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An enjoyable film that overcomes an overstuffed-plot by way of likable characters and fun action sequences. As with the first “Ant-Man,” the character relationships are what keep things grounded despite all the comic book adventure. Paul Rudd as Scott Lang is still down-to-earth and likable, especially when paired with his daughter. Although, even though he was established as being smart and fairly competent, this time around they made him feel a bit more of a dimwit and a screw-up. Michael Douglas’s Hank Pym gets a bit more to do this time, and his bond with his daughter and his search for his wife are expertly acted. Evangeline Lilly also has the strong family moments, but she also gets to kick a lot of ass in her action sequences. The newcomers are a mixed bag. Hannah John-Kamen never feels as dangerous as she should be, and never quite captures our sympathy like it was intended. Walter Goggins plays the other major villain, Sonny Burch. While he has a certain charm that works well, he overstays his welcome and adds another major character to a film that has a lot going on already. The humor is a bit overdone, but there is much of it that works. The retuning characters all have a few fun moments, but the quirky Jimmy Woo, played by Randall Park, freshens things up. The action is innovative, but there’s actually not all that much of it. There is a mid-credits scene that’s worth staying for, while the post-credit one is not.
**1/2 out of *****