Ant-Man and the Wasp review round-up: What the critics are saying about Marvel's first post-Infinity War film

It's a mixed reaction for the return of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly

The latest Marvel film to be released in cinemas - well, US cinemas - is Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Reviews for the sequel, which sees the costumed alter-ego of Evangeline Lilly's Hope van Dyne elevated to lead duties alongside Paul Rudd, have flitted in - and it seems the lightness of touch from returning director Peyton Reed is being praised, especially following the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War.

Despite this, some critics have criticised the lack of stakes following Infinity War while others feel that Lilly's lead status has been squandered.

Michael Douglas returns as Dr Hank Pym, only this time he'll be joined by the character's long-lost wife played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Also starring in the comedy-action Marvel film are Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne and Vice Principals star Walton Goggins.

You can read the critical verdict below.

The Hollywood Reporter - Todd McCarthy

"It becomes increasingly difficult not to notice that this latest entry in the unstoppable Marvel Studios takeover of the world is probably the most amusing film the company has made since the Kevin Feige reign began a decade ago. After the heavy lifting involved in the studio's most recent blockbusters, Ant-Man lays out a welcome picnic."

Empire - Dan Jolin - 3 stars

"There’s no getting away from the fact that Ant-Man and the Wasp, as fun as it is, lacks the sheer, mind-blowing heft of Infinity War. Or, for that matter, the scope and thematic muscle of Black Panther. Or the all-the-way-out-there, inventive deliriousness of Thor: Ragnarok. In this new era of Marvel over-achievement, it really does feel like a lesser work."

Rolling Stone - Pete Travers - 3 stars

“The thrill of the film is watching Ant-Man and the Wasp team up and raise hell together. Rudd is a winning combination of sass and sincerity. And it's a kick to watch Lilly break out and let her star shine. She hasn't had a part this juicy since she played Kate Austen on Lost; her smarts and screen presence lift the movie over its rough spots.”

The AV Club - Ignatiy Vishnevetsky

"While Thor: Ragnarok may be kookier, funnier, and more irreverent, Ant-Man and the Wasp is arguably even more of a straightforward comedy, to the point that it doesn’t even have a primary villain—only a secondary one, in the form of the gentleman sci-fi-tech black-marketeer Sonny Burch (Goggins). Seemingly taking its cues from Luis’ motor-mouthed voice-over montages from the first film (which return here), it zig-zags breathlessly."

IndieWire - Eric Kohn

"The biggest representational issue with Ant-Man and the Wasp stems from its misleading title. Lily proved her action chops in the first movie and finally gets the chance to expand on them as a genuine Marvel superhero this time out, but she’s still relegated to the sidelines for many of the movie’s key moments."

Ant-Man and the Wasp is released in UK cinemas 3 August