“Doctor Strange” is filled with fantastic characters that are so magnificently played it’ll be difficult to say this isn’t one of, if not the, best Marvel has conjured up in the casting department. You are immediately drawn to Cumberbatch and his arrogant and cocksure attitude as neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange. Dr. Strange is very skilled with his hands and he has become self-centered and shallow, even enough to lose someone who he feels may be beneath him as he gets better and better in the operating room. Dr. Strange could never admit to needing anyone; they need him. His ego extends to the love department, as well, and his on-again, off-again relationship with Christine Palmer (McAdams) is strained at best.
Speeding on a winding road during a storm (where he’s on a phone call you need to pay attention to), leads to an unfortunate accident where his hands become one with the dash and are severely injured. He is rushed to the hospital where the surgeons can save his life but his hands will never be the same. Of course had he been the surgeon, they would be perfect. Now in constant pain and unable to be a surgeon, he is lost. Christine has done all she can to help and comfort him but she realizes ultimately that he must find his own way. On this journey, he is lead to Karma-Taj where he meets Mordo (Ejiofor) who introduces him to the Ancient One (Swinton). He begins to train his body by learning to understand that the physical is merely one part of a person. He is shown that he can heal his physical body through reprogramming his cells and connecting to his spirit. It is an honor to watch Ejiofor and Swinton work alongside one another. They’re transformative and their commitment to the roles plays well in this newest Marvel film and as much as they are, the film is visually beautiful. Streets fold in on themselves as characters move through different dimensions and doorways which conjure feelings of the very optical film “Inception”.
As well as being a visual masterpiece, the fight sequences are brilliant. Dr. Strange is brought into the fold and taught magic to help fight off dark forces and a rogue student named Kaecilius (Mikkelsen). Strange isn’t interested at first because he became a doctor to save lives, not take them but is forced into helping when it’s obvious that he was born for the part, much like Cumberbatch was born to play this role in the Marvel Comics Universe.
Stan Lee pops up in a fun scene on a bus while they’re in the mirror dimension so look for that. I promise, this Marvel movie will not disappoint. There is a strong theme, you’ll love the comedic elements, the performances are perfect and the script is strong. There is a good set up for the next movie and, as always, stay through the very, very end credits. There will be two post credit clips. Enjoy!
