The streaming service boasted a massive library stacked with Disney classics, as well as content from mega-franchises Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney+ debuted last November and notched over 10 million subscribers within its first day. 'Ant-Man' executes a vast majority of its components really well indeed, just that Marvel has done even better before and since.Avengers: Infinity War and Ant-Man and the Wasp have both seen their Disney+ release dates pushed back. Well-made and a lot of fun, but there is a personal preference to the Marvel films that took bigger risks with more and often richer characters, bigger bolder action and more going on in the story. The seasoned support of Michael Douglas adds hugely too, and Evangeline Lilly gives the film some much needed heart. Paul Rudd is a strong and hugely entertaining lead, while Michael Peña's hilarious in a role that could have been really annoying. While not complex as such, the characters are mostly engaging and are not too one-dimensional, only the villain could have had more done with him. The story is mostly diverting, it's narratively simpler than most Marvel outings and less risks here are taken than most Marvel films but it always makes sense, moments of dullness and jarring are few (while not being completely absent either), it's fun and it doesn't try to do too much or try to insert too many characters while not playing things too safe either. It is especially good with the title character's deadpan quips and Luis' fast-talking patter. While it doesn't work completely seamlessly, 'Ant-Man' is one of Marvel's generally consistently funniest films, and the film doesn't take itself too seriously or too much of a joke either, instead not being afraid to embrace the silliness and humour while ensuring still that the subject matter is treated with respect. There is some very smart and hugely entertaining scripting and dialogue here in 'Ant-Man' too. Admittedly there are a couple of cheesy parts towards the end too, but kind of in an endearing rather than jarring way and it doesn't jar with the rest of the film. While the action is not as much as most Marvel films, it is fun, thrilling, nicely choreographed and tautly shot and edited, especially towards the end. Direction is more than competent, keeping the story going at a solid pace and the telling of it interesting enough, though maybe a little more flavour may have been more welcome. The music avoids being over-bearing, one-note, too quirky or too bombastic, fitting well tone, mood and pace-wise. On the other hand, 'Ant-Man' is a great looking film, it's beautifully shot, very atmospheric, is very slick and the special effects, mostly the rapid size-changing and with the ants, are clever and of the usual high-quality Marvel standards. Corey Stoll also goes through the motions as the rather generic and under-characterised villain. The family scenes are a mixed bag, sometimes they are sweet and touching while at other times they're a little flat and predictable, contributing towards a few rare dull stretches. While the humour mostly works wonders, there are a few instances where it's not so funny and not very well placed, like in emotional scenes that are actually quite poignant and then interrupted by a joke that is not only forced and unfunny but also not belonging in the scene. Seeing it for myself finally a year on, 'Ant-Man' could have been better. Also wasn't sure what to make of the trailer, which made the film out to be rather bland and too reliant on humour. The character is not exactly a household name and is always tossed aside in favour of other superhero characters like Spiderman that have had longer longevity and perhaps have more compelling origins and stories, hence why they are adapted more. 'Ant-Man' manages to be a better film than expected. Having enjoyed a vast majority of Marvel's superhero output (more so than most) without worshipping them, 'Ant-Man' is a minor effort from them but there is still a good amount to like about it.