Ant-Man and the Wasp

My View:  Ant-Man and the Wasp  (2018)  PG-13  Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) is trying to balance his life as a  superhero and being a dad.  Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) are faced with a new threat, and the Ant-Man and the Wasp are sent into action, but this time as a team. I much enjoyed the first film, and I am happy to say that Ant-Man and the Wasp is another fun ride. Ant-Man is an unconventional hero, irreverent and fun-loving, and he isn’t the sharpest guy. Rudd is charming as a man who is trying to do the right thing but doesn’t always make the best decisions. I loved the chemistry between Rudd and Evangeline Lilly as their back and forth banter really makes the film work. I was hoping, before seeing this film, that Michael Pena would be given more to do, and he is and runs with it, giving a funny performance that never fails to make you laugh. The film moves at a quick pace and doesn’t feel its almost 2-hour length. The action sequences are exciting and well-choreographed. There are two bonus scenes in the credits with one of them, I think, is the most startling extra scenes that Marvel has ever done.   My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again

Indiefest:  Sorry to Bother You (2018)  R  Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) finds work at a telemarketer, and, after determining the secret to selling, he becomes successful beyond his wildest dreams. But, at what cost? This is a one-of-a-kind film that starts out being funny, then turns into a weird sci-fi film that you never quite know where it will end up. Stanfield gives a dazzling performance of a man who is just trying to get ahead, but when he becomes successful, he loses his true self. This is a film is groundbreaking, but doesn’t always work, yet, overall, it’s a compelling film that will make you think.  My Rating:  Full Price

In Case You Missed It (A movie just released on DVD/Blu-Ray):  Beirut  (2018)  R  Caught in the crossfires of civil war, the CIA brings in a former U.S. diplomat (Jon Hamm) to negotiate for the life of a friend left behind.  This is the best performance that Jon Hamm has given in a film. He is perfect as the world-weary diplomat who is forced to help a friend get released from kidnappers. It’s refreshing to see a movie that doesn’t explain everything, but you have to pay attention to keep up with the plot. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep the story moving, and the ending is quite surprising. If you like a good spy caper, this film is for you.   My Rating: Full Price 

Forgotten Film: Corrina, Corrina  (1994)  PG  In 1959, a widower (Ray Liotta) hires a housekeeper (Whoopi Goldberg) to help manage the house and take care of his daughter (Tina Majorino), who hasn’t spoken since her mother died. This is a sweet, family film where Corrina, the housekeeper, spins her magic to transform a home filled with gloom into one filled with love. This isn’t a perfect film, but all three principle actors give superb performances, and you get an ending that you wanted from the start.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Ant-Man and the Wasp:  Visual Effects Ant Double

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Mission Impossible: Fallout  (2018)   Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team have a mission go bad, and now Ethan is a wanted man. This series has been hit or miss, but you know Cruise will do some crazy stunts. 

Until Next Time!