DOCTOR STRANGE Review: This is the Most Visually Ambitious and Beautiful Marvel Studios Film



***THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW.***


UNITED KINGDOM -- CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR may be the first official movie of Marvel Studios' Phase 3, but as far as I'm concerned it's DOCTOR STRANGE will forever take the title of the film that took Phase 3 to the next level. Introducing us to a brand new character, and by extension of his origin, there is a whole new sphere to play with in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). We're had Iron Men, Incredible Hulks, super soldiers and alien deities but now we've tapped into something else, the magic of DOCTOR STRANGE is such a thrill to see in this cinematic world.

Much has been said about the visuals of DOCTOR STRANGE, so let me add to that chorus; this film, visually speaking, is the most ambitious and beautiful film Marvel Studios has produced to date. With Ditko-esque magic, mind bending kaleidoscopic effects and appearances of other dimensions, forces and even characters that begs you to watch this film in IMAX 3D, if you can. 

The story is somewhat formulaic, to use the word that gets used a little too often when it comes to MCU films, but I feel that is somewhat to Doctor Strange's benefit. Having too complex of a plot when trying to introduce audiences to a lot of the new concepts of magic and sorcery — such as other dimensions that run parallel to our own but don't intersect with it so magic battles can take place right in our midst without people fleeing for their lives — might have overcomplicated things. Mads Mikkelsen is great in the role of Kaecilius, even if his villain is kind of lacking. He's by no means the worst MCU villain, he's probably one scene away from being great, but his motivations and goals always feel a little basic.


All of this seems to have been done to the benefit of Benedict Cumberbatch's Dr. Stephen Strange, as so much time is spent with him as his character develops over the course of the film. And yes, what people have been saying for months now is true; as Marvel prepares to switch out the old guard for the new, Dr. Stephen Strange is absolutely being positioned as the new age Tony Stark / Iron Man, in fact, DOCTOR STRANGE kind of felt like an IRON MAN redux. 

Recognition must also go to the rest of the cast, the already mentioned Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer provides real charm and humour. Chiwetel Ejiofor is frankly brilliant as the devout Mordo (keep an eye on him). Benedict Wong is startlingly brilliant as the bad-ass Wong, an unexpected source of so much of the humour in this film. And Tilda Swinton, oh what more can I say? Her Ancient One is the best mentor character brought to film in the MCU by far. Studio head and producer Kevin Fiege needs to give his casting director a raise.


Director Scott Derrickson has said he felt the tone of DOCTOR STRANGE was closest to CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, but I have to respectfully disagree. There's something about the fantastical elements that's lift DOCTOR STRANGE to another plane, if you'll forgive the pun. Not necessarily a more light-hearted one, as some of the action in this film is visceral and it's theme's dark, but perhaps the very real world threats in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER made it seem more scary to me. Not that DOCTOR STRANGE isn't without it's horror elements, Derrickson being a horror director and all, there are a few simply crafted scares, cheap pops to get the audience to jump out of their seat, all of which I loved. 

It's not without it's flaws, at a little under two hours it sometimes felt rushed and I found myself wishing the film was five minutes longer, just to let some of the scenes breathe, but it is a ridiculously fun-filled romp into an realm I never dreamed Marvel would tread. Also, it really feels as though the DOCTOR STRANGE soundtrack is a direct answer to those critics who say the MCU has no memorable music. I've been humming the DOCTOR STRANGE theme in my head for the last 12 hours – Michael Giacchino's score is the best of any MCU film. Soundtrack nerds like myself, I urge you to check it out on Spotify.


Where does DOCTOR STRANGE, Marvel Studios 14th film, sit amongst it's brethren in my estimation? Easily Top 5, but then I did just see it last night. The closest MCU film I can equate the experience of watching DOCTOR STRANGE to is GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. How ever you feel about Guardians, I think DOCTOR STRANGE will match it and then some. 

There are two credit scenes, one mid-credits and one at the end. I implore you, please stay in your seats. Both scenes left me so intrigued for the future and one of them was easily my favourite Marvel credit scene to date, without question. You'll know what I mean when you see it.

Written by Nick Whitney, MCU Correspondent -- Click to read Nick's posts

 [Editor Note: Nick Whitney saw a special early fan screener in the UK. Stay tuned for our next review which will hit the website on November 2 after we see our local U.S. press screener.]


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