Ant-Man and The Wasp shows that Size Doesn't Matter but yet it Does

This week Marvel's Ant-Man and The Wasp brings a “smaller” superhero adventure back to cinemas as a sequel to 2015's Ant-Man. It is the 20th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (M.C.U.) as part of Phase Three and takes place close to events of Avengers Infinity War. Because jumping into this latest movie, let's briefly recap on the adventures to Ant-Man to date.

Three years ago we were introduced to the microscopic world of the MCU through the eyes of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd). Being an ex-con, Scott finds it difficult finding regular employment in order to maintain visitation rights with his daughter, Cassie. In order to make ends mean, he soon teams up with fellow ex-con Luis (Michael Pena) to break into a safe in an old house. Scott succeeds breaking open the safe but only finds what appears to be a motorcycle suit.

It turns out that the heist was in fact staged by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to test Scott as the new Ant-Man. Pym was the original Ant-Man in the 1980s performing clandestine missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. until death of his wife, Janet Van Dyne, leading to a fallout with Howard Stark and the covert organisation. He then setup Pym Technologies but disavowed his shrinking technology for fear that it would be used for nefarious purposes. Unfortunately come present day this former protege Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is close to replicating shrinking technology with intent to weaponise it. Pym convinces Scott to help destroy Cross' tech research and prototype. Together with his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly), they train Scott to effectively use the suit's powers and control ants to aid on the mission.

The heist appears to go according to plan until Cross detects the subterfuge and captures Scott, Hope and Pym. Of course, that's only temporary as our heroes escape and destroy the laboratory and research facility. In the process Cross dons his own prototype Yellowjacket shrinking suit and a miniature battle ensues with Ant-Man in Cassie's bedroom of Cassie. To defeat Cross, Scott has to go sub-atomic to wreck the Yellowjacket suit from the inside then disappear into the Quantum Realm. However, Scott manages to overcome debilitating effects of the microverse and enlarges back to the normal world reuniting with his daughter.

Watch this Honest Trailers take on the first Ant-Man movie.

Fast forward a year, Scott is recruited by Sam Wilson / Falcon during the events of Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Ant-Man becomes a member of Team Captain America in an epic airport battle against Team Iron Man where Avengers and their associates are pitted against one another over differences on the Sokovia Accords. This incident also showcased that Ant-Man's powers can work in reverse, enlarging him to a massive 65 feet / 20 metre tall Giant Man!

Ant-Man joins Team Cap in Civil War.

Although Steve Rogers and Bucky escape, the rest of the team are captured and sent to the Raft prison for enhanced humans. Their prison time appears short lived though once Rogers breaks them out and goes underground quitting the Avengers.

Here is the Honest Trailers "re-cap" (geddit?). of Civil War.

This then brings us to “present day” where Scott is serving out two years of house arrest at the start of Ant-Man and The Wasp. Here's the official synopsis of the movie:

In the aftermath of 'Captain America: Civil War,' Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to re-balance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he's confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

In the Director's seat once again is Peyton Reed with the returning cast of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne / Wasp, Michael Pena as Luis, Abby Ryder Fortson as Cassie, Judy Greer as Maggie (Scott's ex-wife), Bobby Cannavale as Jim Paxton (Maggie's husband), Tip “T.I.” Harris as Kurt, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. Plus of course the anticipated cameo by Stan Lee.

This time The Wasp shares main title credit with Ant-Man, and as clearly hinted at the end of the preceding movie, Hope Van Dyne takeovers the mantle of Wasp from her mother in a new suit. In addition to shrinking abilities, this new Wasp suit includes wings and blasters to “sting” bad guys. Find out more about Wasp in this featurette;

Micheal Douglas (left) returns as Dr. Hank Pym and introducing Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne.

Ant-Man and The Wasp also looks to flesh out Hope's mother, Janet Van Dyne played by award-winning veteran actress Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns, Dangerous Minds). Inspired by Scott's escape from the Quantum Realm, Hank Pym re-examines his technology for a potential rescue mission of Janet who was lost in this microverse three decades earlier.

A familiar face in geek pop culture movies, Laurence Fishburne of Matrix infamy portrays Bill Forster, a former colleague of Pym on Project Goliath. Geeks should also recognise Fishburne as the current Perry White from Man of Steel and subsequent movies of the DC Expanded Universe (DCEU). Like Ryan Reynolds, he's certainly another alumni of both Marvel and DC movies.

New antagonists include Walton Goggins (Tomb Raider, Maze Runner: The Death Cure) as Sonny Burch, a low-time tech hustler, and Hannah John-Kamen (Ready Player One) as Ava Starr / Ghost, a mysterious enhanced woman who can phase through solid matter (kinda like Vision). Read more about Ghost from this article by Hype.

Viewers of American sitcom Fresh Off The Boat will also recognise Randall Park who joins the cast as FBI Agent Jimmy Woo. Plus there are numerous characters from our titular hero... Ants! The movie certainly casts ants in ways never seen before and potentially makes them look cool. Find out more about Ants in this Marvel science mini-documentary:

Uma of BFM's At The Movies had the opportunity to interview the stars of Ant-Man and The Wasp, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly. Here's what they had to say about being in the MCU:

At the Movies x Ant Man and the Wasp: Paul Rudd
Also in Taipei, Umapagan spoke to Paul Rudd about the Withnail and I drinking game, about the MCU, and about starring alongside Hollywood legends. Catch Ant Man and the Wasp in cinemas on the 4th of July and let us know what you think about the 20th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Posted by At the Movies on Monday, 2 July 2018

At the Movies x Ant Man and the Wasp: Evangeline Lilly
Umapagan was in Taipei recently where he caught up with the Wasp herself! Evangeline Lilly talks to At the Movies about what it's like being the first female superhero to have title billing in an MCU movie. Ant Man and the Wasp will be in cinemas on July 4th.
Posted by At the Movies on Sunday, 1 July 2018

Now watch them attempt a miniature cookout session to make some fried rice!

But seriously here's a featurette on Ant-Man and The Wasp teaming-up as the shrinking superheroes of the MCU:

Thanks for Walt Disney Studios Malaysia, a few of us Marvelites got to attend the Movie Premiere of Ant-Man and The Wasp at TGV Cinemas, 1 Utama earlier this week. A handful of “ants” suited up for the occasion and certainly delighted fellow cinema patrons. Here are our immediate non-spoiler reactions of the movie:

Many "ants" and a "wasp" cosplaying at the Malaysian Movie Premiere for Ant-Man and The Wasp.

Read more early reactions compiled by Says.com here, and reviews by Star2.com and Variety. If prefer to watch one instead, here is IGN's video review:

Remember this is a Marvel movie, so stay back during the end-credits for two bonus scenes. Marvel's Ant-Man and The Wasp is now showing in Malaysian cinemas nationwide.

For fans who can wait (or like a 2nd or 3rd round) or regular movie goers, The Sun newspaper together with Petron Malaysia is giving away open tickets to watch Ant-Man and The Wasp starting next week. To participate spend a minimum RM5 on fuel at Petron stations then get hold of The Sun published on 2 July to count the number if tiny Ant-Men and Wasps. Read terms and condition plus submit entries by 8 July through via The Sun website page here.

For collectors of geek stuff, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has special intel below for you all to bring home a piece of the action.

Starting first from GSC Cinemas, there are so many movie merchandise giveaways that will have fans coming back again for repeated screenings of this movie. Available right now with purchase of two movie tickets are a Special Print Edition poster and exclusive Pin Badges.

Then starting next week from 10 July will be a Mini-Comic Book with Magnifying Glass, and from 14 July will be Collectible Coin. These are given out with purchase of two movie tickets as well. Check the full terms and conditions plus availability from GSC's website.

There are also a few type of concession combo deals. The 3D Figure Cup looks way cool and available as part of popcorn combo.

For official Ant-Man and The Wasp metallic foil tshirts, there are three designs available. Two designs of either Ant-Man or The Wasp come as part of a concession combo with popcorn and drinks from RM44.50. The third design featuring both superheroes is available for only RM10 with purchase of two Gold Class or Premiere Class tickets. Again check availability from GSC's website.

Over at TGV Cinemas, they are offering a Ant-Man Popcorn Bucket which resembles the helmet of our titular hero. It is sold together with popcorn and drinks for RM34.90, or RM10 less for Maybank cardmembers. Maybank credit card holders may also take advatange of Buy 1 Get 1 offer for IMAX tickets, hence bring a partner / friend for FREE.

Finally as part of their promotional campaign to send a MovieClub member to New York Comic Con (NYCC), purchase two tickets to redeem an Ant-Man and The Wasp Collectible Card which is the final piece required to qualify joining this slogan contest. NYCC takes place 4 to 7 October 2018 and is typically SOLD OUT months in advance so this is certainly an opportunity not to be missed for geek pop culture fans eligible for travel to the United States.

Read up all the terms and conditions for these promos at TGV's website.

In addition, TGV Home of Heroes is celebrating this summer blockbuster season of superheroes movies with a Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering taking place a cinemas across the country. The BIGGEST fan engagements will take place this weekend 7-8 July 2018 at the Main Concourse of Sunway Putra Mall, Kuala Lumpur from 10am to 10pm with comic book superhero exhibits, video games, green screen photo booth, popcorn giveaway and lucky draws.

The main Fan Gathering will take place on Saturday between 5pm to 9pm at four locations simultaneously. In addition to Sunway Putra Mall, the other locations are TGV 1st Avenue in Penang, Station 18 in Ipoh and Imperial City Mall in Miri. Fans can enlist during this time to participate in a Superhero themed challenge to win major prizes worth thousands of RM. Here's the video recap from the last Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering at Sunway Velocity Mall for an idea on what to expect:

Throwback- Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering, TGV Cinemas Sunway Velocity
We're a week away from our next fan gathering, at the Main Concourse Area at Sunway Putra Mall. Here's a throwback to what happened at our last Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering, in April 2018. Looking forward to more fun and games, and a chance to take part in giveaways with prizes worth up to RM5,000? RSVP here : http://bit.ly/TGV-HOTH-AntManFanGathering
Posted by TGV Cinemas on Friday, 29 June 2018

Especially for superhero movie cosplayers, a Cosplay Competition will be taking place at Sunway Putra Mall (main concourse) from 7.30pm onwards. Cosplayers from Marvel, DC, Image and other superhero franchises are welcome to participate; not just limited to Ant-Man and The Wasp. Prizes worth over RM3,000 include:

• Grand Prize: Canon DSLR Camera
• Second Prize: Ant- Man & the Wasp Phone Holder, Key Chain and Pin Badges
• Third Prize: Set of Avengers Mini Figurines

Plus FIRST 12 qualified registrations receive an Ant-Man Popcorn Bucket. Participation is FREE with Registration opening at 6pm until 7pm with maximum of 20 pax. Be sure to check Terms and Conditions for the Cosplay Competition at TGV's website.

For the latest updates on what's happening join the Heroes Homecoming Event Listing on Facebook and stay tuned.

Now at MBO Cinemas, an official Spinning Keychain is available free with purchase of two MX4D movie tickets, which is only available at Starling Mall and Kuantan City Mall for purchases over the counter. Alternatively this keychain and limited edition tshirt may be won by AllStar members through contest until 23 July with purchase of two Ant-Man and The Wasp tickets to enter. AllStar members can also use their points to redeem four different movie premiums bidding with their points; read-up on bid mechanics with terms and conditions.

Finally, a contest is open to all Facebook users to simply win some loot by commenting on this MBO post.

HypeMY has a contest offering similar movie premium so check out their website here on how to participate.

Now we've mentioned Petron Malaysia earlier, but they have even yet more stuff to giveaway including an all-expense 5-Day 4-Night Marvel VIP Experience in London with tickets to London MCM Comic Con in 2019! In addition there are 50 weekly prizes of Limited Edition Ant-Man and The Wasp movie premiums. To enter spend a minimum of RM50 on fuel swiping Petron Miles Card to enter. Read more on this great fan experience opportunity reported by The Sun here and get full terms and conditions from Petron's website.

For toys for the BIG boys and kids, 6in scale action figures of Ant-Man and The Wasp are available from Hasbro's Marvel Legends series priced at RM132. The head sculpts are really good this time with Scott's expression matching the nature of this movie. They may be a bit hard to find at regular toy retailers since released as part of an Avengers Infinity War set (with parts to build Cull Obsidian) so do check out toy collectors hobby stores instead.

Fans of LEGO can pickup the official 76109 Quantum Explorer building set which includes all three main characters of this movie as minifigs: Ant-Man, Wasp and Ghost. These are priced at RM122.60 and should be available at major toy retailers and LEGO shops.

25 feet. 65 feet. Does Size Matter? Find out in Ant-Man and The Wasp!

Disclaimer: Ant-Man, The Wasp and associated trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, referenced here for fan service purposes only without intent to infringe.

Tiniest Marvel Superhero Goes on the Biggest Adventure

Usually when anyone sees ants, panic ensues and there’s a lot of insect repellent and toxic sprays going off. Let’s face it, ants are unwanted pests and will probably stay that way for a very long time. Except this time however, Marvel is bent on turning this traditionally pesky bug into a hero. Not just any hero, but the star of the next Marvel Universe instalment ‘Ant­Man’. 

Ant­Man is the twelfth instalment of Marvel’s ongoing series of live action film. The last time we saw all our Marvel heroes was in the much celebrated second Avengers film just a couple of months ago. In this movie however, the focus is on only one hero, our titular Ant Man.

The Ant Man Cometh

The producers have probably made an unexpected choice with the casting of Paul Rudd as the main character, Scott Lang. Paul Rudd has been known in the past to play supporting good guy roles, mainly due to his doe eyed look and boyish face.

A suave looking Paul Rudd

It is safe to say that this is his first action packed role and the trailers are showing us that the action sequences are unconventional since there is no need to dodge bullets and life sized enemies. Instead, he struggles with things that aren’t usually threatening, like bath water. No kidding. Check out this clip of him being trained by his mentor.

Apart from Rudd, the cast also includes, Corey Stoll, Booby Cannavale and an almost unrecognizable Evangeline Lilly. Additionally, the producers have managed to get Michael Douglas to sign on as Hank Pym, Ant Man’s mentor.

The story begins with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a petty thief who is recruited by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and scientist who developed the Ant Man suit. The Ant Man suit gives its wearer the ability to shrink to the size of an ant as well as superhuman speed and strength. Hank Pym was the original Ant Man back in his heyday and is looking for a successor of sorts to take on his mantel. Helping to train Scott into fighting fitness is Hank Pym’s daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly). A sub­plot in the movie explores the Father­ Daughter relationship that Hope and Hank share. As a bonus, Hope Van dyne eventually takes on the character of ‘The Wasp’, also an insect sized super hero character that her mother used to helm.

An almost unrecognizable Evangeline Lilly

Of course in every story, there has to be a villain, and here we have Darren Cross (Frank Stoll), a previous protégé of Hank Pym who copies the Ant Man suit and builds a militarized upgraded version of it to wreak havoc on society. Watch the full trailer to get a sneak peek into what the story entails:

Here’s another trailer that is slightly darker and focuses on how Hank Pym convinces Scott Lang to take on the Ant Man mantel:

You’d notice from the trailers that there are snippets of Ant Man actually communicating and mobilizing swarms of ants to help him on his quest. That would definitely be fun to watch Here at home in Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team has scoured various sites for promos and deals relating to the movie.

Golden Screen Cinemas are offering free Ant Man posters with a purchase of two tickets in any of their outlets, with four different posters that can be collected every week.

Collect these Ant Man posters from GSC!

ONE Championship is having a contest where you can win Ant Man collectibles by answering three simple questions. Contest ends on July 18

A similar contest is being held on Budiey.com which involves answering some questions and coming up with a creative slogan. This contest ends on July 22 win pin badges, lanyards, earphones and key chains in addition to T­shirts and caps.

Cool Ant Man earphones

The Outpost Movie Recon Team hosted a fan screening on the Opening Day itself with all seats occupied fans gathered marching in the hall like ants. The movie outing was a great success with many more to come if fans wish for it.

Faces of disappointment for the late comers

Seeing doubles? Or is that the Wasp?

Antman Entertains the Fans with his antics

This fan decides to be part of the movie

For those who want to buy limited edition custom Ant Man merchandise, we have found some local online stores that sell all sorts of these products: 

ZALORA has a T­shirt with prints of the original Ant Man comic book cover for Marvel fans who grew up with the comics.

At LittleKindle, you can find a Funko!Pop Marvel Ant Man figurine at a discounted and very reasonable price

Tiny Ant Man is adorable!

Mother Ship Toys also have an 1⁄4 scale size Ant Man figurine that is modelled on the original comic book version.

Robotica Toys is offering a set of three figurines, Ant Man, Ant Man Blackout and Yellow Jacket up for sale as well. All the models come from this latest movie and are too good to give up, not to mention we like the affordable price it's going for.

Of course as always, we hope that the Movie will be a memorable experience, especially for fans of the comics, who will no doubt relish the thought of their hero making it to the big screen.

Spoilers: Fans who have not caught the movie yet. Don't forget to stay back for the Mid Credits and End Credit Scenes.