Ant-Man and the Wasp is a fluff-filled stepping stone. There's inconsistent humor, unexplored science, afterthought villains, thin payoff, and rushed resolution. Plus, drama is completely avoided. Pfeiffer's character could've sparked interesting conflicts and themes, but she's reduced to a bland MacGuffin. The villain presented moral dilemmas that are waved away with deus ex machina. Thus, the film is void of emotional weight. This is exacerbated by the muddled perspective, aimlessly bouncing between three feeble protagonists. The acting is alright but the material only allows for one note each. Ultimately, there are no arcs, themes, conflicts, or vulnerable connections to invest in.
Technically, Ant-Man and the Wasp is mild. The quirky tone is washed out by MCU uniformity. Its standard cinematography has less of the distinct low angles/shallow focus/wide lens combination. Its editing has some montages, inserts, intercuts, and action, but its momentum is monotonous. The soundtrack is mostly a nonfactor, its production design is unremarkable MCU, the effects are serviceable (though this de-aging fad is questionable), and the enhanced cast is underutilized. Lastly, its sound remains strong with voiceovers, split cuts, smash cuts, stings, echoes, sci-fi action, size shifts, and silence. Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp simply doesn't do anything to stand out.
Writing: 4/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 5/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.1/10
Comments