Doctor Strange - Review
Director: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong
Doctor Strange, you say. Who on Earth is Doctor Strange? This character certainly doesn't have the notoriety or popularity in the zeitgeist that superheroes such as Batman or Superman do. But Marvel Disney have always displayed a talent for bringing largely unknown characters from comics to the forefront of popular culture; before 2008's smash hit Iron Man, Tony Stark or his alter ego was an unknown property. Now? He's the MCU's biggest attraction. Will Doctor Strange be catapulted into the mainstream in such a fashion, or make a blunder at the starting line?
Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a New York neurosurgeon, is a highlight intelligent but egotistical work-obsessed individual. When a catacalysmic car crash leave Strange's hands damaged beyond medical repair, Strange seeks a remedy in Kathmandu and discovers the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who teaches him the ways of the mystic arts. As he excels in his training, he must also contend with Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), the Ancient One's former student who is intent on using dark forces to destroy reality.
The praise and conversation surrounding Doctor Strange has been predominantly monopolised by the visuals and CGI, and deservedly so as they are spectacular. Infused with psychedelic colours that you'd only find in an alternative art exhibition and startling action that sees Strange shoot through different dimensions is unlike anything that Marvel Cinematic Universe has produced before - it's even unprecedented territory for blockbusters in general. Taking heavy inspiration from the 60s Doctor Strange comics and amalgamating visual styles from Inception, the Harry Potter franchise and The Matrix, the picture creates an aesthetic that's entirely its own and will become a point of reference for other spectacle driven films in years to come.
Albeit innovative in some respects, Doctor Strange falls victim to apathy and a sense of deja vu in others. It's no great secret that Marvel aren't fantastic at executing their villains, with Loki arguably being the first and thus far only effective one. Mads Mikkelsen's Kaecilius unfortunately continues to prove Marvel's consistent flaw, as his quest for immortality feels a little "been there, done that". Despite Mikkelsen's best efforts and usual intensity, his character is regrettably a forgettable entry into the gallery of MCU villains. This calls to a larger issue that hounds the powerhouse studio and is one of their biggest criticisms; the formulaic nature of the stories. Different heroes assume the mantle, sure, but their antagonists are feebly fleshed-out and the narrative hits the same beats almost every time.
However, even when the picture starts to feel familiar, the cosmic/sorcerer/mystical/multi-dimensional crux keeps thing fresh and exciting. In a universe that so often tries to explain everything in relation to science, it's refreshing to see the film embrace magic whole-heartedly. The powers that Strange and co exhibit are incredibly stimulating in the physical world, and will also work remarkably well in the cosmic realm when Strange makes his next appearance in Avengers: Infinity War.
The acting talent also elevate the material beyond its occasional formulaic worth. Cumberbatch portrays the titular character; an arrogant workaholic with a penchant for self-importance. No, not Sherlock - Doctor Strange! Although, there are broad similarities between the two characters, Cumberbatch makes each role distinct, and Strange's playboy and flash behaviour provide a stark enough contrast. Speaking of Stark, comparisons have been noted between another goatee adorning genius with an arrogance complex - Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark AKA Iron Man. The eventual uniting of these characters in the previously aforementioned upcoming Avengers: Infinity War will hopefully include intelligent quips and facial hair banter galore. Not every character is given the same thought and consideration that Stephen Strange is, as Chiwetel Ejiofor's character Mordo is rarely given an opportunity to flaunt his skills in the mystic arts. In one sequence he aids Strange in his training and demonstrates his prowess, but that's sadly the only time. During the climactic and crucial action sequences, Mordo transfers all burden and responsibility of saving the day to Strange, and despite years of practice and experience, he is of no assistance. Rachel McAdams is also worthier of a more substantial role, whilst although she's a pro at playing the love interest, it seems a waste of her talent and appeal.
Visually and conceptually inventive, Doctor Strange is yet another reliably and enjoyable and entertaining spectacle to add to the Marvel Cinematic Universe - even if it is guilty of by-the-numbers thinking.
EB
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong
Doctor Strange, you say. Who on Earth is Doctor Strange? This character certainly doesn't have the notoriety or popularity in the zeitgeist that superheroes such as Batman or Superman do. But Marvel Disney have always displayed a talent for bringing largely unknown characters from comics to the forefront of popular culture; before 2008's smash hit Iron Man, Tony Stark or his alter ego was an unknown property. Now? He's the MCU's biggest attraction. Will Doctor Strange be catapulted into the mainstream in such a fashion, or make a blunder at the starting line?Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a New York neurosurgeon, is a highlight intelligent but egotistical work-obsessed individual. When a catacalysmic car crash leave Strange's hands damaged beyond medical repair, Strange seeks a remedy in Kathmandu and discovers the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who teaches him the ways of the mystic arts. As he excels in his training, he must also contend with Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), the Ancient One's former student who is intent on using dark forces to destroy reality.
The praise and conversation surrounding Doctor Strange has been predominantly monopolised by the visuals and CGI, and deservedly so as they are spectacular. Infused with psychedelic colours that you'd only find in an alternative art exhibition and startling action that sees Strange shoot through different dimensions is unlike anything that Marvel Cinematic Universe has produced before - it's even unprecedented territory for blockbusters in general. Taking heavy inspiration from the 60s Doctor Strange comics and amalgamating visual styles from Inception, the Harry Potter franchise and The Matrix, the picture creates an aesthetic that's entirely its own and will become a point of reference for other spectacle driven films in years to come.
Albeit innovative in some respects, Doctor Strange falls victim to apathy and a sense of deja vu in others. It's no great secret that Marvel aren't fantastic at executing their villains, with Loki arguably being the first and thus far only effective one. Mads Mikkelsen's Kaecilius unfortunately continues to prove Marvel's consistent flaw, as his quest for immortality feels a little "been there, done that". Despite Mikkelsen's best efforts and usual intensity, his character is regrettably a forgettable entry into the gallery of MCU villains. This calls to a larger issue that hounds the powerhouse studio and is one of their biggest criticisms; the formulaic nature of the stories. Different heroes assume the mantle, sure, but their antagonists are feebly fleshed-out and the narrative hits the same beats almost every time.
However, even when the picture starts to feel familiar, the cosmic/sorcerer/mystical/multi-dimensional crux keeps thing fresh and exciting. In a universe that so often tries to explain everything in relation to science, it's refreshing to see the film embrace magic whole-heartedly. The powers that Strange and co exhibit are incredibly stimulating in the physical world, and will also work remarkably well in the cosmic realm when Strange makes his next appearance in Avengers: Infinity War.
The acting talent also elevate the material beyond its occasional formulaic worth. Cumberbatch portrays the titular character; an arrogant workaholic with a penchant for self-importance. No, not Sherlock - Doctor Strange! Although, there are broad similarities between the two characters, Cumberbatch makes each role distinct, and Strange's playboy and flash behaviour provide a stark enough contrast. Speaking of Stark, comparisons have been noted between another goatee adorning genius with an arrogance complex - Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark AKA Iron Man. The eventual uniting of these characters in the previously aforementioned upcoming Avengers: Infinity War will hopefully include intelligent quips and facial hair banter galore. Not every character is given the same thought and consideration that Stephen Strange is, as Chiwetel Ejiofor's character Mordo is rarely given an opportunity to flaunt his skills in the mystic arts. In one sequence he aids Strange in his training and demonstrates his prowess, but that's sadly the only time. During the climactic and crucial action sequences, Mordo transfers all burden and responsibility of saving the day to Strange, and despite years of practice and experience, he is of no assistance. Rachel McAdams is also worthier of a more substantial role, whilst although she's a pro at playing the love interest, it seems a waste of her talent and appeal.
Visually and conceptually inventive, Doctor Strange is yet another reliably and enjoyable and entertaining spectacle to add to the Marvel Cinematic Universe - even if it is guilty of by-the-numbers thinking.
EB
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