“This doesn’t make any sense”
“Not everything does. Not everything has to”
Doctor Strange; effectively the beginning of Marvel’s new phase. A phase that introduces magic in a very real way. Previous to this movie, magic was limited to Thor and Asgard. Even then it was related more to science and magic being the same. The evolution of Doctor Strange brings with it a new reality, and greater magic.
Aside from magic there isn’t much new in Doctor Strange. It has a similar base formula to other movies of it’s type. But it takes itself more seriously than the likes of Thor which used humour more often. Strange is a more serious attempt at the subject of matter, energy, and other realities. It handles itself extremely well. The acting across the board is great, and for a introductory movie, each cast gets a decent amount of time to establish themselves.
If you thought Benedict looked the part in the trailer, then you will definitely like the way he plays it in the full feature. He has humour when needed, he plays the doubting character when questions have not been answered to his liking, and he has a grandiose that you’ve come to expect from his other roles as Sherlock and Smaug. I heard Marvel waited for Benedict to become available for filming to do this movie; which delayed the schedule. But I’m glad they did. He has the right fit for the character of Stephen Strange.
The biggest thing to me was if you open you’re mind enough while watching, is that it actually does give you some things to think about. I won’t say any more than that because it’s up to you to bring your own thoughts on the film. It also may not resonate the same way with everyone the way it did for me.
My advice is that it is definitely a cinema watch. If you can, see it in an IMAX theatre. The visuals are absolutely stunning. While reminicent of Inception it does add it’s own unique take throughout.
The only downside is that, again, this movie hasn’t really done anything with the bad guy. A problem that Marvel has shown consistently throughout the films. The lack of a decent one. Loki being the exception. For me, the second best one came out of Civil War with Zemo. He succeeded where most haven’t in making a good bad guy character. It’s the one thing that generally let’s down a Marvel film. The Netflix series on the other hand, are doing well with the villians. But those aren’t ready to be introduced to the larger cinema movies, in my opinion.
In the end, this was a fun movie with a lot of thought and heart. Watch it with your mind open. 8\10.
Lastly: The reference to Rhodey is pretty good (at least I think it’s a reference) and Stan Lee’s cameo is funny.
Stay for both end credit scenes (as normal)
“Question reality, Change your destiny”
Dreaming Screenwriter 