by Jennifer Zhan, senior editor
Benedict Cumberbatch has received widespread recognition for his part as the lead detective in the British television series “Sherlock”. In Marvel’s latest film, Cumberbatch is back in a lead role, sans British accent and curly hair. He plays Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant yet egotistic neurosurgeon. When Strange loses his physical ability to do his work, he seeks desperately for a way to reverse the damage, finally ending up in Kamar-Taj, a training ground for Masters of the Mystic Arts.
There, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) changes his entire perspective on the world. With the help of his mentor Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and librarian Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange begins to unravel a strange new reality, one with infinite dimensions and universes. The visual effects match the confusing nature of this multiverse. In some scenes, watching the film becomes almost a psychedelic experience, as the camera pans wildly around while objects shift and multiply and fuse together. It’s unsettling, but somehow, director Scott Derickson manages to keep the effects breathtaking without becoming nauseating (a side note: I feel that watching in 3D would change that significantly).
“Doctor Strange” definitely isn’t your typical superhero movie. Sure, there’s still plenty of intense hand-to-hand combat, but fight scenes now involve hopping in and out of bodies. Spells and magical relics are the weapons of choice, and defense tactics can include escaping to another dimension. But there are still some familiar elements. Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), and his cronies pledge their allegiance to Dormammu, the Lord of the Realm of Darkness, who is intent on claiming every reality for his own. Strange finds himself leading other veteran sorcerers in a fight against these villains. Despite his lack of experience, he always seems to elude death. Along the way, he must discover who he wants to be and what he wants to stand for.
To keep the perhaps familiar plot structure interesting, “Doctor Strange” is full of witty one-liners and several surprising twists. However, while making the movie gripping and funny, this format also led to one of my only complaints. In a movie where the plot is always racing forward and the visual effects are endlessly dazzling, I found myself wanting a few more simple moments. For example, while Strange’s main love interest, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), had plenty funny and intensely emotional scenes, it seemed like she was never fully developed as a character. There were a few other members of the supporting cast that I felt had more potential to shine as well.
But all in all, “Doctor Strange” did everything it needed to do. It mixed in intense, stunning fight sequences with several good laughs. But betrayal and revenge also force audiences to think about life, death, and morality. It’s a little strange, yes. But take Mordo’s advice and forget everything you think you know. Then, you’ll be able to accept all the aspects of “Doctor Strange” that seem unrealistic and appreciate it for what it is: a good movie.
Doctor Strange is playing at both Premiere Cinema Bryan and Cinemark – College Station in both standard and 3-D. For Marvel die-hards, there are not one, but two after-credit scenes to stay for.
