Ant Man: Little Bitty Hero, Big-Time Action

1989. Enter Hank Pym: inventor, visionary, pissed-off soon-to-be-ex-member of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This scene, featuring Michael Douglas (reverse-aged thanks to the magic of makeup and CGI) as Pym and Haley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter (aged forward) among others, opens this action-packed film full of big dreams, big schemes, and big hearts.

Fast-forward to modern day, where convicted thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is about to be released from prison. The exploits that landed Lang in lockup may have been born of good intentions, but the repercussions follow him out into the real world, where “Baskin Robbins knows all.” His ex is refusing visitation with his daughter, and his only friends are a ragtag crew of thieves (played by Michael Pena, David Dastalmachian, and T.I.) who constantly try to push Scott back into the criminal life.

Back at Pym’s former company, new owner Darren Cross (Cory Stoll) is plotting to use Pym’s shrinking technology in nefarious ways. Hank finds out, and develops plans of his own to thwart Cross–plans that involve Scott Lang in a very prominent role.

Yet again, Marvel and Disney have hit a home run clear out of the ballpark and into the next town. The interactions between characters are real, the effects are spectacular, and, as always, the wit and humor are perfectly balanced with the grit and nail-biting suspense.