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

Exit 8 (2026)

Exit 8 is directed by Genki Kawamura , who is best known as the producer of Your Name. , though his work as a director may be less familiar. The film leans into a minimalist premise, building tension through repetition and unease rather than large set pieces. It succeeds in creating an atmosphere that keeps you alert, with a structure that slowly reveals its rules and stakes. While the story ultimately comes together in a satisfying way, the journey there can feel a bit too restrained to stay consistently engaging. Kazunari Ninomiya , known for Gantz and Letters from Iwo Jima , carries much of the film on his own. His performance fits the tone well, grounded and reactive in a way that matches the film’s quiet tension. He does a solid job making small moments feel important, though the script doesn’t always give him enough variety to fully showcase his range. Still, he keeps the film watchable even when the pacing slows. Overall, Exit 8 is a well-constructed film that nails its ten...

Lee Cronin's The Mummy (2026)

Lee Cronin's The Mummy is directed by surprise-surprise Lee Cronin , best known for Evil Dead Rise , and his style is immediately recognizable. The film plays less like a traditional Mummy story and more like a modern possession horror with a different skin. It often feels like a “what if Evil Dead involved a mummy,” leaning heavily into familiar genre beats rather than carving out something distinct. The tone prioritizes intensity and shock, with a focus on gore over sustained dread, which keeps it engaging in moments but limits its ability to build true horror. Jack Reynor , known for Midsommar and Sing Street , plays the father figure at the center of the chaos. His performance is solid and grounded, fitting well within the expectations of the genre. He brings a level of sincerity that helps anchor the film, even as the story follows a fairly predictable path. His arc plays out in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who has seen possession films like The Exorcist , but ...

Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Karate Kid: Legends follows a new student stepping into the martial arts world with Jackie Chan returning as Mr. Han, trying to pass the torch once more. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, best known for The End of the F **ing World* , the tone is strangely uneven. The movie can't decide if it wants to be a heartfelt coming-of-age story or a legacy sequel cash grab. The choreography is passable, but the film lacks the grit and discipline that made earlier entries resonate. It feels more like a corporate product than a passion project. Jackie Chan, who once balanced comedy and heart in Rush Hour and The Karate Kid (2010) , phones it in. The charm and wisdom he brought to Mr. Han over a decade ago are gone. He looks bored, says his lines like he's checking boxes, and barely engages with the story. It's a disappointing return for one of martial arts cinema's biggest legends. Ben Wang, best known for American Born Chinese , plays the new Karate Kid. He’s got presence, bu...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog