Marvel finally embraces its magic and mysticism and it delivers.
I had a blast with this film, but however it felt way too familiar. Beat for beat it's as if it used the first Iron Man as a blueprint, with minor subtle differences, the obvious being the usage of sorcery and magic. Strange in a way goes through the same journey Tony Stark does in the first Iron Man film. He's an arrogant fellow learning to grow and become a better person.
The cast carries this film. Benedict Cumberbatch was born to play this role and very much looks the part as he does in the comics. I'm glad director Scott Derrickson and Kevin Feige postponed the film so Benedict can take on the role. The character of Stephen Strange and Tony Stark share some familiar traits, and even sport a similar mustache style. Compared to Downey's Stark, Cumberbatch downplays the swagger, and elevates the egotistical side.
His ex-girlfriend Christine Palmer played by Rachel McAdams is the one who grounds him, almost like Pepper Potts. She has nice tender moments, despite the short screen time she had. Speaking of short screen time, I wished Mads Mikkelson's Kaecilius had more. The problem is just screen time, because like Zemo in Captain America: Civil War, I did not feel like he was underdeveloped. I got his point and why he was doing what he was doing. It made sense in my mind, but I just wished there were more scenes of him.
Tilda Swinton effortlessly delivers her lines of wisdom and knowledge as the Ancient One, she and Doctor Strange have a that nice teacher and student banter. Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mordo has a nice arc set up for him to become the next villain, and I'm happy it wasn't rushed. He is a by the books kind of person and the situations he goes through will change the way he looks at things around him forever. I'm also happy that Benedict Wong's Wong wasn't a typical Asian manservant.
Aside from the cast, the action sequences, and the visual effects downplay the familiar story beats. Watching Strange go through dimension after dimension, it was as if the Steve Ditko pages were brought to life and that made me geek out pretty hard. The usage of the Eye of Agamotto was effective and cool. It turned out to be the item I thought it'd be and the idea of bending time to your own will is one of the coolest aspects of the film. Also a villain I sort of, but also didn't expect to see was a nice touch and a nice surprise as well.
The MCU is now fourteen movies in and Doctor Strange is a fine addition. Marvel Studios batting average is second to none and I absolutely look forward to more stories now that the origin is over with.
But aside from it feeling a little too familiar, it's Benedict Cumberbatch who carries this film strongly. Not to mention Marvel embraces the magic and mysticism very well. The visuals and action are a thrill to watch. It's a mind trip. Make sure you do not leave your seat, there's more to come during the credits. Just don't leave, you can wait to go to the restroom in another ten minutes. Also try to see this film in a real 70mm IMAX screen, it's worth it.
The doctor is in, and he's here to stay.
8/10