which she is warned about Detective Connors being a “flammable” individual.

Auntie Shantelle conducts her card reading with Evita, to which she expresses that disaster may be afoot. Auntie Shantelle has a feeling that the next big story will revolve around Tyrone in some way.

Tyrone and Tandy find themselves reuniting at the church they met up at weeks before. They both discuss their current investigations and journeys in the hopes to achieve their own justice for their respective losses rooted back to the oil rig explosion.

Tandy explores an abandoned amusement park where she meets up with Mina to start her “internship”. The two survey a river as they both develop a surprisingly warm partnership.

Detective O’Reilly and Detective Connors discuss the current drug investigation. Connors suggests O’Reilly to join him on a drive for the case – but O’Reilly insists on being the driver. The two pull over at the same place where Tyrone was currently investigating. Connors confronts one of Duane’s workers, to which he warns him and Duane about not making things about the business so visible.

Mina takes Tandy to see this valve she’s been working on, to which she gives her some insight about the oil rig explosion. She explains that Roxxon Corp. was drilling for oil that ended up burning 10 times as hot. Unfortunately, the drill never stopped and through that, the explosion occurred. A Roxxon Corp. representative named Stan tells Mina to check on a faulty valve, to which Tandy discovers was misplaced 10 meters away from where it was supposed to be. Mina berates Stan about the misplacement. Angered, Tandy uses one of her daggers to puncture one of Stan’s tires.

Also read: ‘Captain Marvel’ Crew Hoodie Teases The Appearance of Chewie

Tyrone is going about his way when he is confronted by the same gunman once again for his bag. Through sensing his fears, the man flees from Tyrone – scared. Tyrone brings the bag back to Duane – much to his surprise. Tyrone hopes this gesture was a motivating factor as a means to work with him. Duane asks Tyrone to drive with him to see what he really does for his job.

Tandy and Mina vent their frustrations as they both reminisce about their respective fathers. Mina expresses that Nathan Bowen was the Steve Jobs to her father Ivan Hess’ Steve Wozniak. Mina finds a bee on Tandy’s neck and blows it away gently. Through this moment, the bond between the two is truly cemented although Mina finally realizes Tandy’s true identity given her constant questions about Ivan Hess and Nathan Bowen.

Detective Connors gives Duane a phone call about a potential meeting in the evening. Unbeknownst to Duane, he seems to be set up to be caught by both Connors and Detective O’Reilly later that night. Duane takes Tyrone on a drive as he prepares to give him a sense at what his daily hustle is like. When Tyrone asks about justice, Duane dismisses the idea because he believes that justice is only for white people elsewhere and not for them where they live.

They go back to the warehouse as Tyrone confronts Duane about working with Detective Connors and expresses anger that Duane took advantage of the death of Tyrone’s brother Billy to achieve financial stability. Tyrone feels that Billy died in vain because of this fact.

Outside, Detective Connors knocks on the warehouse door with Detective O’Reilly in the car. Duane commands Tyrone to leave because of this and expresses that they will continue this conversation for another time.

Elsewhere, we see Mina meet up with her father Ivan. As it turns out, Ivan is shown in a near-catatonic state. Tandy surprises Mina there, apologizing for not telling the truth early on. Tandy asks Mina if she could communicate with Ivan, to which she touches his hand and is transported to his vision. Inside, Tandy finds a locked safe but before she opens it, she is taken back to reality. She tells him her name and expresses that her late father worked with him in the past.

Back in the warehouse, Detective Connors commands Duane to shoot Detective O’Reilly. Duane refuses but Connors expresses that the Los Angeles Police Department will be kept off his back. As this occurs, Tyrone hides as he calls O’Reilly to warn her about what’s happening. As a result of the worst possible timing, O’Reilly enters the warehouse and shoots Duane.

Tyrone, startled runs off as Detective Connors attempts to shoot him – only for him to transport back into the church where he meets Tandy. Tyrone looks at Tandy in a mournful state as he breaks down to her in tears- feeling all the guilt now that Duane is likely dead.

10 Things To Expect From San Diego Comic-Con 2018

Previous1 of 11Next

It’s finally summer, which means San Diego Comic-Con 2018 is just around the block! The biggest pop-culture event of the year, all of the biggest names in comics, movies and television will come together at the San Diego Convention Center and share their plans with their biggest fans. Hundreds of people will be dressed as their favorite characters as they search through back-issue bins, look at exclusive prints and talk with their fellow nerds.

Marvel Studios won’t be showcasing any upcoming movies in Hall H this year, but there are still a lot of exciting things to look forward to. Dozens of new comics will be teased by the major publishers. Movies will be announced and secret cast members will be revealed.

Hit Next to learn more about 10 exciting things you should expect to see at San Diego Comic-Con 2018!

Previous1 of 11Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

The post ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 6 Recap: ‘Funhouse Mirrors’ appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

Deathstroke #33 Review: Damian Enters Batman’s War With Slade

In the final issue before this arc’s two-part finale, Deathstroke manages to deepen the Terminator’s ever-complicated conflict with Batman. Now that Damian Wayne, Batman’s current Robin and possible son of Deathstroke, has entered the fight, this story finally gains the emotional resonance it needs. However, Slade’s random adventures and minimal interaction with Batman continues.

Also read: ‘Batman: Arkham Origins’ Deathstroke Figure Unveiled By Hot Toys

This issue features Damian teaming up with Deathstroke on a contract. Tim Drake’s message to Damian has convinced the young crime-fighter that Deathstroke really could be his father rather than Batman. So, Damian tags along with Slade all the while annoying the assassin to no end. These two characters are always fun to see interact. While they have shockingly similar personalities, Damian’s immaturity and naivety make for a great foil to Deathstroke. Their exchanges in this issue are hilarious and equally enlightening.

Showing up out of nowhere, Nightshade arrives on the scene to interfere with Deathstroke’s plan. The motivation of this villain and exactly what the two are trying to accomplish are a little unclear. Still, that doesn’t seem to matter too much. This conflict really just serves as an excuse for Deathstroke and Damian to butt heads. In this regard, Nightshade’s inclusion is effective. However, the story could have done without her.

Batman is nowhere to be seen this time around. Still, his presence is felt. Deathstroke’s respect for Batman’s power and reach leads him to be more cautious and calculating than ever. Christopher Priest has done an incredible job of displaying how Deathstroke’s mind works. This change in his demeanor, although slight, is some of the best character work Priest has done on both Batman and Deathstroke so far. Though this war may be more an of a “Cold War” than expected, the story-telling implemented in this arc is absolutely topnotch.

Also read: Batman #50 Review: Momentous Wedding Derailed By Spoilers

This issue sets up the finale in a grand fashion. Batman and Deathstroke will finally confront each other in the next two issues. However, Priest is clever in creating a conflict that could be solved simply through the characters talking. Batman is too stubborn for a such a conversation and Deathstroke is too cautious. It’s unlikely that Deathstroke really is Damian’s father. However, that doesn’t really matter the way you expected in the beginning. Even if Batman isn’t biologically related to Damian, it’s made abundantly clear where their allegiances lie. The remaining question is how Batman and Deathstroke will settle the dispute and by the end of this issue, you’ll be begging for the answer.

Final Score: 8/10

The 10 Strongest Members Of Batman’s Rogues Gallery, Ranked

Previous1 of 11Next

Batman may keep Gotham City safe, but his enemies don’t make things easy for him. Stacked with some of the most terrifying supervillains in comics, Batman’s rogues gallery is chopped full of strong individuals who spread death and destruction wherever they go. From their mental plans to pure physical muscles, all of these villains have terrorized the citizens of Gotham and put the pain on Batman multiple times over the years.

Of course, there’s more than one way to be strong. Some of these villains rely more so on their minds or dastardly plots to attack Batman, while others rely on technology or their muscles to bring the pain. Regardless, the stronger the villains, the stronger Batman has to become to stay one step ahead. Without these deadly foes, Batman wouldn’t be the capable hero fans know and love. Every plot may leave him with a few more scars, but all of these villains have pushed Batman to become a better hero for the citizens of Gotham.

Hit Next to learn more about the ten strongest members of Batman’s rogues gallery!

Previous1 of 11Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

The post Deathstroke #33 Review: Damian Enters Batman’s War With Slade appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

Man of Steel #6 Review: Bendis’ First Superman Story Comes To A Close

Bendis’ first Superman story was an unexpected route for the writer to take. Reading like a collection of fever dreams, the first five issues failed to tell one cohesive story. The central plot featured a new but unspectacular villain and was constantly being derailed by the sub-plots. This mini-series cannot really stand on its own. After six weeks, The Man of Steel feels more like a really long trailer for Bendis’ upcoming Superman and Action Comics stories. However, this final issue not only brings clarity to the events of the previous five but manages to be a more compelling read than everything we’ve gotten from Bendis’ turn at DC so far.

Also read: Henry Cavill’s Superman Dons A Brighter Suit In New Fan Art

The ending of this issue offers fans an overwhelming feeling of relief. During his time at Marvel, Bendis crafted some of the companies best modern Superhero stories. So, taking on the world’s most famous hero should have been a slam dunk. This mini-series was far from a slam dunk. However, this issue finally allows you to understand just what Bendis has been trying to do for the last six weeks. Sadly, Bendis seemingly wasn’t interested in this story satisfying on its own; it was only intended to set up what’s to come. In this regard, The Man of Steel #6 sticks the landing.

This is really not a story to be read week-to-week. It needed to be one collected edition because the cliffhangers at the end of each issue mostly led to disappointment the following week. Each installment ended with a question and implied that the following issue would answer that question. None of those answers are offered until this final issue. Still, to be fair, they are some pretty great answers.

Also read: ‘Justice League’ Image Reveals Superman’s Face Before Reshoots

Superman’s new status quo leaves him and his family in a peculiar but exciting new position for the coming stories Bendis plans to tell. Who’s been starting the fires? Why does Jor- El want Jon? When the hell does any of this take place in The Man of Steel’s continuity? Now that we finally know the answers to these questions, it is clear that Bendis has crafted an effective intro to his Superman run. Filled with levity, amazing character work and expressive art from Jason Fabok, this installment is exactly the finale that this series needed. Hopefully, Bendis will effectively capitalize on the work done here in the months to come.

Final Score: 8/10

The 7 Most Patriotic Heroes To Help Ring In The 4th Of July

Previous1 of 8Next

Ah, the fourth of  July is here at last. Forget the beach and barbecues, kids, if you really want to celebrate this patriotic holiday the right way, head inside and pick up some comic books! Your Uncle Mike might grill-up a mean steak, but Captain America punches Nazis for breakfast. Oh, you want fireworks? Well, go open up literally any comic book and watch the sparks fly as heroes and villains exchange blows.

Comic books are full of diverse characters who stand for all types of different values. Some of them might stand for the values of Communist Russia, like Mark Millar’s Mother Russia, but many of the big two’s most popular characters can be understood as patriotic symbols for the U.S.. Heck, the whole superhero genre as we know it became popular during World War II when we were in dire need of larger-than-life heroes who could inspire us to perform our patriotic duties.

So get out of the pool and hit Next to learn more about seven of the most patriotic superheroes in comics!

Previous1 of 8Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

The post Man of Steel #6 Review: Bendis’ First Superman Story Comes To A Close appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

Batman #50 Review: Momentous Wedding Derailed By Spoilers

If you’re reading this, then that means you are likely a Batman fan and have access to the internet. So, that means you probably already know about what Batman #50 has to offer. Last week, DC spoiled one of the big reveals found in this issue. There was backpedaling. They tried to explain that there is more to this issue than just that plot point. To an extent, that is true. The final page of this issue offers readers one last surprise. However, after months of build-up to this event, this issue would be a disappointment even if you go in completely blind.

Also read: ‘Batman’ Writer Tom King Says Spoiled Wedding Is ‘Not The End’

Finally, after a decades-long romance between Batman and Catwoman, the two are ready to be married. It seemed like a bizarre choice for a while. Tom King’s run on the character has been good, but uneven. After 50 issues, it made sense that King would want to shake up Batman’s status quo. A wedding with Catwoman would lead Bruce Wayne to happiness and then ultimately to question where being Batman fits into his new life. It’s not a groundbreaking concept, but it offers an opportunity for King to dive deeper.

Coming in at around 40 pages, this book spends most of its time showing off different artists’ renderings of Batman and Catwoman’s relationship. The art is beautiful and features some of DC’s best talents. Meanwhile, King throws off some internal monologues from the super couple, meditating on their relationship and talking about each other’s eyes. It certainly starts out as a pretty sweet exploration of how the two feel about each other, but it goes on for way too long. By the end of this section of the issue, their platitudes are bordering on pretentious and you just want them to get on with it.

Again, you probably know by now that Batman and Catwoman do not marry in this issue. All that build-up we’ve been seeing across the entire Batman line of comics for months now was seemingly all for nothing. By the end of this issue, nothing has changed. We do get that extra surprise at the end, which does set up what is coming for series. However, the ending is ultimately unsatisfying. Whenever something like this is announced, the first reaction of a comic fan is always skeptical. We know by now the impermanence of a superhero marriage. These relationships very rarely work out, and it makes sense. Two superheroes marrying will undoubtedly change those characters at their core. They’re no longer what we all know and love. Still, it would have been nice to see this last for a while.

Also read: 10 Actresses Who Could Play Catwoman In The DC Extended Universe

At the center of this storyline has been one question: Will Batman finally get to be happy? He is one of the most tragic characters in literature, and one that his fans are deeply connected to. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that we do want him to be happy. Instead, this issue just assures us that the next 50 issues of King’s Batman will be more of the same.

Final Score: 4/10

10 DC Comics Characters That Need To Be In Matt Reeves’ Batman Movie

Previous1 of 11Next

As one of the DC’s most popular heroes, Batman has starred in quite a few films. After Christopher Nolan wrapped up his Dark Knight trilogy, the character was quickly reintroduced in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and was a key player in Justice League. The Caped Crusader is set to return in his own movie, potentially titled The Batman, with Matt Reeves, the director of Cloverfield and the last two Planet of the Apes movies, behind the camera.

At the moment, nothing is known about the film’s plot or who will appear, but with Batman in the title role odds are other key DC characters will appear. So far, Batman’s corner of the DC Universe hasn’t been explored too much, so there are still a lot of characters who can be introduced on the big screen. Batman’s gonna need some villains to fight, and allies to fight beside, so Matt Reeves needs to search through the back-issues and figure out who he wants to include.

Hit Next to discover which DC Characters should appear in Matt Reeves’ Batman movie!

Previous1 of 11Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

The post Batman #50 Review: Momentous Wedding Derailed By Spoilers appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Review: Marvel’s Tiniest Movie Packs A Big Punch

After the universe changing Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel Studios needed a palette cleanser, and Ant-Man and The Wasp certainly delivers. In many ways a sequel to the first Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War, Marvel’s 20th film has enough laughs and action-packed moments to keep audiences entertained throughout.

Starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in the title roles, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a partner-oriented movie. Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne certainly kicks a lot of butt on her own, but both heroes work better together. So far, Marvel has focused on releasing solo and team oriented films, so the focus on a duo is an interesting change of pace. Not only do Scott Lang and Hope compliment each other on and off the battlefield, but the movie also shows Hank Pym reflecting on his own life and the value of partnerships in an intimate and touching way.

Scott, who’s stuck on house arrest as a result of breaking the Sokovia Accords in Civil War, has been focusing on being a dad and starting a security consulting business with his friends. At the same time, Hank Pym and Hope Van Dyne believe they found a way to rescue Janet, Hope’s mother, from the quantum realm and they need Scott’s help. Seeing Scott balance his fatherly responsibilities and his heroic duties makes for a fun dynamic and it’s clear that the character is willing to do anything for his daughter. The moments where he and Cassie, once again played well by Abby Ryder Fortson, interact clearly show the audience that he is a loving, warm person who puts his family first. Scott’s attempts to be a good dad not only result in some of the funniest scenes in the movie, but they also help establish him as a good person outside his superhero adventures.

Also read: ‘Ant-Man And The Wasp’ Star Talks Cassie Lang’s Possible Superhero Future

Rudd and Lilly may get top-billing, but Ant-Man and the Wasp is a strong ensemble film. Michael Douglas turns in a solid performance in his second stint as Hank Pym, a genius scientist forced to rely on others to get things done. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the character is somewhat of a douche, but the films have completely watered down his abusive, angry tendencies. Outside of the superhero action, Michael Peña delivers another high-energy, hilarious performance as Luis. Randall Park joins the MCU as the silly and incompetent Agent Wu, the individual who is tasked with ensuring Scott complies with his house arrest.

After seeing Killgrave and Thanos spread chaos in the last year, Ghost seems like a bit of a let-down. Hannah John-Kamen turns in a solid performance as Ghost, a young-woman who painfully and uncontrollably changes her quantum state, but the character falls a bit flat. She’s trying her best to deal with the tragic cards she’s been dealt and is still recovering from her time being a forced agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.. She’s not necessarily evil, but she’s not interesting either. The character has a few interesting moments, and she looks cool in a fight, but Ant-Man and the Wasp would have been just as entertaining and thought-provoking had she been removed from the film.

Like the first film, Ant-Man and the Wasp is at its best when it pokes fun of its own premise. Even though Scott is familar with this world, he still serves as a gateway for the audience into some of the deeper science. As Hank and Hope bicker back and forth, Scott coyly asks if they just “put quantum in front of things to sound smart?” The chase sequences inter-mixed with shrink technology are unlike any high-speed pursuits I’ve seen before and the final results are the perfect combination of explosive stunts and physical comedy.

Also read: Kevin Feige Confirms ‘Brand New Heroes’ Will Join The MCU After ‘Avengers 4’

There are moments where this film tries a bit too hard to recapture the charm of the original. Luis tells another funny story, but it feels like an attempt to recreate a comedic beat from the first film instead of a new joke. Don’t get me wrong though, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a funny movie that uses the cast to the best of their comedic abilities. Rudd once again gets a writing credit, which makes sense considering some of the funniest moments are just small, one-off lines that Rudd could have uttered in any movie.

The movie is entertaining, but it is never extraordinary. Outside of the lively music, composed by Christophe Beck, nothing stands out from a film-making perspective. All of the CGI effects are fine, but none of the visual moments stand out compared to some of the other enticing moments Marvel has showed to audiences in recent years.

Also read: Kevin Feige Teases How The Eternals Will Explore MCU Mythology

Ant-Man and the Wasp continues to prove that Marvel knows what they are doing. While the small sequel certainly isn’t the studio’s best film, or even its most exciting this year, it is definitely enjoyable. By focusing on personal relationships and humor, Ant-Man and the Wasp circumvents a lot of the stereotypical sequel problems and turns out to be a satisfying, emotionally-charged film. Make sure to stay for the after-credit scene (the first one is more entertaining and essential than the second) because both Ant-Man and The Wasp have an interesting future in store.

Final Score: 7/10

10 Characters Who Need To Appear In The All-Female Marvel Movie

Previous1 of 11Next

Out of all the rumored Marvel Cinematic Universe projects in the pipeline, an all-female Avengers movie is one of the most exciting. An Avengers squad composed of only female heroes, A-Force is one of the most powerful teams in the Marvel Universe and they are ripe for a big-screen adaptation. Now that the cinematic universe’s roster of female characters has been slowly filling up, it seems like the perfect time to take this team to the big screen. Add to that the fact that both Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Valkyrie herself Tessa Thompson have expressed interest in an A-Force movie and it seems like a safe bet.

With Avengers: Infinity War now in theaters, it makes sense for the Marvel Universe to expand their team lineups. Captain America and Iron Man can only entertain audiences for so long, so the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs to add some heroes to keep fans entertained long term.

Hit Next to discover the 10 characters who need to appear in the all-female Marvel movie! 

Previous1 of 11Next

VIEW IN GALLERY

The post ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Review: Marvel’s Tiniest Movie Packs A Big Punch appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.