Extra DVD

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, David Dastmalchian, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Abby Ryder Fortson.

Cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is released from San Quentin Penitentiary and resolves to go straight for the sake of his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson).

Desperate to pay child support, Scott agrees to a lucrative heist set up by his former cellmate (Michael Pena) and two pals (David Dastmalchian, Tip “T.I.” Harris). Unfortunately, the robbery lands Scott in a police cell.

Inventor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) offers Scott a way out if he agrees to don a superhero outfit, which shrinks the wearer at the touch of a button.

Aided by Hank’s feisty daughter (Evangeline Lilly), Scott masters the suit and learns to mind-control four species of ants.

Humans and insects take on Hank’s former protege, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), who has replicated the Ant-Man technology for a Yellowjacket suit, which he intends to sell to Hydra.

Ant-Man is a boisterous action adventure, anchored by a winning performance of charm and chutzpah from Rudd.

The actor flexes his comic muscles as well as his abs and pecs, which are flaunted in an obligatory scene of toplessness to prove he hit the gym for the role.

Douglas and Lilly provide solid support as the feuding father-daughter dynamic destined for reconciliation.

Peyton Reed’s film mines a rich vein of humour to underscore the high-speed acrobatics.

The 3D format — available exclusively on Blu-ray — is only noticeable when Scott activates the suit and seemingly benign household features, like a running tap, become life-or-death obstacles a la Honey I Shrunk The Kids.

A new star in the Marvel Comics firmament is born.

Rating: 4/5