Not Magical Enough!

Rating: 5/10 (4 November 2016)

'Doctor Strange' comes up short compared to its gargantuan expectations. Despite staggering visuals, a strong leading-man & some fun jokes, this superhero spectacle is eventually a disappointment. Reason? Lazy Writing & Uneven Pacing.
'Doctor Strange' Synopsis: A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.
'Doctor Strange' begins dull, but gathers some momentum once Strange embarks on his journey. But, the pace drops again once Strange learns the magical force & a not-so-strong villain Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen, not in form this time), add to its disadvantages. The action is spectacular, though. Once Strange begins to kickass, there's not stopping him & its a lot of fun watching him do that. Even the jokes here evoke laughter, even though they come in limited doses. The visuals are mind-blowing, the action works, but Writing wise, its loopholes all over.
Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill's Screenplay works, only in parts. The pace, also, is uneven. The film jumps from being fun to plain dull. And no film, despite its technical achievements, can rise above a rather weak Screenplay. Derrickson's Direction, on the other-hand, relies on visuals to deliver. Cinematography is excellent, while the Editing needed to be sharper. Art & Costume Design are perfect. Make-Up is finely done, as well. Michael Giacchino's Score is tops.
Performance-Wise: Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange, is superlative all through. He rises above the narrative's underwhelming edges & delivers a rock-solid portrayal of the superhero. Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, is first-rate. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo, is underused. Ditto for Rachel McAdams & Michael Stuhlbarg.
On the whole, 'Doctor Strange' is Not Magical Enough.