A Refreshing and Mind-Bending Picture from Marvel Studios

Rating: 8/10 (20 November 2016)

I saw "Doctor Strange" during it's opening weekend and I was surprised at what followed. I went in knowing almost nothing about this character and the stories around him. I left feeling like I had known this character for years, as Marvel gives the best characterization for the Sorceror Supreme since Tony Stark in the first "Iron Man". After a new and awesome "Marvel Studios" title card, the mystical adventure starts. This picture is the most unique and fun Marvel property since "Guardians of the Galaxy". Just like GotG reinvented the blueprint for superhero movies, "Doctor Strange" will reinvent how you look at superhero movies. At least it will make you think twice about future Marvel projects.
Recently, I think it's fair to state that Marvel has been going a little overboard with their unique but incredibly enjoyable humor. "Captain America: Civil War" brought this back a little and delivered a serious script with welcomed humor as the plot advanced. "Doctor Strange" refines this approach even further and every attempt at humor lands with out- loud laughs from the audience. I was actually quite surprised at how serious this movie was right from the get-go, only delivering funny moments thanks to Bennedict Cumberbatch's witty dialogue. That brings me to my next topic: Bennedict Cumberbatch's portrayal.
Bennedict Cumberpatch's portrayal as Stephen Strange will do for his character what Robert Downey Jr. did for his. No one will ever think of anyone but Cumberbatch when they think of Doctor Strange. Before his accident (which was seen in the trailer, no spoilers!), you get a good understanding about who Stephen Strange really is. He's the type of surgeon we all wish would actually exist: A cool, sarcastically funny, and retro- music loving doctor. After the accident however, Stephen completely changes and this is where Cumberpatch's performance really shines. He perfectly captures the desperation of this character that the script was going for.
The villain of the movie, Kaecilius, was quite the conundrum. The audience is introduced to him in the perfect way, with him coming off as a strictly-business type of guy. I had high hopes that this villain would be the best from Marvel since the Winter Soldier in the second Captain America movie, but I ended up disappointed. He's cool and all, but his character lacks the depth that would make him really intriguing and someone the audience would want to see more of.
As far as the other performances go, they are all fine. Nobody really stands out. Rachel McAdams is used sparingly, which actually makes the audience appreciate her screen time. Chiwetel Ejiofor's character, who is more like the sidekick/best friend of Stephen that I wouldn't mind seeing again in a future Marvel project.
All in all, "Doctor Strange" is an incredibly enjoyable Marvel Studios Picture that questions how you look at superhero movies and will definitely change how you appreciate them.