Marvel opens the mystic world

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2016)

Marvel's superheroes prepare for the eventual onslaught by Thanos in the upcoming Infinity Wars but while their powers can defend Earth from most dangers, they stand little chance from mystical threats. The little known world of sorcerers has its guardians who are tasked with the protection of our world, led by the Ancient One; the sorcerer supreme. When a past apprentice goes rogue and opens gates for the dark power to obliterate Earth, an unlikely wanderer knocks on the door of Kamar-Taj seeking supernatural healing for his irreparable hands. Simply based on his filmography, director Scott Derrickson must have employed some sorcery to convince Marvel and Disney to let him work on such an important character in the Marvel Universe but he delivers a totally unique, spectacular and almost transcendent take on Doctor Strange.
Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a highly accomplished neurosurgeon whose successful career brought with it a burden of arrogance that is deeply knitted into his character. A distracting phone call sends him flying off the side of a mountain in his Lamborghini, resulting in severe injuries especially to his hands. The accident rendered him incapable of performing surgeries and after several futile attempts to revive them, he had lost all hope until he was directed to Kathmandu by a paraplegic who miraculously walked again. Strange arrives at Kamar-Taj. Little known to him are the mystic wonders and powers that lie within and once he is forced to shed his disbelief and inhibitions about things beyond his understanding, he quickly learns directly from the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and Mordo (Chiwetel Eljiofor). As he grasps the possibilities of the mirror dimension, astral planes and the power of spells, the real threat of Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) strikes the 4 sanctums that protect the Earth from the dark dimension. No sooner has Strange barely learned to harness his newfound powers, does he have to wield them to protect the falling sanctums. Meanwhile, his fellow surgeon, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) is perplexed by the stranger things around his mystical appearance whenever he brings in an injured sorcerer or himself to her. Stephen's curiosity also draws him to a secret book owned by the Ancient One from which, Kaecilius had stolen some pages containing powerful time bending spells. Using the closely guarded Eye of Agamotto, Strange views the stolen pages and unleashes a forbidden power that breaks the laws of nature. Strictly warned against such uses of the Eye by Mordo and by the sanctum's guardian, Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange quickly realizes that his trip to Nepal for curing his broken hands now gets him involved in stakes far greater than a revival of his medical career. Kaecilius plans to overcome all the sanctums and break the mystic spell to open the portal for the dark dimension and its sinister lord, Dormammu who will trounce Earth completely.
The showdown of sorcerers occurs at the Hong Kong sanctum with Strange and Mordo's late arrival. The sanctum has already fallen and the dark dimension is entering Earth. Strange's audacious attempt to reverse the effects of Kaecilius' attack involves some persistent negotiation with Dormammu with the help of the time bending powers of an Infinity gem. This is also when Benedict Cumberbatch delivers his his trademark act of a renewed, wise and in-command hero that saves the day. Being an arrogant surgeon with gifted hands wasn't out of his comfort zone at all (Sherlock) but sorcery was a first and he depicted his character's coping with the mystical themes, characters and superhero powers with likable credibility. Cumberbatch will shine brighter among Marvel's other heroes and will certainly maintain his commanding presence as was evident in the mid-credits scene with Thor. Rachel McAdams is sincere with her character and is a welcome addition to the supporting ladies in the Marvelverse. Chiwetel Ejiofor denounces rule-breakers and his dedication to the Ancient One makes him a powerful sorcerer. His role might dramatically change though. Benedict Wong breaks away from the Asian stereotype in Hollywood and rather than being a warrior, he simply remains the guardian of mystical books in an imposing manner that seconds his performance as Kublai Khan on Netflix. Tilda Swinton showcases the wisdom and apprehensions of the Ancient One who has been around long enough. As a mentor to a struggling doctor, she approaches him with sternness, humor and wisdom that makes the mystic world more approachable for Strange.
Scott Derrickson does not compromise with the film's visual appeal. Each magical trick, mystical action and execution of a spell is portrayed with eye popping effects that show us dimensions never seen before. Were it not for Swinton's gradual explanation of the world of sorcery, the visuals were rapid and unabating. Apart from the creative efforts behind making the film, its engaging storyline, the introduction of one of the most interesting Marvel heroes and a superlative performance by Benedict Cumberbatch make 'Doctor Strange' a must watch for comic book fans on IMAX. The sorcerer's growth in mystic abilities and his involvement with the Avengers will only make the upcoming wars more exciting.

8.412 on a scale of 1-10.