Although Marvel releases several new superhero movies each year with famous characters who are part of the Avengers, it also takes a risk (to a certain degree, as they follow a formula) by bringing a relatively unknown character and bringing them to the big screen. That previously worked well with Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man. Now it’s Doctor Strange’s turn.
Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is actually a doctor. And a very successful one at that as he regularly gives lectures and has won several prizes. With his steady hand he is able to perform procedures others would only be able to do with extra utensils. He makes sure he picks the right patients, to make sure his reputation isn’t damaged. During a ride in his Lamborghini he is distracted by a phone call making him crash the car and lose everything as he no longer is able to work. He is a broken man, both physically and mentally. During his quest for recovery he hears about a place which could save him. He travels to Nepal and discovers a mysterious group who say they protect the world from dangers coming from other, not visible, dimensions. A former student from this group, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), wants to destroy this group though. Even though Doctor Strange initially doesn’t want to join he has to join once he discovers the new powers he has.
The story really doesn’t have a lot of surprises in store and the bad guy in this films really isn’t a big threat (as is usually the case in Marvel films). Still this was a movie which really shines in the cinema because of its looks. Although some moments might remind you of Inception, it does some visual trickery which you haven’t seen before. Whether it is a city which slowly turns into an Escher-like drawing or the end which plays with time in a way which I haven’t seen before. Cumberbatch is good in his role, but Tilda Swinton doesn’t seem to fit the character she’s playing. She isn’t bad, but I’d rather had seen another actor or actress. And thought the movie made some attempts at humour only few jokes landed. It makes Doctor Strange a very average superhero movie which mainly is pretty to look at.
Very fair and even handed review for a movie I loved……
Good review and spot on. Switching subjects, I haven’t been on your site in a while and it looks great. I love all the subtle movement. Really first rate.
I have been neglecting the site for a bit as the Dutch version has been growing so rapidly and since I started another website as well. But I try to keep this one going…maybe not posting every day anymore, but I try.
Thanks for the compliment and hope you are doing well 🙂