Doctor Strange: A MARVELous Movie

Jude Infante, Staff Writer

It would be really “strange” if somebody found this movie to be boring and horrible. This film was fantastic from start to finish. Marvel’s latest creation, “Doctor Strange,” was a magical experience for friends and families. It is a truly mind-blowing film.

For those who do not know, ”Doctor Strange” is an origin story of the most powerful sorcerer in Marvel Comics, the prominent Doctor Stephen Strange. The movie brings something different than other Marvel superhero movies such as “The Avengers” and “Captain America: Civil War.” This is because the film focuses more on the mystical side of Marvel Comics rather than the scientific side of superheroes’ emerging.

(WARNING: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD): English actor Benedict Cumberbatch fulfills the role of Stephen Strange: a talented, brilliant neurosurgeon. However, there is a problem with Strange; he’s terribly arrogant and conceited. Strange gets in a horrible car accident, in which he is severely injured and his gifted hands are rendered useless for his profession. Consumed by anger from his misfortune, Strange drives away the person who cared for him most, his assistant nurse (and ex-girlfriend), Christine Palmer, (Rachel McAdams). In order to find redemption for his wrongdoings and to heal his hands, Strange travels to Nepal to partake in a monastery. Things are not what they seem, as he is instead pulled into the world of mystic and spiritual arts by the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and the wizards Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong). As Stephen begins his journey to becoming a wizard, a threat emerges, as the evil sorcerer Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) forms a plan to doom the world into a dark realm and its sinister ruler.

The film is filled with plenty of action. Mesmerising brawls occur throughout the entire movie, a common, favored feature in superhero films. In addition to the amazing fights, the movie includes outstanding visuals. The visuals are mind-blowing, beautiful, and trippy. It is, indeed, a captivating experience, not to forget the comedic moments throughout the film. The element of humor plays a great role in making this movie. The movie may be serious at times, but the witty jokes bring joy to the viewers. In my opinion, I found the film to be hilarious.

What I appreciate the most is the effort that was put into this film. Obviously, a big company such as Marvel Studios will not provide poor quality movie, as I found the movie to be delightfully created. I also have to applaud to the cast for doing a phenomenal job portraying their roles in such excellent fashion. Interesting fact, Benedict Cumberbatch spent time in an Eastern Buddhist monastery volunteering as an English teacher before the film. He described his experience there to be very profound and influential on his life. The experience helped him prepare for the role of Doctor Strange. It just goes to show how dedicated the cast and crew of “Doctor Strange” were for this film.

Overall, “Doctor Strange” is a must-see if you are interested in funny, action-packed, fantasy films. As a Marvel fan, this film is one of my favorites, and that is saying a lot because I love Marvel’s films, but this one is extremely unique. The total sum the movie made in the box office on opening weekend (Nov. 4 to Nov. 6) is about $85 million.   This film is totally worth your money and an hour and 55 minutes of your life.

My Rating: 8.1/10

P.S. There are two after-credit scenes, stay for both of them if you are interested in teasers for upcoming Marvel films.