Finally ready to draw from the mystic well and show himself in cinematic form, Doctor Strange has emerged and joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper! Here's my review for the film, and special thanks goes to Walt Disney Studios PH and Marvel PH for the IMAX 3D Premiere last October 24th! Possible SPOILERS below, so read with caution!
After meeting super soldiers, armored avengers, and gods who live in different realms... Here comes Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon whose skills have saved lives and made him quite rich beyond anyone's expectations. However a careless car accident leaves his hands damaged beyond repair, leading him to a life of self-pity and anger while aggressively trying to find a cure for his condition.
When his journey of desperation nearly leaves him penniless and on the other side of the world, Strange finds answers in the form of the Mystic Arts - which are skills used to safeguard our realm from dark beings seeking to consume everything as we know it. Under the tutelage of a master Sorcerer known as "The Ancient One", Stephen's world is literally turned upside down, as he lets go of his ego and becomes reborn as a benevolent mystic arts user who fights for good and goes by the name "Doctor Strange".
Directed by Scott Derrickson of "Sinister" and "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" fame, Doctor Strange is pretty much up best in one word - "TRIPPY". The world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already been explored in the eyes of heroes who fight on Earth, Outer Space, and one of the nine realms that includes Asgard and beyond... But it has barely tapped into the grounds of mystical forces that go beyond our reality - which include the multiverse and mirror dimensions.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange - bringing that confident yet egotistical American surgeon to life by transforming his world from a life of medical service into something than channels magic and sorcery into mystic energies. Cumberbatch employs a pretty convincing American accent, which by far is one of the British actor's most convincing performances beyond being "Sherlock" or "Khan". He was literally the right man for the job, and conveys the transformation of a man who was on the top of his game to living in the shadow of grief and then experiencing "rejuvenation" by finding new purpose as a mystic user.
Co-Starring with Cumberbatch of course is a cast of talented actors and actresses. Rachel McAdams (who coincidentally played Irene Adler in RDJ's "Sherlock Holmes" films) plays Christine Palmer - Strange's fellow surgeon and love interest who helps him during his recovery as well as reconnecting with his past life before embracing his duties as a sorcerer. Like Pepper Potts is to Tony Stark/ Iron Man, Christine keeps Strange's humanity in place and is introduced to his new life in a magic showdown like no other.
Of course before he becomes a mystic user he had to learn from the best, and Academy Award winning actress Tilda Swinton conveys that role perfectly as "The Ancient One" - the Sorceress Supreme who protects our dimension with other magic users and teaches Strange to harness his power.
Chiwitel Ejiofor of "12 Years A Slave" fame plays Karl Mordo, better known later to fans as "Baron Mordo" and who is quite different from his comic book counterpart in that he actually teaches and is a mentor to Strange in the movie. He's got quite the character development in this film too, and easily a good casting choice by Marvel Studios in the film.
Then there's Benedict Wong, who plays "Wong" - typically an assistant to Doctor Strange in the comics, but in this film he's the badass librarian and experienced sorcerer who shares a funny mentor/ student relationship with Strange as well.
Finally, there's Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius - the primary antagonist of the film who breaks off from The Ancient One and forms his own sect. There's a deeper mystery and conspiracy going on behind the scenes as the film plays that explains what this man's intentions are... And it has something to do with the Dark Dimension and a certain iconic Doctor Strange villain that makes his debut here but is more of result of this dark sorcerer's actions.
Overall, Doctor Strange EASILY ranks as ONE OF THE BEST FILMS Marvel Studios has produced and arguably for 2016 as well. It's very reminiscent of the first Iron Man in terms of story beats and character development, but takes the route of the mystical and shows us something we needed to see beyond the tried and shown superheroics done in the physical world by The Avengers. Benedict Cumberbatch just NAILED IT, and his character is now a part of something bigger... And will obviously return to interact with Earth's Mightiest Heroes and then some in the future. You'll love the spells, sling ring, and that lovable "Cloak of Levitation" too... It's a movie full of MAGICAL SURPRISES.
After seeing this film last Monday for the IMAX 3D Premiere (as pictured here with friends and fellow cosplayers) courtesy of Walt Disney Studios PH and Marvel PH, this is ONE SUPERHERO FILM that deserves to be seen in that format and then some! Watch it now in theaters!!!
Rating - 5/5
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