Marvel’s Ant-man tells the origins of biochemist Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas/Ant-man) who creates a size altering formula using subatomic particles he calls Pym Particles. He uses these “Pym Particles” for good by helping S.H.E.I.L.D. However, after a tragic accident where Pym loses his wife, Janet a.k.a The Wasp played by Hayley Lovitt, Hank retires from Pym industries and S.H.E.I.L.D and as he does so, he takes his “Pym Particles” with him.

Years later, Pym discovers that his protégé, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), has stumbled upon Pym’s notes and decides to create his own version of the “Pym Particles” ultimately selling them to the highest bidder. Realizing the imminent danger this poses, Pym enlists the help of his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) who reluctantly helps train a new Ant-man, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) in the hopes of stopping Cross, before it is too late.

Sounds like a generic origin story to me but Marvel manages to pull it off again with a great movie and a great ensemble cast. Kudos to director Peyton Reed.

Peyton Reed knew full well that Ant-man looked and sounded silly from the get go but instead of using it as a crutch, he and the rest of the cast embraced the silliness and used it to the film’s advantage.

Marvel’s Ant-man may not be as intense as Winter’s Soldier, but it is very entertaining on its own. The whole cast is great and raises the bar of what could have been a Marvel fail.

Ant-man is actually Marvel’s most down to earth release to date.