Review by CJ

Director:
Scott Derrickson

Starring:
Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong

Other notable appearances:
Benjamin Bratt, Stan Lee, Chris Hemsworth

Running time:
115 minutes

Watch this if you liked:
Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Shadow, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Doctor Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a renowned neurosurgeon whose talent is only matched in size by his ego. When his hands are all but destroyed in a near fatal car accident, Strange turns to less conventional methods of healing. Instead, Stephen finds a new purpose in life — protecting the world from mystic threats.

Doctor Strange is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The MCU is a mighty force. There are a few weaker links but as a whole it is arguably the greatest franchise in film history. Doctor Strange not only strengthens the whole but also stands on its own as a solid introduction to the character.

The humour fans of the MCU have come to know and love is featured in abundance. In a plot and character group that I wouldn’t have thought leant itself to humour, the writers and cast have delivered great comedic moments.

Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect in his role as Doctor Stephen Strange. Fans of Sherlock know that Cumberbatch is great at portraying arrogant geniuses and Doctor Strange is no exception.

Mads Mikkelsen is a brilliant villain. While I didn’t feel that Doctor Strange gave Mikkelsen’s character much depth, the calm way in which Mikkelsen portrays his character’s fanaticism is fascinating to see.

The Doctor Strange musical score is remarkable. I took the time to listen to the full score after having seen the film and found it to be very expressive in its own right. Much like the film, the score starts as you would expect before transporting you to great heights, strange places and dramatic crescendos.

As with all MCU films, I implore you to stick around for both the mid credits sequence and the after credits sequence. In the case of Doctor Strange both are either fun or informative.

If you enjoy superhero movies with awesome effects, gorgeous scenery, beautiful soundtracks and a flawed but ultimately good hero, then give Doctor Strange a go. While I don’t feel you need to have seen the preceding 13 films in the MCU to enjoy Doctor Strange, I do highly recommend investing in the rest of the universe. It’s a fantastic journey.

Rating:

“Heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical dangers. We safeguard it against more mystical threats.”