Phil sees ANT-MAN from Walt Disney Studios-December 24, 2015

There's nothing Marvel Studios can't do. Sure, they can make film adaptions of their biggest and most popular characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Avengers. But then Marvel took a huge gamble when they made GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, an obscure comic book to adapt for the big screen. However, with James Gunn at the helm, it became one of their biggest and most popular films, transforming Groot and Rocket into household names. Now, those crazy kids are at it again, adapting one of their oldest characters and a founding member of the original Avengers in the comics. So let's get down to the small talk and discuss their newest film in their Phase Three plan entitled ANT-MAN.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

The film also stars Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne), Corey Stoll (Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket), Judy Greer (Maggie Lang), Michael Peña (Luis), David Dastmalchian (Kurt), Tip 'T.I.' Harris (Dave), Bobby Cannavale (Paxton), Abby Ryder Fortson (Cassie Lang), Martin Donovan (Mitchell Carson) and Marvel regulars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson aka Falcon) and the beautiful Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter).

Once again Marvel's gamble has paid off both handsomely and financially. Casting Paul Rudd as our lead and hero was surprising to me initially but the man pulled it off fantastically. His portrayal of Scott as our everyday, down on his luck, trying to get a head, average guy who just so happens to be our only hope of saving the day works. His comedic timing is perfect and he gets to kick some ass as well. What's great about having Rudd as our hero is that you believe him. He feel sorry for him and we are right with him when he's playing hero. 

I never thought I'd see a Hollywood legend like Michael Douglas in a Marvel Studios movie. The man is an icon! The son of Kirk Douglas! He's starred in films like ROMANCING THE STONE, WALL STREET, BASIC INSTINCT, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, TRAFFIC  and indie films such as KING OF CALIFORNIA, SOLITARY MAN and BEYOND THE REACH. But he is great as scientist/former superhero Dr. Hank Pym. Smart, tough and he has some of the best lines in the movie. Together, he and Rudd have great on-screen chemistry. We get a mentor/student and father/son relationship and we see this grow throughout the film. They play off on another and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this movie.

Director Peyton Reed has a long list of credits to his name. From directing films like BRING IT ON, DOWN WITH LOVE and YES MAN to television shows like New Girl,The Weird Al Show, and Upright Citizens Brigade, this guy is very talented and also vercified. He can direct a romantic comedy and then turn around and make this funny action superhero film. He does an excellent job of capturing the humor and the edge-of-your-seat action that Marvel is known for. The film was originally going to be directed by Edgar Wright, the man who bought us SHAWN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD'S END but left the project citing creative differences with Marvel. However, they still used some of his ideas for the film.

So once again San Francisco is our backdrop for the film. Now let me count how many films the city has been in this year alone: it's been in TERMINATOR: GENISYS, INSIDE OUT, SAN ANDREAS, VACATION, this film and it was also on the poster of PIXELS. Wow, things are getting crazy out here! But at least the filmmakers didn't do the whole "destroy the Golden Gate Bridge" thing again cause that shtick is getting really old fast.

Overall ANT-MAN is another worthy entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that fans will have fun watching! And it'll also be fun as to how he'll be interacting with the other actors in the upcoming CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR film. So we haven't seen the last of our super small superhero. So all you comic book fans out there, this is a must-see film!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommend!!

ANT-MAN is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!