Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the third film for Ant-Man and the first part of phase five of Marvel's Cinematic Universe.

Directed by Peyton Reed, the same director for the first two films and modern comedy classics like Yes Man and 2000s Bring it On. It's difficult to get performances out of actors when all they can see is a green screen. Because of the volume of visual effects in this movie, it felt many times that the actors didn't know what was going on around them, which was a stark contrast from the first two Ant-man movies.

Written by Jeff Loveness, who is known for being Jimmy Kimmel's writer. Something I don't think most people would think is a good recommendation. The misfiring of the writing is felt when the comic relief doesn't land for half of the jokes. Don't get me wrong there was laughter in the theater but not due to the writing, instead just of how ridiculous MODOK looked.

Paul Rudd really phones it in on this performance. It feels like his character hasn't had any growth in the other two films and doesn't know the basics of how to be a good parent. Something he is constantly reminded of.

People said Johnathan Major's Kang was the best part of the film, and they're right but his performance was overhyped. It was acceptable at best and as far as the comic book side of things no way would the ending make sense.

The CGI is lacking for the year it was released. Everything looks fake and unbelievable but since everything looks so similar it has a flair to it that reminds you, oh you're in this fairy tale place and not reality.

People make weird decisions that don't make sense for a character who is supposed to be super-smart. I don't want to get into spoilers. If you've seen how the ending for other modern agenda-driven stories has in the past you'll see the ending coming a mile away. Just look at the tropes of The Batman, Moon Knight, Hawkeye, and Loki, then see what sort of connective tissue they all have.

I have a feeling Dungeons and Dragons will have the same problem and just be an Okay film. Result: C+

Comments

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) continues the infected saga with a story that is strange enough to stay engaging and familiar enough for longtime fans to settle back in. If you have followed the previous films, there is enough connective tissue here to keep your interest, even when the execution falters. The film leans into cult imagery and bleak world building, which works more often than not, even if the pacing and presentation are uneven. Nia DaCosta , who previously directed Candyman (2021) and The Marvels , shows some recurring issues with camera direction and dialogue-heavy scenes. Several shots are awkwardly staged, and conversations often lack visual energy. That said, the overall Alex Garland's story structure is solid and appropriately weird for this universe, suggesting stronger material than her technical choices allow to shine. Jack O’Connell , known for Unbroken and Sinners , plays the satanist cult leader and walks a fine line between overacting and cont...

Night Patrol (2026)

Night Patrol (2026) has flashes of sharp writing mixed with moments that are downright idiotic. When it works, it works surprisingly well, but the inconsistency hurts the overall experience. The CG is especially rough at times and pulls you out of the film more than once. It feels like a movie that knows what it wants to be but cannot fully execute on that vision. Ryan Prows , a V/H/S alumnus best known for his segment in V/H/S/94 and earlier work in the anthology space, directs the film with confidence. His eye for atmosphere and pacing is solid, especially during the quieter moments. Unfortunately, the weaker script moments and uneven effects undermine his direction, even though the film itself is competently staged. Justin Long , recognizable from Jeepers Creepers and Barbarian , is the most noteworthy actor in the cast even though he plays a supporting role. He clearly understands the tone of the film and leans into Fowler’s rise in a way that feels intentional and self aware....

No Other Choice (2025)

No Other Choice (2025) is directed by Park Chan-wook , the filmmaker behind Oldboy and Snowpiercer . His signature style is all over this film, with moments of completely bizarre dialogue and acting choices that feel intentional rather than accidental. While it doesn’t reach the heights of his most celebrated work, it’s still unmistakably his, strange, uncomfortable, and darkly humorous. I still need to see The Handmaiden , which many consider his best film, and this only reinforced that curiosity. Lee Byung-hun , who many Western audiences may remember from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and KPop Demon Hunters , plays the lead role as a desperate father trying to secure a job. His character’s decision to literally eliminate the competition is where the film fully leans into its absurdity. I barely recognized him at first, which speaks to how fully he disappears into the role. His performance walks a fine line between grounded desperation and unhinged logic. Son Ye-jin , known for Th...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog