With a cumbersome title and promises of storylines
to come, Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off with Ant-Man
and the Wasp: Quantumania. Although critics and audiences have begun to
show franchise fatigue when it comes to the MCU, die-hard fans will likely find
plenty to love. Although I have watched all of the films and TV shows, I wouldn’t
consider myself anywhere close to a fan of Marvel entertainment, so I can
relate to much of the criticism placed on recent films. On the other hand, I go
into these movies with very low expectations. This is junk food cinema (even
calling it cinema may be a stretch, as Martin Scorsese has argued), but this
also may be exactly what some audiences long for after sitting through the
high-brow releases of award season. And if you are going for pure immersive
entertainment, ScreenX is a fun option for ways to experience Quantumania.
Former convict
turned Avenger Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) returns for the third Ant-Man movie, and
fifth appearance as the superhero with the ability to change his size with the
use of a high-tech suit designed by scientist Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). The
last time we saw Lang he was helping to save the world, but at the beginning of
Quantumania he is living a quieter life, promoting his new book, Look
Out for the Little Guy. Lang is also making an effort to spend more time
with his daughter Cassie (now played by Kathryn Newton, the third actress to step
into the role), which is why he is shocked that she has begun to follow in his
footsteps.
Along with
having her own suit to match the one Lang uses to be Ant-Man and the one Hope
van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) has to become Wasp, Cassie has created a piece of
tech to map out the quantum realm. This upsets Hope’s mother Janet (Michelle
Pfeiffer), who spent 30 years trapped in the realm. Although she attempts to
turn the tech off, it inexplicably sucks the entire group into the Quantum
Realm, where they face obstacles in their attempt to get home, the most formidable
being Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), who was first introduced in the finale
of the Disney+ show Loki.
While it is exciting
to see the introduction of Kang into the Marvel movies, primarily because of
the committed performance from Majors, there are more promises for what he will
do in the future than there is anything noteworthy in this particular film. The
motivations of the time-traveling villain remain elusive and neither he nor
Lang undergo much character development over the course of the spectacle-filled
Ant-Man sequel. There are plenty of jokes and CGI effects and world building,
the latter clearly drawing inspiration from the Star Wars franchise, but it all
feels rather inconsequential. That isn’t to say there isn’t entertainment to be
found, but those hoping for deeper themes or a clear development of the MCU
trajectory may be disappointed. Like many of the Marvel movies, Quantumania mostly
feels like a feature-length trailer for the next MCU release, complete with
post-credit scenes to tease what is coming next.
Given the fact
that a large percentage of enjoyment in the latest Ant-Man movie comes from the
spectacle and world building within the Quantum Realm, it makes sense to see
the film in the most immersive format possible. There is also the option of
Imax for a large screen or 3D for those who found their interest revived after
the new Avatar movie. But for those who want an immersive experience similar to
3D without the gimmicks and awkward glasses, ScreenX is a fun option.
But what exactly is ScreenX? It
claims to be the world’s first multi-projection system used in a theater
setting, following in the tradition first established by Cinerama in 1952.
ScreenX offers a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience, and they don’t rely
on a curved screen at all. Instead, ScreenX theaters expand the image directly
onto the side walls, which they call “Wings.” These special walls are
specifically created with a fabric that allows the projected images to match
the center screen. That center screen will play the film as you would see it in
any theater, while the images put on the side walls by up to twelve laser
digital projectors are made up of specially created material to match the color
and brightness of the screen.
ScreenX was created by CJ 4DPLEX, a technology company that is probably best
known for their 4D technology, which started in South Korea but has expanded
across the globe with increasing momentum over the last decade. Although 4DX is
certainly impressive enough, ScreenX is an even more recent innovation in the
efforts toward a more immersive cinematic experience. I have heard ScreenX
described as IMAX, but with the image being wider instead of taller, though
this doesn’t quite do the experience justice. While IMAX may give you more to
look at, ScreenX is more about utilizing peripheral vision in order to feel as
though you are inside the film. This is especially effective in the world of the
Quantum Realm.
Most of the added material projected
on the side walls in Quantumania is environmental, allowing the audience
to feel as though they have stepped into the Quantum Realm. It isn’t as flashy
as some of the past films I have watched in this format, but it does add to the
viewing experience. While it doesn’t add anything new to the story itself, the
ScreenX experience does enhance the existing narrative in Quantumania.
Above all else, it is simply a fun way to experience the movie. And while the
format of Imax can be seen in home entertainment releases, ScreenX must be
viewed in theaters to get the experience. This is another reason to bring
audiences back to theaters.
Entertainment Value:
8/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 4/10
ScreenX Features: 7/10
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