Doctor Strange: The Marvel Universe on Acid

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2017)

Doctor Strange is a refreshing movie in the marvel cinematic universe, by breaking the stereotypical hero cycle and creating a truly unique hero story. The movie keeps the viewer truly entertained from start to finish with amazing graphics, action set pieces, and stunning plot twists. The truly reinvigorating aspect of this movie is how different this movie than other superhero movies, Marvel studios ditched the guns and explosions and instead to a more mystical approach. While this is a mostly stand- alone movie it definitely builds upon the notions of the fabulously crafted marvel universe with references to the movies that have come before it. Throughout the movie Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is skeptical of the of the world around him as well as his journey and the paths he chooses to overcome not only his paralysis but his ego. After he is unable to operate due to a car accident, Steven desperately turns to a magical sorcerer to help find his meaning in life. Benedict Cumberbatch did a fantastic job of embodying the iconic comic book character Dr. Strange. Although his American accent took time to get used to it did not impede his performance. Benedicts performance allowed the view to feel the sheer pain and struggle as well as triumph that Steven Strange exudes throughout the movie. The makeup and costume design team did a fantastic job at making Benedict have a truly uncanny resemblance to Steven strange in the comics. Tilda Swinton's take on the ancient one was original yet true to the comics, her performance was captivating. The major criticism I have for the movie is the lack of character development of the villains Dormammu and Kaecilius, the movie doesn't explore enough of characters' background to make them truly horrifying. Marvel studios showed off the full potential of their graphics team with truly mind- bending visuals throughout the movie. Dr. Strange has also been nominated for an Oscar in best achievement in visual effects. The visual effects of this movie are best describe as combination of Inception and Rick and Morty. They had a healthy balance of practical and digital effects. The director used the visual effects to continue the story, for instance in one scene Steven is having a vision of hands grabbing drowning him, showing if he continues to worry about what he can't do with his hand paralysis it will be his downfall. The costume and set design was fantastic with many Easter eggs and winks at the comics throughout the movie.
If you enjoyed any of the other marvel movies, or are a fan of martial arts movies, this film will thoroughly entertain and captivate you. I would give this movie an 8.5/10, the special/visual effects in this are like nothing you have ever seen on the silver screen before.