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

Reminders of Him (2026)

Reminders of Him (2026) is directed by Vanessa Caswill and written by Colleen Hoover and Lauren Levine . The film clearly aims for an emotional romantic drama, but it struggles early on trying to manufacture relationship development and sexual tension. Much of the setup feels forced, stretching how people actually behave in relationships and leaning heavily into "fantasy" romance rather than something believable. Maika Monroe , known for It Follows and Longlegs , gives a decent performance with the material she is given. She sells the emotional weight of the character fairly well, but the script often puts her in situations that feel more engineered for melodrama than natural storytelling. Tyriq Withers , recognized from I Know What You Did Last Summer and Him , tries to bring sincerity to the role, but the lack of chemistry between the leads makes the central relationship difficult to buy. He does what he can, though the screenplay never gives the romance enough authe...

How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is directed by Dean DeBlois , who also wrote and directed the original animated trilogy as well as Lilo & Stitch . His return to the property ensures a faithful live-action adaptation that honors the tone and emotional core of the original. Visually, the film captures the bond between humans and dragons, with the exception of some controversial choices in casting presentation. Mason Thames , best known for The Black Phone , gives his best performance yet as Hiccup. He brings a believable vulnerability and growth to the role, matching the spirit of the original character while adding more emotional nuance in live-action. Nico Parker plays Astrid and is strong in the role, though the decision to light and style her to resemble a white Viking, despite her mixed heritage, has sparked justified conversation. Despite that, Parker's acting is solid, and she handles the action and emotional beats well. You might remember her from Dumbo. Gerard Butle...

A Thousand and One (2023)

A Thousand and One is about a woman who kidnaps her own son from the foster care system in New York City. Written and directed by A. V. Rockwell , the direction has come a long way since Feathers in 2018. It really makes me wonder who Rockwell's inspirations and mentors were because certain things need to be taught. As far as writing goes, it feels quite personal and a lot of the dialogue could only come from a New Yorker like Rockwell. While I'm curious what Rockwell does next I worry that if she doesn't branch out she'll put herself in an impossible situation and be known for these types of movies. Look at what James Wan did, he became known for horror then went off and did Aquaman . Teyana Taylor is gorgeous and engaging in this film. You might recognize her from Coming 2 America . She plays the main character and has to carry the film even though the second part becomes more about her son than her, the film still focuses on her. She'll be in the remake of W...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog