ANT-MAN and THE WASP is a stellar superhero flick

Paul Rudd returns as Scott Lang/ Ant-Man. This time though, he’s got a partner by his side: Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), aka the shrinking, winged superhero known as the Wasp.

Just as Scott is nearing the end of his two years in house arrest (as result of his actions in Captain America: Civil War), Hope shows up with her father, Dr Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), in need of Scott’s help to find Hope’s missing mother, Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer).

The trio’s efforts to find Janet though attracts the attention of some dangerous individuals, including the mysterious Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who possesses the ability to phase through objects.

Much like the first film, Ant-Man and the Wasp is able to take a rather lamesounding superhero and make him entertaining and relatable.

Whether it’s watching Scott’s loving relationship with his daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), or witnessing him struggle to keep up with Hope and Hank’s scientific gibberish, he’s a lead who is a joy to see onscreen.

Hope was also amazing as a secondary lead, with some of the best fight scenes in the film. There was also some vulnerability that comes out in the character’s search for her mother.

The partnership between Scott and Hope was portrayed well, having both good romantic chemistry as well as genuine teamwork between the pair. Neither one saved each other more than the other.

The antagonist, Ghost, was another compelling character, with a backstory that makes you sympathise with the character.

My one complaint would be that the delivery of that backstory was mishandled and felt plot-dumped.

Overall, this was entertaining addition to the MCU with a good deal of focus on personal stakes for the characters. Combine that with awesome action and killer comedy and you’ve got a stellar superhero flick.