Marvel’s indisputable talent is its consistent ability to make ideas that have no right to work, work. “Guardians of the Galaxy” should not have worked. It was ludicrous, but it satisfied fanboys and, more importantly, it set a great many hearts to racing. Everyone knows Batman and Spider-Man are big, popular comics that translate to big, popular movies. Amusingly, prior to the 2008 theatrical release of the first “Iron Man” movie, the Iron Man character was second string, at best. Marvel Studios uncompromising vision turned Iron Man, an untested character, into a hero to rival Batman and Superman, no small feat.

In a very similar fashion, a superhero movie about “Ant-Man” shouldn’t work. It just sounds stupid. A hero who can shrink to the size of an insect and control ants? I love this stuff and that even sounds lame to me. Well folks, Marvel has done it again. “Ant-Man” shouldn’t work, but it does. Resoundingly.

Every pun intended, “Ant-Man” is much smaller than other Marvel movies. It’s more intimate, in some respects, it starts at its own beginning and finds its burgeoning position within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Perhaps “Ant-Man’s” greatest triumph is its novel twist on the superhero movie.

Perspective is a rare and valuable commodity and it’s a wonderful byproduct of a character that can change his size. This isn’t Cap fighting the good fight, this isn’t Iron Man being brilliant or Thor being heroic. This is a sorry about a father, an ex-convict desperately trying to turn his life around. What makes the story heroic, what makes it a story worth telling is the unique solution to age old problems. This is a heist movie with a climax that takes place on a little girl’s toy train set.

Paul Rudd, who plays protagonist Scott Lang/Ant-Man is primarily known as a comedian, which might not seem like a natural fit; however, I’m pleased to report that it’s an inspired casting choice. He does action well, he does fear well and, of course, he does comedy well. I am very excited to see Rudd’s involvement in upcoming team-based Marvel movies such as “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers 3.”

“Ant-Man” really resonates, partially because of Marvel’s secret sauce and partially because it’s so different than “typical” superhero movies. I can say, with certainty, that “Ant-Man” is worth your time and is definitely on my list to see again.

5 of 6 stars