Doctor Strange (Marvel – 2016) Review

For those who have not come across the character Doctor Strange, he is yet another one of Marvel’s creations bought to life for the big screen.

As I attended the national premier in Auckland, New Zealand, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he is not like your usual superhero that comes with super powers from serums or incredible armour or is some sort of God like creature.

Well, I guess you could call a very talented neurosurgeon a hero but that is not how he becomes a supreme sorcerer, it was infact, losing that ability in a terrible accident that leaves his hands permanently damaged and unable to perform surgery, so he begins to search the world for a cure. This leads Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions.

Under the teaching and guidance of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) Strange unleashes metaphysical abilities and ultimately takes on the responsibility of protecting Earth from mystical threats. The manipulation of space, energy and time are displayed incredibly. Seeing buildings bend over on itself, characters teleporting, and the insane things that the cloak of levitation can do because it carries its own consciousness.

It really doesn’t get more magical than that.

Marvel’s Doctor Strange really does take you on a mind trip, above and beyond your wildest dreams and will remind you of that we saw in Inception. What makes this film great is not only the cinematography, effects and elaborate action scenes but the fact that it does it in such a fun way.

Everything and every scene packs a punch and resonates with true style and heart. They really let the action flow but also allow for key development of the overall story and concept. This also allows them to probe deeper into the character’s personalities. All the characters shine, which heightens the tension and adds real weight to the action sequences which are thrilling and often mesmerizing.

It reminded me of similar elements in other great movies such as Harry Potter, Iron Man and as said earlier, Inception. But don’t get me wrong, this does not take away from its own unique qualities and characters in the film.

It has the action, humour, adventure and fantasy that we all want with this solid new character introduced to the Marvel cinematic universe, a great story with well executed performances and a visual stunner makes Doctor Strange a definite must see! Potentially with a sequel or two in the future.