A very generic origin story trope innovatively packaged with visual effects, hilarious script and strong casting

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2016)

Marvel has a special knack for origin stories and it is quite evident with Doctor Strange. Easily one of the most visually innovative of the lot recently along with Ant-Man and the familiar climax destruction sequence has a smart twist too. A barrage of funny one-liners (occasionally corny too) and lead-character orientation reminds you of the first Iron Man movie, casting of Benedict Cumberbatch is definitely a winning decision.
Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), apart from being a gifted neurosurgeon is also arrogant and egotistic. His world comes crumbling down when he meets with a car accident that leaves his fingers unstable and incurable. Unable to leave his legacy and on the verge of being bankrupt, his desperation leads him to Kamar-Taj - an alleged healing place in the Himalayas headed by The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). While she helps him get better after an initial reluctance, the place draws him into a world of mystic arts and dark powers.
The primary working factors for this movie are visual effects, Benedict Cumberbatch and the breezy funny script. Even when delving into the multiverse and time bending concepts - the complexity is replaced with a humorous use of them where the negotiation with Dormammu, stealing books from the library and the astral projection gimmicks in the hospital especially standout. The imagination shown in Inception to alter physics is taken to a completely different level here and is well assisted with 3D effects. Mads Mikkelsen isn't as menacing as required for Kaecilius character and Chiwetel Ejiofor is also underwhelming as Mordo. But the Tilda Swinton definitely looked and did the part and Rachel McAdams is as reliable as ever. The credit time sequence which serves as a prologue to its next installment though very much expected, still generates enough excitement to look forward to.
A very generic origin story trope innovatively packaged with visual effects, hilarious script and strong casting