After the massive team-up movie Ant-Man introduced a new hero to the MCU with Paul Rudd starring as Scott Lang, a thief turned hero who uses a special suit that allows him to shrink.
Though many fans were disappointed when Edgar Wright left the project, the final film from Payton Reed was a surprisingly fun and refreshingly smaller scale superhero romp. The film might not be the MCU's biggest hit, but there are plenty of funny jokes and one-liners that stand out.
I Want You To Break Into A Place And Steal Some Sh*t
The film cleverly plays with the idea of different generations of heroes with Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, acting as a mentor to Scott Lang as the new hero. In an effort to keep his formula out of the wrong hands, Hank recruits Scott to help him.
Scott is a family man trying to get his life together after prison. When Hank approaches him to become a hero, Scott ensures him his days of being a thief are over and he'll do whatever Hank needs. Then Hank tells him he needs him to be a thief.
We're The Good Guys Right?
One of the highlights of the film is Michael Peña's hilarious performance as Luis, Scott's best friend. Luis is a criminal as well, but he is also one of the friendliest people in the world and goes on crazy long explanations for things which make for some of the funniest moments in the movie.
When Luis is recruited to help out with the final heist, a thought occurs to him in the middle of it. He turns to Scott and innocently asks, "We're the good guys, right?". Scott confirms that they are and Luis comments that it feels sort of weird.
Baskin-Robbins Always Find Out
After getting out of prison, Scott finds it hard to find his footing. Despite his many qualifications, he is unable to get a solid job and finds himself working at Baskin-Robbins. However, even that job doesn't last long.
Though he attempted to hide his criminal past, his boss soon uncovers it and arrogantly says, "Baskin-Robbins always finds out." This becomes a repeated line which is the perfect example of the strange sense of humor this movie has.
We Still Haven't Worked Out All The Bugs
Phase 2 of the MCU seemed to be when the problem of Marvel's lackluster villains was really highlighted. Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket was another pretty dull bad guy, despite a committed performance from actor Cory Stoll.
However, Cross gets a few moments to shine, especially in the scene he confronts a skeptical colleague. Not willing to hear the man out, Cross uses a shrinking gun on him, and the man is turned into a gross tiny pile of goop. Cross simply wipes him up and flushes him.
What, You Haven't Heard Of Me? No, You Wouldn't Have Heard Of Me
The idea of the superhero who is the size of an ant seems laughable and his name doesn't make it any better. But the MCU has done a great job playing into the ridiculousness of the character and never taking him too seriously.
When Scott finds himself facing off with Falcon, a legitimate superhero, he cockily introduces himself as Ant-Man before itting that no one has ever heard of him. It becomes an ongoing joke in the MCU that adds a nice bit of charm to the character.
It's Really Important To Me That Cap Never Finds Out About This
While preparing for the big heist, Scott has to steal a special piece of equipment from a facility which turns out to be the Avenger's base. Scott runs into Sam Wilson aka Falcon and gets to prove himself in a pretty entertaining superhero fight.
The scene could have easily felt like a forced way to include another MCU character but it is handled in a fun way. After Scott manages to escape, an embarrassed Falcon radios Natasha and tells her not to let Cap find out about this.
Oh, What Language? I Said 'Hat'
The fact that Paul Rudd was able to become a superhero is so much fun and a testament to the MCU's terrific casting job. Rudd brings his usual charm and humor to the role which helps Scott stand out as a totally unique hero in the MCU.
In one particularly funny scene, Scott confronts his ex-wife's cop husband, Paxton, who is always giving Scott a hard time. Scott gets annoyed and calls him an "ass-hat". Paxton tells him to watch his language and Scott says "Oh, what language. I said 'hat'. That feels like a classic Rudd line.
I Know A Guy
As it turns out, Falcon's appearance was more than just a fun cameo. It also helped set up Ant-Man's future in the MCU. The end of the film reveals Falcon is looking for Scott and the post-credit scene shows why.
The scene is taken directly from Captain America: Civil War and finds Cap and Falcon on the run and in need of help. Cap figures that they're on their own but Falcon says that not necessarily the case before adding "I know a guy." Just like that, Ant-Man is brought up to the big leagues.
It's About Damn Time
Evangeline Lilly brings another hero to the MCU with Hope Van Dyne. However, Hope doesn't have a lot to do in the film as Hank refuses to let her don the Ant-Man suit despite the fact that she is clearly the most qualified for the job.
The mid-credit scene at least hints that she will finally get the chance to step up and be a true hero in the future. Hank reveals an old suit her mother used to wear when she was the hero The Wasp. Hope ires the suit and says "It's about damn time."
I Think Our First Move Should Be Calling The Avengers
Following the massive destruction in Age of Ultron, some critics started to complain about the constant world-saving antics of these superheroes. Ant-Man wisely takes a step back to tell a much smaller story without making it feel like the stakes aren't high enough.
After Scott is told what could happen if this technology gets into the wrong hands, he proposes the question that fans ask during every solo MCU – why not call the Avengers. Hank immediately dismisses the idea of getting Tony Stark involved then comments that they're probably busy dropping cities out of the sky.
