One would assume that "Guardians of the Galaxy" filmmaker James Gunn's favorite Marvel movie would be the one he created, but it isn't. For the longest time, his ultimate favorite has been Jon Favreau's "Iron Man," which was shown back in 2008, but after seeing Peyton Reed's "Ant-Man" this year, Gunn began to have second thoughts.
"Ant-Man may just be my favorite Marvel film since Jon Favreau's Iron Man (well, maybe excluding one film to which I'm partial)," he wrote on his Facebook page. "Honestly, the movie is a complete blast! I was so happy after seeing it. It's never boring for a second and it's hilarious and warm throughout. It doesn't get caught up in the webbing of its own science-fiction concept like so many movies do these days, remaining simple and elegant. It's a part of the Marvel universe without being ruled by that fact."
Gunn has nothing but good things to say as well for lead actor Paul Rudd, who took on the role of former thief turned superhero Scott Lang. He described Rudd as "nuanced and charming and funny and is a surprisingly natural fit as a modern superhero."
This is saying a lot, since Gunn revealed that he and Rudd actually dated the same girl back in college. And for the director to still love Rudd despite this fact speaks volumes about the filmmaker's generous heart and the actor's ability to draw in the audience.
Gunn also praised Michael Peña, who plays Lang's cellmate Luis. The director has no doubt that "Ant-Man" will make the actor a huge star.
Even though Judy Greer received a small role in the film, Gunn still thought that she was "great" in it. And as for Michael Douglas, Gunn has but one word to describe his performance: "awesome."
"I think all of Peyton Reed's years directing have led him to making something as deft and nimble and joyous as this; he did an incredible job. And, despite Edgar Wright's parting from Marvel, his spirit is felt through the entire project, and there is no doubt everyone owes him a huge debt of gratitude. I left the theater incredibly happy. So often I see movies by people I love which are just okay - it's great to love a movie as much as I love the people who made it," concluded Gunn.
"Ant-Man" will finally hit cinemas on July 17, 2015.