Directed by Scott Derrickson
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Tilda Swinton
The fourteenth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been in theaters for almost a month now. After seeing Doctor Strange multiple times in theaters, as much as I enjoy and love it, I do find it could have been a better product.
Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is an accomplished yet arrogant neurosurgeon, who ends up in a terrible car accident, rendering his hands practically useless. After modern medicine fails him again and again, he seeks out the secret compound of Kamar-Taj for other methods of healing. There he learns of things such as multi-dimensions, the astral plane and, in layman's terms, sorcery.
Strange begins to learns the ways of the mystic arts under the guidance of The Ancient One (Swinton) and fellow sorcerer Mordo (Ejiofor). As Strange continues his teachings, the vindictive sorcerer Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his army of zealots put into motion a plan to sacrifice the world to the being Dormammu and his dark dimension.
It's easy to compare Strange's origin and character to that of Tony Stark/Iron Man. An arrogant know-it-all goes through something traumatic, is given extraordinary gifts and learns humility, just as a large evil threat-in-the-sky looms overhead. Without giving too much away, I personally saw a bit of parallels between the story of this film and the one of the first Thor film. There's nothing special about Doctor Strange's origin story at the base level, but it's the characters unique setting and abilities that elevate it.
The idea of magic and multiple dimensions is something new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the film spectaulrly skyrockets the franchise into this new territory, displaying some truly amazing effects and set pieces for these characters to muck about through. Michael Giacchino's epic score only helps to bring the film's unique tone and aura to life.
Speaking of characters, this cast might be one of the finest Marvel's ever assembled. Benedict Cumberbatch of course is pure gold as the titular character. A fan favorite since we knew this film would happen, he embodies every aspect of the character, and brings both the proper amount of gravitas and sincerity. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a biblical fierceness to Mordo, that was a highlight of the film for me. Tilda Swinton is both strong and sweet as The Ancient One. Benedict Wong as...Wong, is a hell of a scene stealer. Mads Mikkelsen, while he does a fine job, is another underdeveloped Marvel villain. Rachel McAdams, while she does a fine job, is another underdeveloped Marvel love interest.
This is where I transition into my problems with the film, and it's not just with McAdams and Mikkelsen. While I can praise the performances of the supporting cast, the background and character development left to them in the script is a lot to be desired. McAdams as Christine Palmer is more a plot device then a character and is one of Marvel's weakest leading ladies. We're given two lines of exposition about Kaecilius's backstory, and they're so cryptic we're left to our imagination to figure out where it all went south with him. It's hinted a few times that Mordo's got a dark background of his own (Those of you comic fans know Mordo is one of Doctor Strange's biggest villains), but we learn literally nothing. "You've no idea...the things I've done" he states in the film, and we're left to reply "You're right. We really don't." I understand that this is Strange's origin story, but if these characters are to be a part of his reigon of the MCU, they need to be as well developed as he is. One can only hope that in the inevitable sequel these characters will get their dues.
Is this my first sign of superhero film fatigue? Fourteen films into this franchise, are the patterns all too clear for me now I can't just turn a blind eye, or am I simply doubting the nerd path I've chosen? No of course not, I'm being dramatic. But the problems in Doctor Strange are problems other MCU films that have come before it have had, and I like many, hope to see these problems rectified going forward. Yes the plot of Doctor Strange is a familiar formula, but it's a winning formula and Marvel manages to give it a distinct mold every turn.
So do I consider Doctor Strange a perfect film? No. Do I still love it, consider it one of Marvel's best, and is it one of my favorite Marvel origin stories since Captain America: The First Avenger? Yes. Will it probably be on my Top 10 of the year, even though Captain America: Civil War will be on there too, and will you all roll your eyes at me for being so predictable? More than likely, but haters gonna hate. Complete with stunning visuals, a tremendous cast and beautiful music, stapled in with the usual tropes and formulas, Doctor Strange is a magnificent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's pure magic.
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