It would seem that Marvel can’t make a bad movie.
The Marvel cinematic universe is one of the most popular film franchises in history, and its newest addition, Doctor Strange, is sure to delight and entertain comic-book lovers and moviegoers of all ages as well.
For a comic-book film, Doctor Strange contains some deep messages. The film will likely prompt some serious conversations after the credits roll (and after the two typical, bonus Marvel scenes at the end) among moviegoers because of its inherent themes. However, also typical of Marvel, the film has some delightful surprises, and, while not classified as a comedy by any means, will have viewers laughing nearly throughout its entirety.
Therefore, fellow Lumination staff member Brooke Dorris and I have decided to do a co-review to hopefully give a glimpse of the conversational tone the film invokes.
As alluded to before, Doctor Strange is a “strange film,” even for a Marvel movie. In fact, in some ways, it doesn’t even seem like a Marvel movie — perhaps it’s Benedict Cumberbatch’s stellar performance as Dr. Strange, or maybe it’s the simplicity of its story design. Nevertheless, it is a superhero film, but Strange isn’t your average superhero. He’s quite cocky and arrogant, and that gets him into trouble sometimes. His character is slightly reminiscent of Tony Stark, but Cumberbatch does an excellent job of making the character his own.
The film begins with neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange, saving people’s lives (in the hospital). He’s confident in his ability, and this talent is where he seemingly derives his self worth. When he is careless while driving his Lamborghini and gets himself into a horrific accident, leading to limited use of his hands — which is how he made his living since he’s a renowned neurosurgeon — his world is understandably shaken.
After spending all his wealth trying to find a way to heal his shaky hands, Dr. Strange finally stumbles into the mystic arts after meeting the “Ancient One” (Tilda Swinton). The rest of the story is comic-book history as he finds his true calling in life. He’s always had a gift for helping people. Before, he used this gift to heal others, but he was still internally focused, as he would turn patients away if the surgery was too risky or complicated so that he wouldn’t ruin his “perfect record.” However, after he masters the mystic arts (and gets over himself a bit), his focal point shifts to saving the world, rather than saving himself.
Swinton and Rachel McAdams (who plays Strange’s love-interest-but-just-friends coworker Christine) are good, but Cumberbatch really carries the film all on his shoulders.
The visual effects are also captivating — this is one of the rare films you actually need to see in IMAX 3D. Visual effects supervisors Stephane Ceretti and Richard Bluff create a fanciful, delusory world full of action and creative visuals.
Even though some may say it’s just a comic-book film, Dr. Strange delivers some serious themes and messages, as we mentioned before. Although there’s more from the film, here’s a few of our favorites:
1. Dr. Stephen Strange can serve as a great role model for people who suffer traumatic incidents that leave them disabled.
- At first, Strange is abrasive to everyone after his injury, but he overcomes this and relies on what he can do — and doing it to his fullest potential.
2. The film delves into religious themes with the traditional story of good and evil, but it also hits on eternal life and the consequences if you choose the wrong path.
- The “bad guys” wanted eternal life. However, viewers see that eternal life with evil is a horrible fate.
3. Dr. Strange’s course of action to fix the problems in the world have consequences.
- Does the end always justify the means?
- How far should one go in bending the rules to do the right thing?
Overall, we give the film a solid 3/4. It’s definitely one of the must-see films of the year, especially for those who follow the Marvel cinematic universe.
Also, for when you do see the film (because you really should), we have included a BuzzFeed-style commentary of the film below. Feel free to read along.
- “OH SWEET” — when Brooke found out this was in IMAX — yes, definitely see this in IMAX; it’s worth it.
- Wait, now the walls are moving. I might get sick. (This is evident in the trailer, but don’t let it steer you away from seeing it in 3D).
- Good, normal music. Now, it feels like a Marvel movie.
- Dr. Strange? More like Doctor Steady Hands.
- We miss his beautiful British accent already. (Unfortunately, Cumberbatch feels the need to perform his role in an American accent).
- Wow, he’s rich, and oh wow, he drives a Lamborghini. (This, too, is soon to change, but no spoilers . . . .)
- Look Doctor, you really shouldn’t be driving like a maniac in the rain.
- OH NO HE CRASHED.
- OH NO HE FELL OFF A CLIFF.
- See, we told you not to drive like a maniac.
- Oh no . . . his hands are pretty banged up . . . goodbye Dr. Steady Hands (turning point in the movie).
- We’re starting to feel sorry for him.
- Oh, the guy from 12 Years a Slave (Chiwetel Ejiofor), is in this. He’s great as Mordo.
- Yes, Mordo, please help Doctor Strange finally find the place he’s searching for.
- “The Ancient One” is not the guy that looks ancient. (There was actually an uproar about the Ancient One being cast as a white female instead of an Asian male as he was portrayed in the comics).
- Solid quote from the Ancient One: “We never lose our demons, we only learn to live above them.” Deep.
- Now Dr. Strange is shirtless. Is this what Marvel movies are all about?
- Wong (Benedict Wong — the actor’s name is Wong too!) is our favorite character.
- WOW THE CAPE IS SO COOL.
- The cape is our new favorite part of this movie.
- The cape deserves an Oscar.
- Back to business. They are all fighting each other in NYC . . . this doesn’t look so good.
- Doctor Strange and Christine have a most tender goodbye (there really is good chemistry between the two actors).
- Solid ending, we highly approve.
- FINAL THOUGHT: bravo Marvel, you’ve done it again. Great movie, great story, great visual effects.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures