Production Company: Marvel Studios
Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C Robert Cargill and Steve Ditko
Actors: Benedict Cumberpatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton
Release Date: OUT NOW!

I can honestly say that I have not had the pleasure of seeing an aesthetically

mystifying, funny, and enchanting film quite like Doctor Strange. The film held up to the consistent level of quality Marvel has produced with the MCU. Doctor Strange is tastefully dramatic, with a touch of realistic perspective. The film is also surprisingly humorous, while maintaining a serious undertone with the constant struggle that the main character went through.

The choice of casting Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange could not have been more ideal. The character, like that of Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.), has an uncanny resemblance to the actor. However, I am not personally a huge fan of Hollywood’s tendency to whitewash their cast. I have to admit that I found Tilda Swinton’s representation of Doctor Strange’s teacher the Ancient One to be very entertaining and enthralling, as much as a master in the magical arts should be in my opinion.

Fans of the comics, like myself, should find the film sticking loosely to its roots. Aspects of the comic book like Doctor Strange’s attitude (both towards the magic he practices and the people around him) and his neverending struggle with his damaged hands are a satisfying consideration towards the plot of the movie. Other than that I found myself at times cursing the writers throughout the film for some inconsistencies in the characters introduced and overall plot.The film never seemed to miss a beat by keeping you laughing, hypnotised with the graphics, or on the edge of your seat with action.

The only complaint I could mention would be the villain, Kaecilius; I found him to be disappointingly one-dimensional. One track minded, no real substance. I enjoyed the two extra scenes in the middle and end of the credits. They were illuminating to the possibilities of a sequel and a future team-up with other MCU heroes.

I look forward to the appearances of Benedict Cumberbatch’s continued representation of Doctor Strange. And hopefully, this Doctor Strange film will open up the doors to Marvel’s extensive supernatural universe.

 

 

Reviewer: Phillip Allen
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker