Watch Kids' Reviews of
ANT-MAN

From Marvel comes the newest superhero thriller, Ant-Man with a mixture of comedy and action that brings pleasure for people of all ages. The film is about a scientist, Dr. Hank Pym, played by Michael Douglas, who gets forced out of his own company and left searching for someone to bravely take on the missions he requests. With his invention of a super suit which provides superpowers, shrinking abilities and the control of an army of ants, Pym finds his talent, Scott Lang, to be the one and only "Ant-Man." Seeking redemption for his past criminal behavior, Scott accepts the challenge to save the world and fight off enemy scientist, Darren Cross from using his similar suit for evil. Things take a turn when the world is not the only thing that needs saving.

The film's many wonderful aspects start with the amazing performances from actors including, Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Corey Stoll. I always know an acting performance from an antagonist is amazing when I actually believe the person is evil in real life. The acting job from Corey Stoll proves to be great when I find it hard to believe that he can be nice in real life. With his past experience in many comedic films, Paul Rudd easily and naturally portrays the witty character Scott without seeming fake or cheesy.

The movie is uplifting and funny in so many ways. The movie throws out jokes about other Marvel characters and icons, which are surprising and hilarious. The film is authentically different in style from the typical superhero or even Marvel film.

The film does include lots of violence and scenes with foul language which is why I'd definitely say the film is for people 13 years of age and older. Furthermore, I would recommend the film to people of ages 13 to 18. Adults will enjoy this as well. The film guarantees laughter and entertainment to people of all interests, including those who are not fans of Marvel or superhero movies. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. Check it out coming to theatres on July 17th

Reviewed by Harmony M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Falcon...Ant-Man. The very last name sticks out for a reason, it's the only one that sounds like the lead character in a kindergartener's comic book. And boy does the movie try to up the ante on his powers, which, if you think about them, are lackluster. Sure, his size may not affect his strength, he can get through key holes and do secretive things without being noticed. But, let's be honest, there's nothing "cool" about this hero. It is not the hero, but the company attached that will attract audiences. But it is, surprisingly enough, the script that will keep audiences.

Paul Rudd is the lead. He is best known for his comedic performances in This is 40, Anchorman and I Love You, Man. He is perfectly cast, especially considering who the writers are. The screenplay was written by Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Edgar Wright, and Paul Rudd himself. All of them are comic geniuses. Adam McKay is the writer of both Anchormans and the director of Anchorman, Step Brothers and Talladega Nights. Edgar Wright is writer/director of The World's End, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead (the latter three also known as the Cornetto Trilogy). And Joe Cornish is a collaborator with Edgar Wright. That team of writers for this screenplay are the forces behind Ant-Man, which is the funniest Marvel film of all-time.

Despite its small (pun intended) initial impression, it is the content that is able to allow Ant-Man to hold its own amongst the star-studded, big named Marvel films like Avengers and Iron Man. I mean, the special effects are fine (no surprise), the plot itself is conventional and expected and the hero's back story is no more or less compelling than any other hero's. What truly sets it apart is the overall entertainment. It is an entertainment that knows what it is and goes at it with intention and blatant direction. What I mean is: it's not overly clustered like Age of Ultron was. Ant-Man is fully aware of what it is and even goes the length to make fun of itself, without ever being ridiculous. You know those over-dramatic moments we usually see in Marvel films? Such as a monologue or a big secret being revealed? Well, this screenplay takes those moments and saves us from their cliché and tiring nature. Just how its done, you'll have to see. The audience I watched this movie with was dying with laughter at the witty and the timely satirical moments that pervade the movie.

Throw in Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly (who I kept mistaking for Jessica Chastain for some reason) for the needed dramatic contrast and you've got everything you need for a perfect Friday night blockbuster. Comedy, melodrama and things blowing. Oh, did I mention that Michael Pena and T.I. are in the supporting cast? Yes, it's that funny.

The only weak spot I found was in the villain. Corey Stoll, who many of you may know for playing Peter Russo in House of Cards, is inconsistent in this movie. He is a very good actor (see Midnight in Paris), but between the script and the direction of both his performance and his scenes, he looks bad - overblown. Of all of the aspects in this movie, the villain is the one that needs the most spoofing. Despite that, I still give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. I was surprised by some of the language used (which I shouldn't have been considering the writers), so I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It can be seen at a local theater near you.

Reviewed by Willie Jones, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16.

The Ant-man is one of the lesser known Marvel characters and, with this new film, has quickly become a new favorite for many. The storyline reveals his origins and how he develops his astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength. And, of course, like any super-hero movie, how he has to work to save the world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harmony, age 16, comments, "From Marvel comes the newest superhero thriller, Ant-Man with a mixture of comedy and action that brings pleasure for people of all ages." Wille J, age 16 adds, "Despite its small (pun intended) initial impression, it is the content that is able to allow Ant-Man to hold its own amongst the star-studded, big named Marvel films like Avengers and Iron Man."

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.