Doctor Strange

A leap of faith is easy when you are the Marvel studios. “Ant-Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” don’t sound so absurd now when you look at the former pulling in a global $520 million on a meager $130 million budget, and the latter grossing $773 million at a cost of just $170 million. “Doctor Strange” is a lesser known character that is bringing the dark and otherworldly arts to the MEU and will likely bridge the gap from “Avengers” to the “Infinity Wars”.

Let me preface this review by saying that I’m not familiar with the comic narrative or the origin story. Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a cocky, brilliant neurosurgeon in New York City with a penchant for expensive things, fast cars, and showing off his superior intellect. His brash demeanor turns off colleagues (and an ex-girlfriend) from the get-go, but his passion for vocational perfection is admirable by all (sound familiar? Tony Stark, cough, cough). After an accident rocks his world, he seeks satisfaction outside of traditional medicine and finds himself in Nepal learning the mystic arts from The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). From there, he is exposed to the multiverse, both good and bad, that opens up worlds and dimensions of possibilities for the future of the Marvel Extended Universe.

Benedict Cumberbatch may seem an odd choice for a superhero, but just like Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, he hits the mark. His snide arrogance gives way to humor, emotion, and even a little action in the way that only an actor with range can make possible. I really was impressed with the depth of the character and the way he was captured by Cumberbatch in more than just a one-dimensional portrayal (Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, etc.). Because he will be an integral part of “Infinity Wars”, I am excited to see where he fits with the old and new Avengers.

Danish crossover star Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale”, “Rogue One”) is the primary antagonist, and he nails the tone of the film. Mostly passive, but clearly capable, he throws an assist toward Cumberbatch and company that really moves the pacing along nicely. His villainy is subtle and understated, deferring to the origin story and character development of Strange. He even has some humorous moments himself that fit perfectly with the storyline.

A star-studded supporting cast of Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, and Benedict Wong are nicely placed around Cumberbatch, but I feel Ejiofor’s character (Mordo) could have been a bit stronger if he had a little more detail in his introduction. I also question the casting of Swinton as The Ancient One and had heard that there was some whitewashing controversy. The bald head look is pretty cool on her, but wouldn’t it make sense to cast someone who’s more, I don’t know, Asian? There are literally billions of women to choose from, and they played it safe and questionable by casting a recognizable Oscar-winning white woman.

Director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) takes a massive step forward with one of the more ambitious projects of 2016. The effects alone require a visionary that is rare, and he does Marvel complete and total justice. The post-film credits hint toward a sequel, but let’s be honest, it’s a near certainty if the other critics and audiences feel the way I do.
“Doctor Strange” is a mesmerizing psychedelic trip into the metaphysical universe that evokes “Inception”, “2001: A Space Odyssey” and even to some degree, “Harry Potter”. Sorcery and mystic arts prevail, but my only gripe is the overwhelming barrage of visual stimulation. At times it is too much and for too long, like a hallucinogenic trip that starts off mind-bending and beautiful, but quickly becomes nearly incomprehensible and therefore easy to tune out. The film makers pulled out all the stops effects-wise, which is remarkable and impressive.

My only other complaint is with the score. I commented to a friend that I thought I was watching “Star Trek” at times, and after some research, realized that composer Michael Giacchino was in fact responsible for both “Doctor Strange” and “Star Trek”. It was noticeable, Michael. Shame on you.

“Doctor Strange” is well done. Entertaining and fresh, a worthy addition to the Marvel family. I don’t have to tell you to go see it, because let’s be honest, you probably will (if you haven’t already), but take it from me; you won’t be disappointed. 9/10.