Review: Ant Man and the Wasp - lightweight addition to Marvel catalogue that's both fun and refreshing!

In the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) struggles with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he's confronted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.
With Ant Man and the Wasp being Marvel Cinematic Universe's twentieth film, the MCU series proven to be a box office colossus grossing over over $17.3 billion at the globally and in the process has becoming the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. The visuals, technology and hidden easter eggs of these films have been at the centre at what has lead to this franchises success. The humour that is sprinkled throughout each Marvel movie however, is perhaps the most under appreciated yet vital component of the movie with last years Thor Ragnorak illustrating quite clearly how a snappy sharp script in the hands of a talented director and charismatic cast can add another string to the already loaded bow that is a Marvel comic book hero adaptation film.
Casting the always consistent and humorous Paul Rudd in 2015's Ant Man gave this series a lighter and at times more humane touch and the film was all the better for it!
Gladly, Ant Man and the Wasp continues in this vein with a refreshingly charmingly and ultimately fun tale full of humour, stunning set pieces and great chemistry between the two leads paramount to all that is good about this film.
Returning director Peyton Reed also has a lot of fun with the action sequences throughout this film with the alternating between shrinking and growing often resulting in hilarious consequences.
The humour comes largely in the form of the highly entertaining Paul Rudd and even though Evangeline Lilly shares top billing with him this time as the Wasp it is in truth Rudd that is again the star of the show with his likability and charm shining through.
A special mention must also be given to the comedic prowess of Michael Cena who seems to get all the best lines as he keeps the audience chuckling whenever he gets screen time.
A small gripe may be the lack of a credible villain with Walter Goggins and Hannah John-Kamen never really convincing in their respective roles.
Overall, though Ant Man and the Wasp is a pretty enjoyable and light hearted way to spend two hours and fans of the Marvel franchise will not be disappointed with this effort!
✸✸✸1/2