[Seulssine] New Villain Kang Appears in 'Ant-Man 3', Dividing Opinions

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]
'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Opens on the 15th
MCU Phase 5 Prelude... Disappointing Plausibility

Following 'Ant-Man' (2015) and 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' (2018), the third installment, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,' has opened the door to MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) Phase 5.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (hereafter 'Ant-Man 3') was unveiled at a press screening held on the afternoon of the 14th at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The film is a blockbuster in which the Ant-Man family, trapped in the mysterious Quantum Realm, faces Kang, the most powerful villain in MCU history and the conqueror who rules the infinite universe, confronting the worst threat that transcends time and space.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' stills
[Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), the superhero partner, and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), along with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), become trapped in the unknown world of the Quantum Realm. There, they encounter new beings and Kang (Jonathan Majors), the conqueror who rules the infinite universe, embarking on an adventure that surpasses all limits.

Continuing from the previous films, actor Paul Rudd reprises his role as Ant-Man/Scott Lang, and Evangeline Lilly returns as Wasp/Hope van Dyne. Director Peyton Reed, who helmed the first two installments, takes the helm once again. The unique lightheartedness and humor of 'Ant-Man' are well preserved in this series. Paul Rudd’s witty performance draws the audience in from the very beginning.

There is a saying that a villain must thrive for the story to live. This is even more true in the MCU. The overwhelmingly destructive villain Thanos is considered a charismatic character. He was loved throughout the series with a presence comparable to that of the Avengers.

The biggest difference in Phase 4 is the introduction of a new villain, Kang. Marvel chief Kevin Feige boasts that Kang is stronger than Thanos, and he is expected to be the strongest villain in the MCU. However, in the unveiled 'Ant-Man 3,' Kang is not as captivating as expected. Known as the 'Conqueror,' Kang can freely control time. Although his abilities are outstanding, the lack of plausibility makes his powers feel somewhat childish. The action scenes are also not fluid enough to capture the eye.

Since Kang is set to play a central villain role in Phase 5, there was anticipation about whether he would successfully represent a new generation. Perhaps due to high expectations, the revealed Kang does not come across as cool enough to want to see more in the next series. Although he is a character existing in all MCU timelines and is introduced as the strongest among many variants, he does not leave a particularly memorable impression that makes viewers eager for more.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' stills
[Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

The Quantum Realm, introduced in 'Ant-Man,' is explored more fully in the third series. A massive city existing within the Quantum Realm was created, along with numerous creature characters living there. The visual enjoyment provided by the space is significant. The vividly colored creatures that appear one by one emit a strong presence, offering sights as if one has crash-landed on a remote alien planet.

In 'Ant-Man 3,' Ant-Man (played by Paul Rudd) shows a diminished unique personality and charm. While the reduced screen time is inevitable due to the introduction of Kang to open Phase 5, the adoption of paternal love as a justification?Scott Lang’s care for his daughter Cassie (played by Kathryn Newton)?feels somewhat outdated. Especially for Korean audiences, who have been exposed to K-movies and K-dramas filled with masters of paternal and maternal love, this setting might be perceived as noise. The film opens on February 15. Running time is 124 minutes. Rated for viewers aged 12 and above.

There are two post-credits scenes. Audiences well-versed in the MCU universe will find them amusing.