Doctor Strange review – a great introduction to the psychedelic side of Marvel

‘After a tragic accident neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.’

After 90 year old super soldiers, Norse gods and a talking Racoon, Marvel finally make their first foray into the mystical with Doctor Strange. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the sorcerer supreme and directed and written by Scott Derrickson, the film follows Strange’s origin from gifted but arrogant neurosurgeon, to mystical protector of the earth after a car crash leaves him without the use of his hands.

We also have Tilda Swinton’s Ancient One who teaches Strange, and Mads Mikkelsen’s Kaecilius as the obligatory villain who wants to open up the world to a dark dimension where a malevolent entity has its own nefarious intentions.

It’s a bold film, which if it had come out early on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, might have been too out there for audiences to accept. To Marvel’s credit though, they skilfully paved the way with their more other worldly properties like Thor (2011) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), slowly building up to Doctor Strange and introducing far more fantastical elements like astral projection and the multiverse, that we can now find it easier to get behind. In fact Derrickson’s introduction to this world and character is a breath of fresh air that couldn’t have come at a better time.

After Captain America: Civil War (2016), which was successful but majorly interconnected to the overall arc of the Avenger and Captain America films, and filled to the brim with characters, Doctor Strange is far more self-contained and stripped down story, mostly revolving around one man. Apart from a few references, and a great mid-credits scene, barely any mention is made to the events of the other films meaning you can come into this movie without the need to know every tiny detail about what’s going on in the rest of the Marvel universe, and enjoy the film on its own.

And enjoy this film you will. Doctor Strange is an immensely entertaining and fun viewing experience, and in fact, Derrickson injects so much energy into this film and keeps the pace moving at lighting speed you’ll wish they introduced this character ages ago. Additionally, despite the high stakes, it doesn’t take itself too seriously either. It’s as if Derrickson knows the absurdity of this world, and like when Thor was first introduced, requires a lightness to it, and wouldn’t work as a heavy sombre drama; the humour is a large part of what makes Doctor Strange successful.

Another aspect of what makes this film a success is definitely Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange. He perfectly inhabits that character from the comics and is brilliant in portraying that arrogance and ego that come from this character, but at the same time skilfully infuses just enough sympathy that he still remains likeable and someone we can root for. There are clearly similarities to Robert Downey Jr’s Stark as Strange slowly transforms from this self-absorbed individual who only cares for himself, to a more selfless person who becomes our protector from evil mystical forces.

Additionally, Swinton’s Ancient One and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Mordo are also good in the role of mentor to Strange and bring pathos to their characters. Sadly, Rachel McAdams’ Christine Palmer is purely there as love interest and it’s a shame that an actor of her calibre is relegated to such a one dimensional plot device and given very little to do.

Likewise, Mikkelsen’s villain is very underdeveloped and is mostly there as that initial threat for our hero to fight against which will ultimately turn him into the hero he’s meant to be. These are all common problems of the origin story, which regrettably, Doctor Strange is no exception to.

Where the film really excels is in its action set pieces. Derrickson takes full advantage of the magical aspect and brings real creativity and a distinct visual style to the way these people trained in the mystical arts fight. Aided by some great special effects, the action takes place across multiple dimensional planes where time and reality works differently. A place where men can create energy weapons and shields out of thin air, and where cityscapes collapse in on each other; it’s all very psychedelic.

Combined with a very different style of fighting it gives the action a fresh feel and originality which certainly is an edge over the more “conventional” Marvel films. Not only is the action different and original, but Derrickson makes sure there’s plenty of it as well. In fact, after the initial set up, the second and third act consists almost entirely of non-stop action, and apart from the odd moment of exposition, never lets up making for a thrilling and visceral experience.

‘Doctor Strange is a great introduction to the magical realm within the Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, and to its leading character.’

With a winning performance from Cumberbatch and some mind bending action, Marvel have got another winner on their hands, and a start to a great franchise within their world. Even with some of the familiar flaws and trappings that come with a Marvel origin film. The positives easily outweigh those negatives by tons, creating an incredibly fun movie which will leave you wanting more.