Disclaimer: I was provided with travel and accommodations by Disney/Marvel to attend the screening of “Ant-Man” in L.A. All thoughts and opinions stated herein are my own unless otherwise noted.
Before you go to the theaters today to see Ant-Man I have to tell you about my screening adventure. My first night in L.A. was not going so great. Our flight arrived late, we had trouble getting our shuttle away from the airport, I was very carsick on the way to the hotel, and we arrived so close to dinner I didn’t even have a chance to change out of my travel clothes. I felt horrible, I looked horrible, I wanted my bed because I was exhausted. My fellow bloggers and I had no idea how we were going to stay awake for the film after our long day of traveling.
After a quick dinner, we walked down to the movie theater and was relieved to make it to our seats. We joked over popcorn about the chances of one of us snoring during the movie. Tired bloggers, late screening – what could go wrong? right?
Maybe it was being so close to the screen, or maybe it was how young Michael Douglas looked, but the introduction to Ant-Man blew me away! I immediately went from sleepy blogger kind-of ready for work, to “Whew hoo! This is a MO-V-IE!”
The intro scene of Ant-Man take us back thirty years to the beginning of the Avengers and tells why Hank Pym left and started Pym Industries. It was a scene that will leave you on the edge of your seat right out the gate! It was at this time that I wrote my first note on the movie:
WOW! Michael Douglas does look young!
I was hooked on the film immediately. No more sleepy me! I spent the rest of the night full of energy and excited about this new movie and the days ahead.
What I find fascinating about Ant-Man is what happens after the movie is over when you begin questioning the world around you. What IF this technology to shrink things/people was more than just a Marvel tale? AND ANTS — how cool are they? (Conspiracy theorist and school teachers both have something great to talk about this year.)
Excellent camera angles!
The micro team on Ant-Man did amazing work. We no longer need to imagine what life would be like if we were an ant because they created it for us on the big screen. The first time Scott (Paul Rudd) wears the Ant-Man suit he encounters all of the worst scenarios you can imagine for an insect. It is during this time that you can see what he sees, and hear what he hears. This first look at being the Ant-Man shows how dangerous everyday anything can be to an ant.
Everyone in the film is fantastic; the casting team went above and beyond when they pulled everyone together. I was already a Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly fan (who doesn’t love Freckles?), but Corey Stoll was such an amazing villain that I may actually be a little scared of him now.
Who will be everyone’s favorite by the end of today?
Luis, played by Michael Peña, is going to make you laugh harder than you ever thought you could. His character is hysterical and Tip “T. I.” Harris and David Dastmalchian make fantastic sidekicks too! The Antourage had several scenes that stole the show but my favorite was when they first met Hank Pym and they see Scott in the suit for the first time.
When the movie ends there are TWO closing credits that will give away information about upcoming films. These secrets had everyone in the theater talking, smiling, and full of excitement. After the lights came on and we were able to scramble for our phones again, everyone was talking and Tweeting about three things:
1) How funny Michael Peña was.
2) The first sneak peek into an upcoming film is cool.
3) The second sneak peek into an upcoming film is awesome!
Ant-Man is THE Marvel movie to watch for EVERYONE! You can relate to the storyline, to the “what if’s” and everything between. If you have never seen a Marvel film, this is a great starter for you. The entire cast will bring you into the Marvel Universe and make you wonder why you weren’t there already.
Victoria’s Movie Notes
I wrote a few notes during the film that I didn’t sneak into my review yet. If you are into reading jumbled thoughts, here you go! Maybe some spoilers…. maybe not… depends on how much you have already seen in the clips.
Hope doesn’t call Hank Pym dad.
“Was Ant-Man Real? or just a tall tale?”
La Cucaracha Horn – Ha!
Scott is the LOUDEST thief EVER! There is no way Pym doesn’t know about this.
Water, tub, dancing, rat, vacuum… oh my gosh!
Why lambs?
Iron Man Suit… cute Technology?.. snicker
Plane crash a lie!! Knew it!
Ohh Ant-ony.
Get to the theater and watch the movie for yourself to understand what my hints mean.
Read the Interviews
During the past two weeks I shared interviews with the cast from Ant-Man. I encourage you to go back and read these interviews (if you haven’t already), for insider information. It is always eye opening to watch a film that you know so much about — I can’t wait to see it again now that I’ve learned so much more.
Visit the Michael Douglas interview HERE.
Visit my interview with Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly HERE.
Visit the Corey Stoll interview HERE.
Michael Peña, Tip “T. I.” Harris, and David Dastmalchian is HERE.
COMING MONDAY TO MOM DOES REVIEWS
Interview with ANT-MAN Director, Peyton Reed &
Producer & President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige
Ant-Man is NOW PLAYING!
Director: Peyton Reed
Producer: Kevin Feige
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine,
Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Edgar Wright, Stan Lee
Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale,
Michael Peña, Judy Greer, Tip “Ti” Harris, David Dastmalchian,
Wood Harris Jordi Mollà and Michael Douglas
