Marvel has marveled us meticulously with malicious villains and delicious heroes over the years and although the characters are usually very versatile, it seems on the surface a little forced to chose a mini me type hero for the latest addition to the Marvel family.
On the surface, it does indeed seem like someone in the movie making 'think tank' had ran out of ideas and then thought: 'O I know let's chose ants as an analogy this time and make up a tiny hero'.
But actually having seen this film, it offers a little more than one might think at first glance.
Yes the characters own the usual 'earthy' humor we learnt to expect from Marvel over the years (if I may use an an-t-alogy here, no pun(s) intended), and yes the plot has the usual obstacles building up for the heroes who are trying to save the world, and yes also to the predictability of the repeated themes of redemption -both internally for the characters and externally in that they need to save the world-.
But, no, this film does not repeat absolutely all of the same patterns, because although it does rely on props and gimmicks and tricks to show us how our tiny hero saves the world, it is inventive in its editing style and camera work.
Close ups and long shots are of course familiar to all movie makers but what makes this movie stand out a little more is the fantastic fast and furious camera action shots and very cleverly engineered edits that take us very smoothly on a ride of adventure from scene to scene.
All transitions are executed immaculately with the background made big or small to suit the versatile size of the hero as he changes back and forth from large to small.
All of this is very smartly done with hazy backdrops or toys and props as well as with apt choices of shots at the right times and the right places to give the illusion of tiny or large sizes and to imply varied perspectives.
All in all, a crafty work of editorial and camera achievement.
The other positive aspect is that of reinforcement which validates the plot and hero.
The hints (and one appearance of, but I won't say whom) to other Marvel characters give continuity and therefor legitimacy to the film.
The movie is also made more believable and allows identification for the audience through the reinforcement of the theme of redemption. This is achieved through creating a parallel between two running personal stories, being resolved simultaneously, as well as side by side with the main external plot of redemption and of saving the world from the big bad.
The marvelous ants are used both as a tool to give the film momentum and team work ethics as well as to convey the idea that anything is possible with the mind; i.e: where there is a will there is a way.
This is a pleasant positive thought to have running through our minds in the course of this entertaining if slightly predictable cinematic experience.
An additional bonus is that Douglas adopts his usual suave laid back yet emotionally invested on screen personality whilst the honesty and 'almost innocence' of Ant Man balances out his intellectual intelligent side.
Marvel's own brand of Chemistry and Science have shrunk the hero this time honey not the kids.
Enjoy detailed tiny camera magic and meticulous edits on the big screen 'cos' this kind of work certainly cannot be replicated on stage!
On the surface, it does indeed seem like someone in the movie making 'think tank' had ran out of ideas and then thought: 'O I know let's chose ants as an analogy this time and make up a tiny hero'.
But actually having seen this film, it offers a little more than one might think at first glance.
Yes the characters own the usual 'earthy' humor we learnt to expect from Marvel over the years (if I may use an an-t-alogy here, no pun(s) intended), and yes the plot has the usual obstacles building up for the heroes who are trying to save the world, and yes also to the predictability of the repeated themes of redemption -both internally for the characters and externally in that they need to save the world-.
But, no, this film does not repeat absolutely all of the same patterns, because although it does rely on props and gimmicks and tricks to show us how our tiny hero saves the world, it is inventive in its editing style and camera work.
Close ups and long shots are of course familiar to all movie makers but what makes this movie stand out a little more is the fantastic fast and furious camera action shots and very cleverly engineered edits that take us very smoothly on a ride of adventure from scene to scene.
All transitions are executed immaculately with the background made big or small to suit the versatile size of the hero as he changes back and forth from large to small.
All of this is very smartly done with hazy backdrops or toys and props as well as with apt choices of shots at the right times and the right places to give the illusion of tiny or large sizes and to imply varied perspectives.
All in all, a crafty work of editorial and camera achievement.
The other positive aspect is that of reinforcement which validates the plot and hero.
The hints (and one appearance of, but I won't say whom) to other Marvel characters give continuity and therefor legitimacy to the film.
The movie is also made more believable and allows identification for the audience through the reinforcement of the theme of redemption. This is achieved through creating a parallel between two running personal stories, being resolved simultaneously, as well as side by side with the main external plot of redemption and of saving the world from the big bad.
The marvelous ants are used both as a tool to give the film momentum and team work ethics as well as to convey the idea that anything is possible with the mind; i.e: where there is a will there is a way.
This is a pleasant positive thought to have running through our minds in the course of this entertaining if slightly predictable cinematic experience.
An additional bonus is that Douglas adopts his usual suave laid back yet emotionally invested on screen personality whilst the honesty and 'almost innocence' of Ant Man balances out his intellectual intelligent side.
Marvel's own brand of Chemistry and Science have shrunk the hero this time honey not the kids.
Enjoy detailed tiny camera magic and meticulous edits on the big screen 'cos' this kind of work certainly cannot be replicated on stage!
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