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Movie Review: “Doctor Strange” Conjures Up Spectacular Imagery But Not Much Else

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A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.

Marvel has come a long way, from a fledgling production company, selling their properties (“X-Men” & “Fantastic Four”) to major studios to keep afloat, to unstoppable juggernaut, it is truly remarkable what they have achieved over the past 30 years. Now they are producing superhero movies that seem to surpass each other with every new incarnation, making more and more money as they go. Marvel’s latest pictures have triumphed because of their ensemble casts, “The Avengers,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” and “Captain America: Civil War” immediately come to mind but with “Doctor Strange,” I feel they were taking a big risk, introducing a new superhero that anybody not familiar with the comic books, would know nothing about. Naturally, before the Avengers, we had standalone movies with “Iron Man,” “Hulk,” and “Thor,” so that we could lead up to the inevitable joining of all of them, plus a few additional characters and with talk of Doctor Strange joining the Avengers in their next two outings, it makes perfect sense that he get his first solo movie. But is it worth it?

Stephen Strange is one of the top neurosurgeons in the world, he excels in everything he does and it is his calmness under pressure, and his self-appointed arrogance, that has gotten him to the top of his game. His hands are so stable and imperturbable during operations, he is the envy of every other doctor in the hospital. One night, on the way to a special event, he loses control of his car and crashes into a river. After pursuing numerous experimental surgeries to regain full control of his badly-damaged hands, with no success, he finds out about a paraplegic, Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt), once a patient at his hospital, who after a mysterious trip to a far off land, regained full control of his body. He tracks him down where Strange begs him to tell him how he achieved what he did. Pangborn tells him to visit the city of Kamar-Taj in Nepal and look for the Ancient One. He makes his way abroad and is taken in by Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a sorcerer who works for the Ancient One. Initially reluctant to believe in their teachings about astral planes and other dimensions, equating them to a laughable cult, he quickly changes his tune and becomes a believer when he is shown a little of their power.

Over time, he becomes a quick learner and begins to show great promise but then he is introduced to Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a former student who decided to use his powers for evil instead of good. Along with Mordo and the Ancient One, they travel around the world, trying to protect it from Dormammu of the Dark Dimension, an ancient demon that Kaecilius has summoned to destroy the planet. When the Ancient One is struck down in a battle with Kaecilius, it is then up to Strange and Mordo to face him and Dormammu along with the help of Wong, a master of the Mystic Arts, where Strange’s loyalty and, ultimately, his life, will be put on the line.

What I really liked about “Doctor Strange,” is the fact that it deals with the supernatural elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, something only briefly touched upon in Thor. Where the Avengers can deal with enemies utilizing brute force, Strange and the Masters of the Mystic Arts can deal with enemies on a completely different plane. With talk of Strange joining the Avengers in their next outing, it will be interesting to see how they all merge together. While “Doctor Strange” is absolutely stunning to watch, the rest of the movie sadly falls by the wayside. I understand with a tent-pole picture such as this, people will go in with a certain expectation but when the entire film is overflowing with visual effects and they completely take over, it leaves very little breathing room for story exposition and character development, elements necessary to substantiate their visual counterparts. Strange, for the majority of the movie, is completely self-absorbed, therefore, he is not a character you warm to quickly. Even Tony Stark was more likable in his first solo outing but Strange’s ego constantly gets in the way of almost everything that transpires onscreen. Even at the end, there are still traces of smugness and pomposity that leaves his character just far enough out of reach, you’re still trying to decide whether you like him or not on your way home from the theater.

Benedict Cumberbatch is totally fascinating to watch, he can play any character, good guy or bad, and make you believe in him but with Strange, he has his work cut out for him. Over time, hopefully he will become more confident and relaxed with his new powers and abilities and by the time we get to the next Avengers story, it will be curious to see he and Tony Stark compete for the moniker of most narcissistic and conceited character in the MCU. And don’t forget to wait after the movie credits begin to roll, there is not one but two sequences you won’t want to miss.

In theaters Friday, November 4th

 
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James McDonald

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, James is a Movie Critic with 40 years of experience in the film industry as an Award-Winning Filmmaker. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association.