Doctor Strange

Today’s quick review: Doctor Strange. After a car accident leaves him unable to operate, Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), an arrogant neurosurgeon, tries everything he can to recover the use of his damaged hands. His search takes him to Kamar-Taj, a mystic school in Nepal, where a woman known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) teaches him about the world of magic. But after Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a traitor to the school, steals the key to a dangerous ritual, Strange must put his newfound power to the test to save the world from an otherworldly threat.

Doctor Strange is a superhero fantasy film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Doctor Strange is Marvel’s first foray into straight fantasy with no attempt at a science fiction coating. The magic fits surprisingly well with the universe’s established cosmology, giving Doctor Strange free reign with its special effects and action. The result is a polished, visually astounding adventure with mind-bending special effects and boundless creativity.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays an excellent Stephen Strange, arrogant and inconsiderate, but with just enough of a conscience to redeem him. His inflated ego is counterbalanced by Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), a fellow doctor and Strange’s on-again, off-again love interest, who sees the good buried within him. Tilda Swinton plays the Ancient One, a mentor figure with a peculiar relationship with Strange, while Chiwetel Ejiofor rounds out the main cast as Mordo, a fellow sorcerer who helps Strange in his training.

The story is solid if conventional, a well-executed tale of redemption with a typical superhero plot. Where Doctor Strange excels is its visual spectacle, a smorgasbord of fractal designs, visual surprises, and physics-warping fight scenes. The action is fast-paced martial arts crossed with Inception-style reality bending and magical weaponry. The whole package is tied together with smooth writing, a dash of Marvel humor, and a fitting, baroque-inspired soundtrack.

Watch Doctor Strange if you are looking for an action-packed visual feast and a self-contained, fantasy-heavy take on the superhero genre. Those who are cooling on superhero films should consider giving Doctor Strange a shot anyway; its slick execution and magic elements separate it from the usual fare. Skip it if you dislike action movies or magic.

8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I also give it an 8.0 for spectacle, polish, and fun.