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Doesn't Hurt to Be a Little Strange

"Doctor Strange" is a very much a new Marvel origin story. It's overarching blueprint has been used time and time again by the studio behemoth but director Scott Derrickson infuses the film with a refreshing energy that makes "Doctor Strange" a welcome entry to the crowded Marvel canon.

First, a big confession. I, unlike so many others, am not Benedict Cumberbatch's biggest fan. His stoicism in almost every role he takes paints him as boring rather than interesting, like something might be brewing beneath the surface. He's just always seemed wooden to me. He has taken on complicated characters before - like his Oscar-nominated turn in "The Imitation Game" - and has never injected much life into them. I'm so pleased to say - or write - that he is excellent in the titular role of the film and makes a wonderful addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These movies are never one-and-done (as you'll see in the now standard bonus scenes in the credits), so I look forward to seeing more of him as this character.

As the film opens, Doctor Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a respected neurosurgeon who seemingly has it all: notoriety, a fancy apartment and a sports car that he drives like he might just be James Bond. He also has a Titanic-sized ego that has pushed fellow doctor and one-time love interest Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) away.

Everything changes when Strange is in a car accident that should have left him dead (only by the power of movie-making does he actually survive). His hands - among just about everywhere else on his body - are left badly damaged. His hands shake, nerve damage has removed most of the feeling there, and this jeopardizes his future as a surgeon. He doesn't trust anyone's ability to heal him but after receiving a tip, he travels to Nepal and seeks help from The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Things get weird and kind of trippy from there and Strange goes on this journey with Karl (Chiwetel Ejiofor), also under the instruction of the Ancient One. Together they must team up to defeat Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and the dark power that he serves.

"Doctor Strange" is certainly a successful film on its technical merits alone. With exhilirating effects, it walks the line of sensory overload without ever teetering over the edge, but wrapping you up in its colorful multi-dimension universe (or "multiverse" as they call it).

The film has found itself as part of the Hollywood whitewashing controversy for months regarding Swinton's casting. Swinton, whether right for the role or not, is here and she's always a pleasure to watch. Her weird energy and vibe that she brings to every role suits the film. She and Cumberbatch have a great back-and-forth rapport.

Marvel is mostly successful when they step back from their gargantuan movies and try to spice up their Cinematic Universe with some of the lesser known players from the comics. I'm a big fan of both "Ant-Man" and "Deadpool," if nothing else, for being something different and not droning on for two-and-a-half-hours. "Doctor Strange" seems to fit that mold. It doesn't take itself too seriously and therefor is a pleasure for us to watch. It will be fun to see where the Doctor goes from here.

 

Editor's Note: I saw a screening of the film at the Dolby Cinema at AMC's Empire 25 theater in Times Square. The film's stunning visuals and bombasitc sound were greatly enhanced by the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos treatment (not to mention the comfy reclining chairs). If you have the option of seeing the film in Dolby Cinema, we'd highly recommend it. Read more about AMC's plans for Dolby Cinema expansion.