The Marvel formula lives on

Rating: 8/10 (13 March 2017)

Once upon a time there was a conceited rich man who frequently cracked jokes at other people's expense. However, he only got away with it because of his status and that he happened to be brilliantly good at what he did. However, his charmed existence all came to an end when a tragic accident happened to him which forced him to re-evaluate the way he'd been living his life and, in turn, made him into the superhero he is today. His name was Tony 'Iron Man' Stark. Or do I mean Dr Strange? Actually, it doesn't matter – it's basically the same film. I may be being a bit flippant, but, when you're basically copying the original 'Iron Man' film, it can't be that bad. And it isn't.
'Dr Strange' is yet another superhero movie in Marvel's – seemingly – never ending connected cinematic universe. Here we have Benedict Cumberbatch taking on the titular role as an arrogant (but brilliant!) surgeon who gets his career (and life) dashed when he's involved in a horrific car accident and therefore loses the use of his hands and therefore livelihood. However, all is not lost – a trip to a spiritual guru on the other side of the world turns the arrogant Dr Stephen Strange into the 'Sorcerer Supreme,' ready and willing to protect Earth from all those dark dimensions out there (and Mads Mikkelsen!).
As I mentioned, the story is pretty much what you'd expect from any of Marvel's recent offerings. However, this one is the first one that really centres on actual 'magic' with its plentiful psychedelic effects which are used for both the battles and trips into other dimensions. A lot of people have commented on how much they look similar to the way the worlds 'fold' in the film 'Inception' and I have to say that it was instantly recognisable. Whether you consider that a drawback or not is up to you. Either way, they are pretty impressive (as you'd probably expect from a big budget Marvel movie) and make a change from the usual beating up of endless CGI robots in New York! If there's one constant criticism that's always levelled at Marvel movies, it's that they have a distinct lack of decent villains. We've had Tom Higgleston's 'Loki' and that's about it. Perhaps that's why they went an employed the extremely talented Mads Mikkelsen as the antagonist here. He, as you'd expect if you've seen him in anything before, he's as good as he can be with what he's given. However, in the grand scheme of things, he's just the guy Dr Strange has to defeat at the end, leaving most of us lamenting the fact that Loki wasn't included (again!).
When the casting was announced for Dr Strange, there was some minor controversy regarding using white actors for Asian roles. I guess this is only a problem if you know the source material. I wasn't sure who they were referring to as I hadn't read the comic; instead I just enjoyed the romp and the pretty colours used in the magic scenes! Benedict was good and a welcome addition to the Marvel shared universe. Apparently, his accent was a little off here and there (as my girlfriend said he sounded 'Scottish' at one point!). Overall, Dr Strange isn't anything new, but it is good fun and plenty to build on in the expanded universe.