What doesn't kill you, simply makes you STRANGE.

Rating: 7/10 (4 November 2016)

'Doctor Strange' is the latest hero and film added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With great power comes strange abilities, and boy does this film deliver elements of the weird:)
1. To start off, 'Doctor Strange' is the definition of a "good" movie, and that's pretty much all I can say about it. The one and only thing that makes this film stand out are the visuals and unusual powers the characters possess. In no way is it horrible, but it falls short of being something great since the world of Doctor Strange had damn near unlimited possibilities. We've seen the science and fantasy before, but this film deals particularly with magic and the supernatural. I can easily compare the tone of this movie to 'Thor: The Dark World', where it's satisfying but just okay.
2. Apart from the journey of Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to find the Ancient One and regain proper use of his hands after a terrible car crash, the plot revolves around a rogue master named Kaecilius (Mad Mikkelsen) who has stolen pages from a book of spells in order to open a dark realm and unleash a dangerous evil entity. As far as intrigue, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fascinated with the character of Strange himself, and his training in becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. The visuals are stunning, the creative action sequences, and (of course) Mr. Cumberbatch are by far the best parts of the film.
3. For years now, Benedict Cumberbatch has been one of my top five favorite actors, and he delivers the best he can. The only personal flaw of mine is that I don't quite see him as Doctor Strange quite yet. I believe the script wasn't as keen as it could be on developing the character to the point where he feels solidified in this universe. Mad Mikkelsen is scary and physically brutal as Kaecilius, but the writing just isn't there to give his character more weight. He had the potential to be just as lethal as say....The Winter Soldier, yet the script doesn't do him justice nor the rest of the main cast.
4. People may compare Stephen Strange to Tony Stark when it comes to ego and arrogance, but Strange is not so self-centered to the degree of Stark. Rachel McAdams is hinted to be Strange's love interest as the film progresses, but the dynamic between them isn't what you might expect. The only warning I'd give comes during the climax. Let's just say I got flashback's of 2011's 'Green Lantern' when a particular threat is introduced during an inter-dimensional sequence. The movie is only 115mins long, but things feel extremely rushed, especially the transition of Stephen Strange into the Sorcerer we know.
5. I also give both Tilda Swinton (Ancient One) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo) a lot of credit since they play their respective roles to great conviction. If you do go see this in theaters, I strongly recommend that you wait till the very end, cause there are two amazing post-credit scenes, one in particular which sets up another highly anticipated Marvel film slated for next November;)
There are so many things to touch on, but they are so minor it can be overlooked. I really like this movie, although as much as I wanted to, I couldn't fall in love with it. All that being said, 'Doctor Strange' is still one of the better comic-book movies this year right behind 'Captain America: Civil War'.