DOCTOR STRANGE REVIEW

 A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen, and Rachel McAdams

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Written by: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, and C. Robert Cargill

  Admittedly, the story of Dr. Strange isn’t as familiar to me as some of the other Marvel characters, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, these Marvel movies have been pretty good, so I had to give it a chance. “Doctor Strange” does have some strange moments, but there’s nothing strange about this ending up being another Marvel hit.

 Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Dr. Strange, doesn’t seem like the superhero type, but he actually did a pretty good job. Benedict nails the attitude of Dr. Strange both before and after he becomes the hero. Being a huge fan of the show “Hannibal,” it was a pleasure watching Mads Mikkelsen play the villain Kaecilius. It would have been nice to see a little more of how he became the villain than just hearing about it. 

 Speaking of character stories, it’s good seeing the struggle of Dr. Strange after his accident, and how he ends up meeting The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). However, his training goes on a little too long. It’s a good introduction into his soon to come abilities and the dimension world, but it goes on a little too long. Again, it would have been nice to see more of Kaecilius’ story fill some of that time.

Now to the star of the movie…the special effects. Dr. Strange goes head to head with Kaecilius in our every day world literally turned upside down. Rooms are spinning, they run on the side buildings, and use anything not bolted down against each other. It certainly will keep the audience glued to the screen. The best scene is when they are battling each other, and the destruction that just happened is going in reverse against them.

Like “Ant-Man,” “Doctor Strange” makes a nice new addition to the Marvel Universe. It starts with good casting all around. There’s a good mix of the serious background story, and some good humor. The fighting might not be as fast and furious as some of the other Marvel movies, but there’s nothing like this head spinning experience. With that said, I give it 3.5 stars!

  HorrO

*As usual stay to the end for after credit scenes!