2016 | Dir. Scott Derrickson | 115 Minutes
"Arrogance and fear still keep you from learning the simplest and most significant lesson of all: It's not about you."
Decorated and pompous neurosurgeon Stephen Strange severely injures his hands in a car accident. Unable to heal his hands with medical science and stripped of his livelihood, Strange spends his last dollar traveling to Kathmandu, seeking a place called Kamar-Taj where he was told his hands could be fixed. Under the tutelage of a powerful sorcerer known as the Ancient One, the unyielding warrior Mordo, and the strict librarian Wong, Strange quickly becomes adept at the Mystic Arts and learns of extra-dimensional forces that threaten the world.
With Doctor Strange, horror director Scott Derrickson skillfully introduces heady magical concepts to the viewer in highly entertaining, often humorous, and visually spectacular ways. While the story of an arrogant man learning to let go of his sense of self-importance to achieve greatness isn't exactly groundbreaking - a common theme running through Marvel Studios' Iron Man and Thor films - the film more than makes up for retreading familiar character work in its thoughtful treatment of spirituality and its phenomenal presentation. What also sets this cinematic iteration of Doctor Strange apart from the vast majority of other comic book superheroes that have made the leap to the silver screen is that he uses his mind more than his fists to protect the world, as demonstrated at the end of his character arc in this film.
The movie's unique psychedelic visuals are truly fantastic, most notably during its action scenes featuring New York City transformed into a constantly-twisting kaleidoscopic MC Escher-esque maze, and a Hong Kong street in the midst of a catastrophe being undone as time flows backwards. The mind-bending sequence in which the Ancient One sends Strange reeling through the multiverse to show him the worlds beyond the material plane is worth the price of admission alone. Also worth mentioning is the relatively subtle effects work on Strange's Cloak of Levitation, serving less as a magical accessory and more as a lovable sidekick in its own right.
Acclaimed English actor Benedict Cumberbatch makes for a humorous Stephen Strange, demonstrating impressive range as Strange as he changes from conceited jerk to humble protector. Chiwetel Ejiofor makes for a well-rounded foil to Strange as his stubbornly rigid recruiter-turned-companion Mordo. Bringing an otherworldly vibe to the role of the Ancient One, Tilda Swinton turns in another wonderfully odd performance in a long line of wonderfully odd performances. Character actor Mads Mikkelsen does a fine job as antagonist Kaecilius, a misguided zealot that strayed from the Ancient One's teachings, surprisingly funny in his interactions with Strange and bringing precious pathos to a noticeably-underwritten part.
Rachel McAdams plays ER surgeon and Strange's on-again-off-again girlfriend Christine Palmer in a relatively thankless role. Benedict Wong lends his comedic talents as Wong, primarily filling the role of the no-nonsense straight man to Strange's failed attempts at humor. The supporting cast also features Benjamin Bratt as Jonathan Pangborn - a former paraplegic who directs Strange to Kamar-Taj, Michael Stuhlbarg as Strange's rival surgeon Nicodemus West, and martial arts star Scott Adkins as Lucian - a follower of Kaecilius who engages Strange in a thrilling fight on the Astral Plane.
Doctor Strange is a prime example of Marvel Studios films at their best. Iconic comic book characters are lovingly introduced to movie-going audiences while the narrative builds several new levels on top of a well-established cinematic universe to the delight of fans who are keeping track. Dr. Stephen Strange is a worthy addition to Marvel Studios' pantheon of heroes.
MID-CREDITS STINGER
Dir. Taika Waititi
Strange converses with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in the New York Sanctum. Thor is in New York City with Loki in search of Odin, and promises to return to Asgard as soon as he is found. Strange offers him assistance. The full version of this scene is featured in Thor: Ragnarok.
POST-CREDITS STINGER
Mordo, disillusioned with the practice of sorcery, visits Pangborn and takes away his magic, declaring that the problem with the world is "too many sorcerers."
STAN LEE CAMEO
Dir. James Gunn
Stan the Man is a man on a bus reading Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception
FRAGMENTS
- The film features the debut of a new Marvel Studios logo with accompanying musical fanfare by composer Michael Giacchino
- Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor previously appeared together in 12 Years a Slave
- Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Wong previously appeared together in The Martian
- After Strange defeats Dormammu using the Eye of Agamotto, Wong reveals that the artifact is an Infinity Stone (along with the Tesseract last seen in The Avengers, the Aether in Thor: Dark World, the Orb in Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Mind Stone that powers Vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War)
- In reference to Doctor Strange's origin story, this disclaimer appears at the tail end of the closing credits:
"Driving while distracted can be hazardous to you and others on the road. Please drive responsibly."
SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
Video: Jimmy Kimmel Hires Dr. Strange
007 CONNECTIONS
- Mads Mikkelsen (Le Chiffre in Casino Royale)
