From the studio that brought you to the "Battle of New York", to the deepest depths of the "Galaxy" comes a "strange" new adventure which will challenge reality as you know it.
World-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange brilliantly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch is arrogant and selfish. When he loses the use of his hands after a car accident, he seeks healing in a mysterious enclave known as the Kamar-Taj. He becomes a student of "The Ancient One" -who in practice and tradition dictate should be an elderly Asian male, and yet Tilda Swinton are none of these stereotypes and it is brilliant as it breaks such prejudiced roles. Under her tutelage, Strange becomes the "Karate Kid" to Swinton's "Mister Miyagi" and with the guidance of Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (who else but Benedict Wong) Strange becomes a sorcerer with great potential.
Stephen Strange soon learns of the responsibilities of his new found colleagues and finds himself in a battle to save the world from powerful forces.
A visual masterpiece filled with a kaleidoscope of images - totally worth seeing in IMAX. As if "Inception" was but a taste of what a city-literally folding into itself would look like, "Doctor Strange" takes it to a whole new level (and then some) all that while an epic battle unfolds.
"Doctor Strange" is witty and subtle humor as Marvel seems to have the formula down to entertain you throughout the film.
Cumberbatch is an effective actor, making you admire him for the brilliant doctor (and music nerd) that he is and hate him for being a selfish prick - he really is.
It's hilarious to see him struggle in his studies to become a sorcerer, which is why you will celebrate with him when he succeeds.
I love that Rachel McAdams is a quick thinking ER doctor (since I did graduate with a Nursing degree). It was good that the OR had so much action going on.
Superhero origin movies tend to have a similar pattern and yet Marvel pushes the envelope and gives the audience a different experience for each film which they succeed in doing with "Doctor Strange" from the new opening sequence featuring their brand new logo, up until the end.
I was thrilled at the news of Mads Mikkelsen being the film's antagonist and as a friend said, hopefully he will not be a "throwaway villain" unfortunately for these superhero origin movies the antagonist tends to be of the throwaway variety, a few like "Guardians of the Galaxy's" Lee Pace stands out and Mikkelsen comes in a close second. I especially enjoyed the Mister-Doctor" exchange between Strange and Mikkelsen's Kaecilius.
I would love to be able to perform those spells, like being able to travel from one location to the next-and beat this god-forsaken traffic.
Speaking of spells, the manner of how they are performed is nothing sort of magical as it is a stimulating light show as well.
8 out of 10 "Doctor Strange" is a magic show of immerse proportions defying rules and restrictions and exploring the impossible.
All photos are credited to Marvel Studios.
