Doctor Strange

Theatrical Release Poster

Ever since I saw the trailer of Marvel's Doctor Strange, I was so ecstatic to see the movie especially because one of my favorite actors Benedict Cumberbatch was going to star but I was also a bit skeptical about how it would be pulled off. The story follows Doctor Stephen Strange, a Neurosurgeon who gets into an accident making him lose the use of his hands. The movie begins with Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a sorcerer stealing a ritual from a book belonging to the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). After the accident, Doctor Strange feels like his world is over because he can't use his hands anymore but is encouraged by his friend Doctor Palmer (Rachel McAdams) to move on but he doesn't want to. He learns that Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Pratt) who became paralyzed was able to walk again after visiting a place called Kamar-Taj, so he embarks on a healing journey, putting his ego and pride aside in order to restore the use of his hands.

The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) & Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)

 He goes to Kamar-Taj in Kathmandu, Nepal and meets the Ancient One. He learns a lot from Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the Ancient One, reads the books in the library and finds out that the Earth is protected from other dimensions by a spell formed from three buildings in London, Hong Kong and New York. The buildings are called Sanctums and the sorcerers protect them. Strange becomes very good with spells after a few months and even learns to bend time using the Eye of Agamotto. He is able to put back the pages stolen from the book by Kaecilius but is warned by Mordo and Wong (Benedict Wong), the Librarian that his curiosity might kill him. 

The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) & Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor)

Kaecilius summons Dormammu of the dark dimension where there is eternal life using the pages stolen from the book and this leads to the destruction of the London Sanctum. Strange is then sent to the Sanctum in New York and he starts fighting with Kaecillius and his followers with the help of the Cloak of Levitation. Kaecillius tells Mordo and Strange that the Ancient One isn't who they thought she was and that she gets her long life from her use of Dormammu's power. 

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) & Doctor Palmer (Rachel McAdams)

 The Ancient One becomes seriously injured by Kaecilius which leads to her death even though Strange and Dr. Palmer made a lot of efforts to revive her. When Strange and Mordo go back to Hong Kong, they see that everything is in ruins and Wong had been killed. Using the Eye of Agamotto, Strange turns back time, saves Wong and creates a time loop inside the Dark Dimension. With this he traps himself and Dormammu in the same moment refusing to stop until Dormammu gives him what he wants. Dormammu agrees to leave Earth, taking Kaecilius and his followers along. 

Mordo isn't happy with the way the Ancient One and Strange defied the laws of nature so he leaves. Strange takes back the eye to Kamar-Taj and continues his studies in the New York Sanctum. In the post-credits scene, Mordo steals the energy Pangborn uses to walk explaining that the sorcerers on earth were too much.

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Benedict Cumberbatch pulls of his character so well, even the few comedic scenes didn't have to be forced at all. This role was definitely meant for him. While watching Doctor Strange, I couldn't help but see Cumberbatch's Sherlock character and attitude chip in. The other cast members were also amazing. An Oscar Winner and three nominees? I see no wrong here. Chiwetel Ejiofor has the tendency of pulling of any role given to him, whether as a slave (12 Years a Slave) or as a band creator (Dancing on the Edge). Tilda also did a great job as the Ancient One, not too many people can take on such a role and look good doing it. The action scenes were on point, especially the aspects where there were a million objects and pieces moving but you had to focus on the characters, although it made me dizzy a bit, it was still good to watch. Ben Davis did an amazing job with the cinematography which was one of the best things about this movie. The Story line was very solid with not too many plots. It was straight forward and flowed with ease. The character, Doctor Strange is quite different from other Marvel characters. His powers are not through technology, some serum or failed experiment and they couldn't have picked a better actor to play this role. I couldn't get over the Cloak of Levitation which was just insane, having its own mind and all. This has to be one of the best Marvel movies yet. It was truly exceptional with amazing visuals that just left you, the viewer wanting more. If there's a sequel with any of the characters I'll definitely be excited to see it. 

Rating:9/10

Director:Scott Derrickson 

Starring:Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong 

Screenplay:Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill

Based on the comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Genre:Action, Adventure, Fantasy

U.S Release Date:November 4, 2016

Running Time:1hr 55mins

View the trailer below;