With the superhero movie genre being as congested as it currently is, it can be difficult to find the stand-out movie that captures your attention and brings something new to the already overloaded table. Luckily, moviegoers can find a breath of fresh air with Marvel’s Doctor Strange.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe gets a taste of the supernatural in this magic-induced rollercoaster of a movie. Following a tragic accident in which world-renowned neural surgeon Doctor Steven Strange loses his ability to keep a steady hand – a must when it comes to brain surgery – he must search for a cure through the mystic arts. However, little does he know that a great evil threatens the sanctity of his world.
The introduction of this epic superhero is both exciting, entertaining, and interesting all at the same time. Benedict Cumberbatch’s ability to pull off the transition from an arrogant surgeon to a broken and scared man to a calm and composed sorcerer is something to behold.
The action set pieces are simply wonderful. The fight scenes mix magic with combat in an awe-inspiring way that will make even the most stubborn jaw drop. These elements coupled with the special effects handiwork is enough to put this movie on the top 10 must-sees of the winter season.
However, aside from the stunning special effects the pacing of the movie can be a little jarring at times with unspecified time-lapses that keep you guessing as to how much time Strange has spent studying sorcery.
The transitions between encounters with the movie’s main villain are also quite sudden and lack proper buildup. These scenes often leave you with a sense of ‘oh, I guess they’re fighting now,’ which affects the overall flow of the movie.
While these flaws are present, they are not enough to take away from the plot of the movie. Where pacing and build-up lose ground, plot and atmosphere take it back in stride. The story of a once-great surgeon gaining a new life through a journey of self-reevaluation is both compelling and beautiful. It is a story that demands attention while offering a fresh take on a magical superhero with a mortal touch.
It all started with Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and gained ground with Chris Evans’ Captain America. Now, 8 years later, the same feeling of awe-inspired enthusiasm is back in a very different way. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Doctor Strange gives Marvel Studios the edge in new and exciting superheroes on the big-screen.