Doctor Strange Review: Solid But Not Spectacular

With so many years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe bringing grounded films like “Iron Man” to life, while slowly revealing other corners of the MCU with the cosmic adventures of Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy,  the introduction of Doctor Strange, a more fantastical entry to the world, is an interesting one.

Make no mistake, “Doctor Strange” is a risky film for sure. Getting the audience invested into the story and characters is no easy feat. Luckily, director Scott Derrickson pulls it off.

However, Stephen Strange’s origin story could be formulaic at times. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Strange is your typical charismatic, arrogant surgeon that is involved in a car accident and is humbled by the experience. It’s too similar to Tony Stark’s situation in “Iron Man.”

Strange is a gifted surgeon, but is only involved in complicated treatments of his choosing. When Strange loses the ability to use his hands, he spends as much money as he can to get his life back as a surgeon. It is to no avail, however.

This leads Strange to meeting Benjamin Bratt’s Johnathan Pangborn. Pangborn tells him of a location called the Kama-Taj in Nepal, where his body was completely healed. Strange wastes no time and travels there immediately in a desperate attempt to get his old life back.

This is where Strange’s mind will get blown when he encounters Mordo and the Ancient One.

The Ancient One reveals to Strange to forget everything you know and just let go. Strange is flabbergasted and finds the Ancient One’s mystical practices to be nonsense. The Ancient One gives the push Strange needs to reveal various multiple dimensions that has Strange at a disbelief at first, but becomes a believer after that ordeal.

It’s ultimately the standout supporting cast that brings everything together. Despite the controversial gender and race change from the comics, Tilda Swinton’s Ancient One is a standout. She has a calm presence and could hold her own in a battle. She ranks up there with strong female heroines like Agent Carter, Black Widow and Misty Knight.

As for Chiwetel Ejiofer’s Mordo, he is loyal and confident. He truly believes in the mystic acts that he is practicing. Him and Strange develop a brotherly bond. Benedict Wong’s Wong has a humorous exchange with Strange when they first encounter each other. Over the course of the film their relationship develops.

For Doctor Strange himself, Benedict Cumberbatch invests you. Despite these extraordinary abilities, Strange is a still an ordinary human being with tons of flaws. He has to put his selfish ego aside to find it within himself to be a hero.

Away from the performances of the cast. The film is a feast for the eys. If there was ever a movie you should watch in 3D, it’s this one. “Doctor Strange” has the most beautiful and creative sequences ever captured on film. The images are brought to life from the artwork of Steve Ditko during his Marvel Comics run in the 1960s.

You will watch in awe as you see buildings get shaped shift, portals open, time getting manipulated and colorful dimensions that are trippy. Every sequence in this film is done with care and attention to detail. Some of the sequences are a bit out there and will throw you off, but they’re intriguing to watch, as your brain will let go and you find yourself immersed in to this fantastical world still just being explored.

There are also nice nods to the comics that are brought to life on screen, such as the first time Doctor Strange has that battle sequence with Kaecilius and his minions in the iconic Sanctum Santorum, located in Greenwich Village, in Manhattan New York. The first time Strange uses the “the Eye of Agamotto,” the green visuals are gorgeous to watch. Or the first time Strange gets “the Levitation Cloak” for the first time, which is unpredictable, yet humorous.

Despite all that, not everything is perfect. “Doctor Strange” carries with it superhero origin story tropes, such as the love interest, Rachael McAdams’ Christine Palmer, who is another version of the Night Nurse in the film. Also, her reactions when Doctor Strange reveals his powers to her for the first is unrealistic. She is shocked at first, but accepts it as if it’s normal.

Another huge weakness that Marvel movies have had for a long time are its weak villains. Kaenilius doesn’t change that at all. Mads Mikkelson is an above average actor from his role in “Hannibal” and “Casino Royale,” but he is underutilized here. He comes across as another generic, weak villain with motivations of exterminating the human race to bring about a new world. After this film, he’ll be instantly forgettable.

It’s not going to be ranked as one of the best MCU films, like “the Avengers” or “Captain America: Winter Soldier.” What stops “Doctor Strange” from reaching greatness, it plays it too safe and his origin story is a bit rushed. Everything gets handed to Doctor Strange and it doesn’t feel earned. Some better character development could have benefitted it more.

That doesn’t mean that the film is not worth checking out. The visual sequences are impressive and it expands the scope of the Marvel Universe. It features an impressive cast that carries the film and has you emotional invested into the story.

“Doctor Strange” was worth the risk. After this film, audiences will look forward to his appearance in “the Avengers: Infinity War.”