Dr strange – Story about what is Beyond Reality.

Rating: 6/10 (1 November 2016)

Firstly let's take a quick look at Benedict Cumberbatch's filmography; (Hands up if you spot a pattern )
He played an arrogant investigator in 'Sherlock Holmes'. He played an arrogant scientist in 'The Imitation Game'!. He played an arrogant military officer in 'War Horse'!!. He played an arrogant villain (Khan) in 'Star Wars into Darkness'!!!. Guess what  he plays an arrogant neurosurgeon in this origin film of 'Doctor Strange'!!!! +++ OK enough of that +++
The film kicks off and after a brief character building section, we see Doctor Strange speeding along a windy road, he loses control of his sports car, the resulting accident causes devastating injuries, and he almost completely loses the use of his hands (pretty essential for a surgeon).
Ironically the only surgeon able to perform the necessary surgery on himself, is himself. After some failed experimental surgeries, Strange meets a former paraplegic who is, not only able to walk again, but is playing basketball after receiving some 'special' spiritual treatment.
Strange needs to go to Katmandu to seek the same treatment. He ends up unlearning everything he already knows and learns about magic and the about other dimensions. He's enthusiastic and even studies from books he shouldn't s be reading. His skills quickly improve, and essentially he needs to choose whether to regain the use of his hands or to use his new skills to defend the earth from evil mystical demons.
There are some amazing Mind-tripping visuals, that are absolutely stunning, especially in 3D. The special effects are kaleidoscopic, there are zero gravity fighting scenes in the streets and hallways, there are buildings that collapse and fold into each-other.
The only criticism I have is that even though the themes this film explores go far deeper than regular marvel films , it's hard not to compare it with 'Inception' or 'The Matrix' and for that reason I feel it lacks some originality.
Recommended for a slightly younger audience that might not be too familiar with the two other comparisons.