The Marvel Cinematic Universe is now in it's third phase and here comes the first of a series of spinoff single-hero-films with "Doctor Strange." Benedict Cumberbatch plays the arrogant neurosurgeon who wakes from a horrible accident to find himself trained in the use of spells and astral projections.
Unfortunately, while the story sounds like Tony Stark's rise to heroism, the good Doctor isn't as magical as some of the past Marvel films. By now, the story of an arrogant rich guy becoming a hero is just too familiar. The familiarity isn't necessarily a bad thing, the problem is that Strange never develops as a character throughout the film.
Cumberbatch is the only actor who brings his A-game. Rachel McAdams is fine enough as his love interest, but there's never enough time put into her character to make the romance meaningful. Tilda Swinton is also fine as the Ancient One, as is Chiwetel Ejiofor, but the only real stand out besides Cumberbatch is Benedict Wong, as the mystic librarian Wong.
Marvel films always have one consistent problem and Dr. Strange is no exception; the villain is weak. It's no fault of the actor, Mads Mikkelsen, it's just that his character doesn't really do anything. His underling henchmen can perform the same spells as him and he himself is not particularly unique, apart from being a former student fallen from glory.
The visuals in the film are a highlight, when they are used sparingly. In a few sequences, the trippy visuals are featured for upwards of ten minutes until it becomes headache inducing, as opposed to mystifying. These moments are well produced, but oftentimes I couldn't watch the entire scenes, for fear of becoming nauseous.
"Doctor Strange" manages to fall to the bottom of the Marvel pantheon. It confuses creating a sophisticated plot with creating an incoherent and predictable one, while the visuals are, for the most part, nauseating.
The film is unoriginal and fails to conjure performances worthy of a Marvel film, apart from the two Benedicts. "Doctor Strange" isn't bad, but save for those obsessed with everything coming from Marvel Studios, viewers may be left more confused than spellbound. 3.5/5 stars
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Marvel Studios.
