Title: Doctor Strange
Studio: Marvel Studios; Walt Disney
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams
Movie Series: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Theatrical Release: 11/4/2016
Home Release: 2/14/2017 (Digital) | 2/28/2017 (Blu-Ray/DVD)
Purchase: Digital (Amazon, iTunes) | DVD | Blu-Ray (Standard, 3D)
Synopsis:
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilising a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Review:
What I Liked:
- Visuals – Remember how everyone marveled at the trippy visuals of Inception? That movie looks like a warmup act when compared with Doctor Strange. This was simply the most physically striking film I’ve seen in ages.
- Strong Performances – As the Marvel Cinematic Universe has gone on, the series has drawn in some of the best talent in the business and Doctor Strange is no exception. Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game, TV’s Sherlock) puts in the work and makes you like someone whom is not very likable when the movie begins. Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Serenity) is equally impressive as Strange’s friend/trainer/rival Mordo.
- Continues the Plot of the MCU Without Seeming Forced – Longtime fans of the MCU know what the series has been building to since the original The Avengers released. Doctor Strange continues that march without the plot developments feeling tacked on like they were in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
- Introduces the Mystical Side of the MCU – Marvel Comics has always had characters that dabbled in the mystic arts, but I was doubtful that they would resonate with movie goers. I am so happy to be proven wrong. Viewers are going to love seeing more from this side of Marvel in the future.
- The Fun of It – Doctor Strange is just so much fun. The visuals, the simple-yet-deep story, the great acting, and the witty banter of the movie make it a blast to watch. The goal of films is to entertain and Doctor Strange certainly accomplishes this mission.
What I Didn’t Like:
- It’s Still an Origin Story – Despite the new dimensions it adds to the MCU, Doctor Strange still feels like an origin story. We all know this formula by now:
- Hero is introduced.
- Hero has life changing event.
- Hero seeks power/redemption/sense of self.
- Hero struggles in training but eventually learns.
- Hero saves everyone from super-powerful baddie.
Guardians of the Galaxy did the origin story much better in my opinion. The characters involved were already established off camera. The viewer just saw them come together.
- Weak Villain – As often happens with origin stories, the villain of Doctor Strange suffers because the hero’s journey is the focus. This is a really shame since Kaecilius is played by the great Mads Mikkelsen (Rogue One, TV’s Hannibal). Mikkelsen usually plays a very sinister villain, but there just wasn’t a lot for him to do in this movie.
What I Have Mixed Feelings About:
- The Changing of the Ancient One – This will be a long one, so please bear with me for a moment. There was a lot of controversy over the casting of Tilda Swinton (The Chronicles of Narnia, Adaptation.) as Dr. Strange’s master the Ancient One rather than an Asian actor since the character was originally portrayed as an elderly Asian man in the comic series. (Note: Swinton is NOT attempting to play an Asian in the movie; the source of her powers have been changed to Irish Druidism rather than the Eastern spirituality of the original source material).
I can understand the desire to have an Asian actor in such a high profile role. On the other side, the character as originally written can be seen as a stereotype of Asians and Eastern spirituality in general as it was originally created in a less culturally sensitive era. I can see both sides of the argument.
Verdict:
Doctor Strange is very much worth owning. Even if it is only an origin story and features a weak(ish) villain, it is still a blast to watch. Fans of the MCU cannot afford to skip this one as it sets up no less than two upcoming films. Even if you aren’t a longtime Marvel fan, there is a lot to love here. Thanks to the amazing visuals and the strong acting, you will never feel bored. I think it is time to schedule a doctor’s appointment…
Purchase: Digital (Amazon, iTunes) | DVD | Blu-Ray (Standard, 3D)
Note: Purchasing Doctor Strange on either iTunes or Amazon will unlock the movie on all connected services via Disney Movies Anywhere. If you do not know what Disney Movies Anywhere is, check out my list of five reasons you should be using the service.
