For everyone who needs a breather following the events of “Avengers: Infinity War,” the latest Marvel Universe entry, “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” proves to be the perfect escape.

The follow-up to the 2015 film that introduced audiences to Ant-Man builds on the fun of the original, a charming bit of escapism that expands the world while maintaining the formula that made the first film such a success.

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” picks up right after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) under home incarceration for his part in helping Captain America.

Lang is ready to move on with his life and spend his time with his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) and put his days as Ant-Man behind him.

Just when it looks like Lang’s life is back to normal, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) present Lang with a chance to find Pym’s wife Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) who has been stuck in a subatomic state for centuries.

As the trio gets closer to unlocking the secrets of Janet’s whereabouts, they find danger coming in all directions, including a mysterious woman known as Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and a fast-talking black market arms dealer named Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins).

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” zips along at a delightful pace thanks to a script full of zingers and self-awareness and Peyton Reed’s keen eye behind the camera.

Reed builds upon the use of space that gave the first film such an original look in this follow-up, with a nice series of visual gags and some original action set pieces – including a car chase unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.

That creativity only emphasizes the light-hearted nature of the Ant-Man world, a place where even when the stakes are high the danger never seems too serious.

Rudd is outstanding again as the reluctant hero, but it’s the supporting cast – including Michael Pena as Lang’s friend Luis – who gets most of the best comedic moments.

The villains are solid here as well. Ghost once again gives us a villain who is doing bad things, but their motivations are grounded in a reality that makes the audience understand their actions.

Goggins is a little more of the typical bad guy, but he has way more to do here than he did in the same type of role in “Tomb Raider” earlier this year.

It all makes “Ant-Man and the Wasp” a perfect bit of summer escapism and a refreshing palette cleanser before we get back into the “Infinity Wars” saga.

Make sure you stick around for the extra scene during the credits – a scene that does as much to advance the Marvel Universe story as any post-credits scene in memory.

It’s a moment that had the audience buzzing and a fitting end to a fun time at the movies.

Also opening this week

After weeks in larger markets, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (A) arrives in Bowling Green this weekend.

Director Morgan Neville’s followup to his Academy Award winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom” is another award-worthy endeavor, with Neville exploring the life of the iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers.

Using interviews with the people who knew him best and archival footage that allows Rogers to tell his own story, Neville has crafted a fascinating look at the man who was a part of so many children’s lives.

We get to see his early days as an ordained Presbyterian minister and how he saw television as a chance to connect with young children and talk to them about everything from death to racism in a way that no one ever has before (and perhaps since).

Like in “Stardom,” Neville has a keen sense of letting his subject, and those around him, tell stories that really provide insight into Rogers, showing us that the man we saw in front of the camera really wasn’t much different from the one when the cameras were turned off.

The insight into Rogers’ life and his influence on youth for more than 30 years is fascinating enough, but what makes “Neighbor” even more compelling is how the film shows the way he was able to bring people together even in the most divisive times.

It’s a message that resonates even more in today’s political climate. Mr. Rogers passed away more than a decade ago, but his legacy and mantra live on.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is PG-13 for some thematic elements and language and opens Friday at the Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangaline Lilly

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Rating: PG – 13 for some sci – fi action violence

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow), Franklin Drive-In

Grade: B