Doctor Strange Review

With the release of Captain America: Civil War earlier this year, we are now in phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Going through phase three, Marvel will continue what they did with 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy and show off lesser known heroes. One of the newest films for Marvel is of a lesser known hero, whose name is Doctor Strange.

The story follows the journey of Dr. Stephen Strange as, after a car accident, he embarks on a journey to heal his hands. He eventually discovers a monastery in India and learns about, and how to control, magic. Overall, the films plot is mediocre. It serves its purpose as an origin story, but does not go much further. The only thing added is the continuing Marvel Cinematic Universe background story line.

While the story works, my main grip with the film is the characters. Many of the characters don't have depth. Strange, for most of the film, is just a jerk who only cares about himself. One of Strange’s companions, Mordo is flat.He acts one way throughout most of the film, and after a revelation, makes a complete 180 degree personality shift. The main villain, Kaecilius, has the Marvel problem of not being memorable, and is just thrown away at the end. Not all the characters are bad though, as the Ancient One is one of the better characters of the film. She has a depth not seen in the other characters and actually goes through an arc, leading to one of the best scenes of the film.  

Overall the acting is decent. Benedict Cumberbatch works as Dr. Strange, using his best American accent. Tilda Swinton plays the role of The Ancient One very well, bringing a lot of depth. Mads Mikkelsen plays the role of Kaecilius, and is favorable for as long as he is on screen. Supporting characters Wong and Mordo are played by Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor respectively and, although Mordo is one-dimensional, they were both also played well.

The visuals in the film are absolutely stunning. The magic in the film is beautifully choreographed and truly looks as if the characters summoned it. One of the pieces of the story, the relics, are also beautiful and look cool, especially the Cloak of Levitation, which has its own standout moment. Then there is the world bending. When Strange enters a place called the “Mirror Dimension”, the landscape can be changed and formed in anyway. This place is where the visuals are truly the greatest. The characters seem to walk on the side of buildings and can even flip the city over into the sky.

Overall, Doctor Strange serves its purpose. It successfully introduces us to the character and their abilities, and sets up conflicts for the future, while adding a little bit to the MCU storyline. The visuals are also stunning and the acting is alright. I just wish the characters would have been better.