Back In The Saddle, Again

Conditions: Tentative.

Film Review: Ant-Man

Well here it is. The most disposable film of the Marvel Movie Universe. A film so simple and easily consumable it’s difficult to remember anything about it. It’s very heavily comic-book, about a young guy who gets recruited by an old guy to be a superhero wearing a suit that allows him to shrink down and command ants, in order to prevent another guy from building more Ant-Man suits.

There’s not really much more to it than that. The new guy wants to be a hero for his young daughter (plus as he has a prison record, he can’t get any other job), and the old guy is bitter (and is Michael Douglas). Douglas was the original Ant Man, and along with his wife took part in many many exciting missions back in the 60’s, which we see enough of in flashbacks for me to wish we’d actually watched that movie instead of this one. Douglas’ protégé has taken over his old institution and is working on building his own suit, Douglas be damned.

So, with the Avengers again conveniently ignored (due to Douglas hating Stark’s old man) it’s up to Ant man, Douglas and Douglas’s daughter to break into the lab and steal the thing. Which brings us to the final action sequence. I have to say, I don’t like Ant Man. He seems silly, too sarcastic, and rides ants. Also, the science is ridiculous. I guess it’s a well made film, but it’s too derivative and comic-booky for me. One flying leap out of five.



Film Review: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Tom Cruise has such a good thing going here, I bet even he can’t believe his luck. The M.I. films have resolved themselves into a stylish and fast-paced action spy film series, relying on Tom Cruise at his Crusiest. Another stylish, fast paced and fun spy action sequel sees Ethan and the team needing to take on a rogue team of specialists who are trying to unlock some secret government money accounts. Meanwhile the CIA is tasked with taking down the Impossible Mission Force (basically just Tom Cruise) because when it comes to crazy and risky missions to save the world, the CIA should be owning it and no one else.

The gang from the last film is mostly all back. And with a minimum of fuss Ethan is back to his old tricks, running from the authorities while running after the bad guys. He’s matched with Isla, a British spy who has perhaps gone rogue after spending a long time undercover working for the bad guy. She’s deadly competent, wants to help Tom, but can she be trusted?

A terrific series of stunts, action sequences and narrow escapes follow on as we race across Europe and get sucked further into the bad guy’s plot. Eventually we get to the last elaborate action sequence, which catches up the bad guy neatly without actually killing him, a move I rather liked. And the fate of the IMF is secured as well, which is nice. And the other thing I really liked is that Tom’s character is starting to change a little, to become wary of people’s expectations of him. It’s a nice touch. Still, no doubt that the M.I. movie franchise can go back onto Tom’s shelf safe and sound, ready to be pulled out a few years from now to again give us the old razzle dazzle. Four motorcycle chases out of five.



- Peace out