Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is being hailed as the best entry in Phase 5 packed with immense world-building to kick off the multiverse saga alongside Kang, the character played by Jonathan Majors which continues to attract the most praise in early social media reviews. With the world premiere of Ant-Man 3 wrapped up – critics are sharing their reactions to Peyton Reed‘s threequel MCU title by calling it a mature Marvel movie with balanced comedy and heart. Yet, some also say it sadly misses the mark as it kicks off with a filler-Esque opening act.
The third installment from the sci-fi franchise has surprisingly delivered an eventful space opera more on the lines of MCU’s Ant-Man meets Star Wars, according to several critics like BSL. But it also delves into pivotal arcs like Scott (Paul Rudd) & Cassie Lang’s (Kathryn Newton) father-daughter story among other heartwarming aspects that the franchise is known for. Nonetheless, it seems like Quantumania will be the first Phase 5 movie to tease Kang’s future implications to the MCU, similar to the hints in early Avengers movies teasing the Mad Titan’s wrath.
While MCU fans are delighted by the sheer hype from positive reviews, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania has still been called out by many for starting off iffy. As film critic Courtney Howard put it, “After a frustratingly rough act 1” Ant-Man 3 picks up the phase to remind audiences of the higher stakes that come from Ant-Man’s heist mission to recover a valued item for Kang in the Quantum Realm. Luckily, the thrilling “psychedelic” visuals coupled with riveting action sequences like Ant-Man’s final fight with Kang could assure a strong opening at the box office in the next week of February.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania meets Star Wars, noted several critics in early reaction
Several journalists also spoke highly of the two post-credits scenes in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania so readers are advised to sit through the end. There appear to be fewer lighthearted comedic moments, unlike the first two films. Even so, “MODOK brings all the ridiculous humor,” noted critic Tessa Smith. Readers can check out the reactions below.
After a frustratingly rough act 1, #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania finally gets going, only to end where this story should’ve began. While the external stakes are clear & weighty, emotional drive felt slight (and levity even lighter). That said, Jonathan Majors rules. pic.twitter.com/qpZeKTgdUd
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 7, 2023
The film at times feels more like a Star Wars film rather than a Marvel Movie. I really love Paul Rudd and this cast but there is something missing from this entry that makes it the least memorable of all three Ant-Man films.
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is the most mature installment of the franchise. Driven by emotion, it opens Phase 5 with exciting new action set pieces and sets the stage for the rest of the Multiverse Saga. Equal balance heart, humor, and excitement! Majors is a standout as Kang! pic.twitter.com/cmNZo5u9Wq
— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) February 7, 2023
The best Star Wars movie since 2018 is #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania. It’s a huge sci-fi adventure with gorgeous world building that feels almost little un-Marvel in how much world building there is. But it’s got humor, heart, Kang completely rules & Michelle Pfeiffer steals it. pic.twitter.com/vRO2Poko2s
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) February 7, 2023
Peyton Reed’s #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is the best MCU has delivered since #AvengersEndgame
The film is a psychedelic roller coaster through the quantum realm that delivers moments of laughs, tears, bone crunching action and heart as the film raises the stakes pic.twitter.com/CthkkMmaQj
— Geek Vibes Nation (@GeekVibesNation) February 7, 2023
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is like Marvel meets Star Wars — & I am here for it! Kang is absolutely terrifying. MODOK brings all the ridiculous humor. Janet & Kang are perfect! Heartwarming father-daughter story! 2 IMPORTANT end credits! #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania pic.twitter.com/Z3HidhWuw4
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania kicks off Phase 5 with one of the MCUs most fascinating entries. This movie is Star Wars meets #AntMan and I dug it for the most part. Jonathan Majors DEMANDS your attention as #Kang and he absolutely SHINES. BIG implications for the future too! pic.twitter.com/VdFfo3Q9MI
— BSL 🎄 (@bigscreenleaks) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania kicks off Marvel’s Phase Five with a vivid but messy spectacle. It never quite finds its footing and relies on style over substance, the quality never matching the confidence. Jonathan Majors’ Kang is solid but the overall film is sadly just… okay. pic.twitter.com/LzKXgCER7v
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) February 7, 2023
ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA is a blast, and finally answers some of the "where is the MCU going?" questions. Takes a minute to pick up, but has some great action scenes, creative visuals and a terrific villain in Kang. A solid start to Phase 5. #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania pic.twitter.com/SaAwnZwOre
— Shaurya Chawla (@_ShauryaChawla) February 7, 2023
#AntManandTheWaspQuantumania was awesome! Visually it was insane and the story is great but, KANG! Jonathon Majors stole the show for me. The best Ant Man film yet for me! An exciting ride for Marvel fans and the POST CREDIT SCENE will make you jump out of your chair!
— Warren Thompson “Cosmic Wonder” (@CosmicWonderYT) February 7, 2023
Just got out of #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania and had a surprising amount of fun — an out-of-this-world (inside-this-world?) romp that is mostly a testament to the tireless work of countless VFX artists around the world. Kang, MODOK, and a weird jelly man are the highlights. 🐜 pic.twitter.com/EOSu8I2ztu
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is basically Peyton Reed’s unproduced Star Wars film, but you know, with Ant-Man.
— Adam Lance Garcia (@AdamLanceGarcia) February 7, 2023
So #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania goes hard in the paint as the big epic Sci Fi film. Blending Star Wars, Fifth Element, Dune + Strange World. I don't think its going to work for everyone but I really dug this tone. Its a bit chaotic towards the end but wraps up nicely. Kang rules.
— Kristian Harloff (@KristianHarloff) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is truly EPISODE 1 of what is sure to be a crazy cinematic series. You have to enjoy this movie more as an episode of something greater rather than it’s own standalone film that concludes a trilogy.
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is a solid, yet overly ambitious start to the next phase of the MCU. Jonathan Majors is an absolute FORCE as #Kang and the NEW KING of the Multiverse. The final battle is ASTONISHING, but I really missed the comedic charm throughout. #AntMan pic.twitter.com/NRj3fzjCKa
— Daniel Baptista – The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) February 7, 2023
Marvel’s #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is a strong start to Phase 5. I now understand why it’s called #Quantumania. JonathanMajors is excellent as Kang and cannot wait to see where this all goes. 2 after the credits scenes and both are very good. pic.twitter.com/62Ch3w2O5N
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania should have sparked Phase 5 with a bang, but it misses the mark. The story is plagued with filler, while sufficient, lacks depth. However, Majors does give an outstanding performance as the cunning and ruthless #Kang. I wish it had left an impression. pic.twitter.com/2PFB2lMWOg
— Anthony – The Movie Podcast (@AJJetset) February 7, 2023
The general reaction to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is positive but it also seems to contain its fair share of errors. Though for what it’s worth, even the early social media reactions criticizing Ant-Man 3 as a dull generic entry in MCU Phase 5 have appreciated it for showcasing an expansive world with a character-driven thriller story from Kang, Michelle Pfeiffer‘s Janet, Rudd’s charming reprisal of Scott, etc. It largely seems to be a set-up for the next menacing villain that triumphs the Infinity saga’s Thanos.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania arrives in theaters on February 17.
