Doctor Strange: Movie Review

Marvel Studios continues to expend its’ cinematic universe with what I consider one of the most unique comic book adaptations they have released thus far. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is still my top pic, but director Scott Derrickson’s “Doctor Strange” sets itself apart from the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. I can see he Doctor Strange (portrayed flawlessly by Benedict Cumberbatch) opening-up a world of endless possibilities just based on the events of his first solo film.

Much like Tony Stark/Iron Man, Stephen Strange is a brilliant and egotistical man of science.  When the world-famous neurosurgeon winds up in a near-fatal car accident, he becomes desperate to find a solution that will give him back the use of his crippled hands.  Strange eventually finds himself at a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj where The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) agrees to teach him how to self-heal using mystical powers.

With the help of Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the wise book keeper, Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange learns to use the powers to create magical weapons and portals that will allow him to enter different parts of the world.  What Strange didn’t count on was that he would be forced to help defend Kamar-Taj against the villainous Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) who was a former student of The Ancient One.

If you thought the world-bending special effects in “Inception” were impressive, wait until you get a load of what takes place on screen in “Doctor Strange”.  This is the most visually stunning film Marvel Studios has released so far and even more so if you watch it in 3D.  My biggest issue with “Doctor Strange” is that the final act reminded me way too much of the final battle in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. Although it looked great, it just felt like it lacked originality.

Rachel McAdams is good hear as well as Strange’s love interest but women in Marvel films (who aren’t super heroes) are rarely given much to do.  She does get one great sequence that involves her operating on Strange.  Although “Doctor Strange” does feel a little more too complex than it needs to be, it still winds up being another winner from the Marvel camp.  Personally, I can’t wait to see Stephen Strange and Tony Stark share some scenes together, I am predicting those moments will be absolute gold.

By: Marc Ferman