Famed neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange, finds new meaning in his life when he masters of the magical world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Writer: John Spaihts, Scott Derrickson
Director: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwatel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen
Marvel Studios has finally gotten away from the traditional superhero movie and now delves into the tricky world of multi-universes, other dimension and magic. Clearly Marvel’s biggest challenge to date because any misstep can turn Doctor Strange into the hookiest piece of garbage in the Marvel Cinematic universe. Instead, Doctor Strange is an engaging and visually stunning action film with mind-bending martial arts.
Let start off by saying there is a lot to wrap your brain around with Doctor Strange. After a car accident, famed neurosurgeon Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) losing the use of his fingers and at the same time loses his whole reason to live. He becomes obsessed with healing his fingers and returning to his world of fame. Obsessed to the point that he pushes everyone away, including colleague and former lover, Christine (Rachel McAdams).
Searching for answers, he finds that Western Medicine is of no help and desperate for answers discovers Eastern Mysticism as a possible way to heal himself. He finds himself down to literally his penny in Kathmandu. He trained by fellow student, Mordo (Chiwatel Ejiofor), mystic librarian Wong (Benedict Wong) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton).
Strange proves himself to be a fast learner, but as always he is faced with the choice to heal his hands and return to his former life or risk it all for something bigger than himself. In this case, it’s the nefarious Kaecillius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his disciples. Kaecillius has decided that immortality is what he truly seeks and can only attain it by handing the earth over to the Dark Lord Dormammu.
Visually Stunning. Let’s just say it. Doctor Strange is a visually stunning movie. This is basically why you should see this movie, especially in Imax-3D. Everything is just cool to watch. Think of it as Inception on crack and with cool martial arts.
The first fight scene is amazing leading to a spectacular second fight scenes. This then leads to an almost impossible to believe final act, which will blow your mind. How’s that for no spoilers.
To his credit, writer/director Scott Derrickson, weaves out-of-this-world Ditko-esque images and ideas into a story that is solid and somehow manages to hold itself together. The story is clearly an origin story and the symbolisms regarding time hit you in the face like a lead brick. Strange must come to grips with not only losing his former life, which constantly haunts him but accepting a role that may save more lives than he can ever imagine.
Doctor Strange is a smart story with amazing visuals. It manages to find itself worthy do sit among the other Marvel films. Stay for the ending.
8 out of 10 stars