I've read some of the long winded ridiculously self important reviews. Here's my two cents: as a kid I grew up on the Bronze Age of Comics and I always had a soft spot for the lesser known titles like Dr. Strange, I loved the original Defenders (Hulk, Dr. Strange,and Namor) back when the Avengers and X-men ruled the comic super teams. So to see all the MCU characters come to life on the big screen is truly a fantastic experience. And best of all because of the constraints of film there is a beginning, middle and end in every movie, like the old comic stories. In the end the morality tale of good conquering evil comes through. So I am writing this to the old school fans of Dr. Strange -is the film meticulously adherent to the original story? No. But if you're like me and waited a lifetime to see these character come to life onscreen then you're in luck, Dr. Strange will not disappoint.
1st: Cumberbatch at the height of his powers giving us a seamlessly brilliant performance - physically, intellectually and emotionally. Not to mention comically. He's never looked better, been more perfectly cast, or given us a subtler or more believable character arc..
2nd: The special effects. The world-bending is impressive, of course. But the "simple" effects of astral bodies and mandalas of light immerse us in a reality that becomes our own. The Cloak of Invisibility deserves it's own Oscar.
3rd: The story. This is the origin story that truly captures the sense and tone of Marvel, that set it apart, always, from all other comic purveyors. Doctor Strange was always the most unique, because nothing came from outside. He was not bitten or radiated or alien or a mutant. He's a man, just a person, and his power was always inside him. He'd already chosen the path of serving and saving. Now, he only has to overcome ego to actualize his true power.
4th: The Cast. It's a wonderful thing to be surrounded by this deepest bench of amazing talent. Every line, movement, interaction rings true to the world of the movie and connects the audience to the characters.
After decades of hideous super hero movies, Marvel Studios has created the formula for making their characters come to life on the big screen. Sure, Spiderman and Iron Man are hits, but when you can get Ant Man, Doctor Strange, and others to be compelling characters on their own, you've nailed it. Looking forward to seeing where this character goes, and really like how Cumberbatch played the role.
I'm a huge Marvel / DC / Super Heroes movie fan - and this one did not let me down. Benedict Cumberbatch is fantastic in the lead role along with his supporting cast! The special effects are amazing, the story is excellent and it keeps moving with not letting up or having lots of dead time. Looking forward to seeing more of him in future Marvel movies and the Avengers.
Marvel just keeps knocking them out of the park! Went to see with guarded expectations as I always thought of Dr Strange as a second tier character... and like Ant Man and Guardians this movie was an unexpected delight. Great story with compelling characters and a sprinkle of wry humor, and a nice set up for sequel. Special Effects are really impressive. Highly recommend
This was an interesting comic book when I was younger, but easily drowned out by all the other major names at the time. Dr.Strange's character caught my eye in Thor Ragnarok and really peaked my interest. I have read the Infinity Gauntlet comics and he is a key player in the end story, so I figured the movie would be interesting. The movie had more drama than I'm used to from a Marvel movie, and felt a lot more like Batman Begins than anything else, but I was happy with its take on the multiverse and inclusion of the infinity stone. This makes the movie a must see in terms of the need to understand the power of each infinity stone. As long as Disney can cast great actors, they will keep making great movies out of what are otherwise mediocre and aged comics.
Love this movie and Cumberbatch plays the Doctor just perfectly. Good acting all around, great action sequences and the special effects are out of this world, stunning. The story is good and the esoteric mentions have been well researched, works well in the plot.
My brother took me to see Infinity wars when it first came out and apparently I missed a few movies because when I noticed a guy with a cape floating around using magic I didn't know, I knew somewhere I was lost in the series... So I decided to go and buy all the movies before Infinity Wars and seen this one and finally caught up to where I am no longer lost in the series! XD
I really liked this movie. Never read the comic, so can't comment on the faithfulness to canon, but all the standard Marvel existential darkness is there. Strange is a tortured soul, and constantly gets in his own way - like any of us would given the situation. The way he ultimately turns a forbidden - for good reason - practice to his advantage fits his character and provides a satisfying ending. Only complaint is that I wish they would have made the multi-universe revelation / exposition throughout the movie sound not quite so stupid. Overall, a small thing. Relax. Enjoy.
I like Cumberbatch as an actor, and love the Marvel Universe, and this movie did not disappoint! Put the two together with a director like Derrickson and hold on for a ride. Tilda Swinton was also great, and kept me guessing about her purpose/motivation. Really enjoyed this movie.