MOVIE REVIEW: DOCTOR STRANGE

After a car accident leaves him with nerve damage that ends his career as a New York neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) travels to Kathmandu in the hope of finding an otherworldly cure for his injuries. There, a powerful mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) accepts him as her pupil and trains him in the art of sorcery. Eventually, Strange must use his new powers to stop a rival (Mads Mikkelsen) from causing chaos by accessing the Dark Dimension. Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Benedict Wong co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister). ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Scott Derrickson 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton

Release Date: Nov 04, 2016

Rated PG-13 for Sci-Fi Violence and Action and an Intense Crash Sequence 

Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min. 

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy 

Review:

Doctor Strange is a visually impressive origin story that’s better than it should be most due to its cast.  That’s not to say that director Scott Derrickson doesn’t do some impressive cinematic gymnastics because he does.  Its just that when you peel back all visual flourishes its plot feels incredibly familiar with magic taking the place of superhero powers.  Thankfully, the film is a generally enjoyable thanks to some strong turns by Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton.  Benedict Cumberbatch feels perfect for the roles and he’s clearly having a great time throughout.  The real stand out though is Tilda Swinton who’s generally the most interesting actor on screen throughout.  It’s a bit of a disappointment that the other great actors assembled aren’t given much to do.  Mads Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor are all saddled with some terribly underwritten and generic characters.  It’s a shame because they are all excellent actors and with better material this film could have been something truly special.  As is, the film is a solid addition to the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic universe.

B