Doctor Strange

DOCTOR STRANGE
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)

Phantasm: Ravager

PHANTASM: RAVAGER
2016 | Dir. David Hartman | 87 Minutes

"You're not even real. You are my bad dream."

Hunted by the evil supernatural undertaker known as the Tall Man, aging every man-turned-action-hero Reggie reaches the end of the search for his lost friends. While the Tall Man's control over Reggie's world strengthens, Reggie's sense of reality fractures.

Directed by veteran animator David Hartman, Phantasm: Ravager perfectly exemplifies everything appealing about Don Coscarelli's resourcefully independent and highly imaginative horror film series. Centered squarely on Reggie's quest to find Mike and Jody, the movie introduces several wrinkles to the series' plot, blowing it wide open for interpretation. Reggie is simultaneously a wandering hero, a dying mental patient, and an exhausted warrior in a post-apocalyptic hellscape. By design, the true nature of Reggie’s reality is never made clear but emotionally, every single one is valid. As the heart of the Phantasm series, Reggie must come to terms with his own mortality, and he ultimately refuses to bargain with the Tall Man, the very embodiment of death, providing a fitting end to his journey.

Dreamlike in structure and clearly produced on a small budget, the visual effects of the movie look relatively cheap but are incredibly ambitious in scope. There is more silver sphere action in this film than in all previous Phantasm movies combined, with several people (and even a horse!) on the receiving end of the grisly drill-and-drain treatment. The film introduces a new spikey kamikaze exploding red sphere and giant-sized spheres firing city-leveling lasers. While the effects work is far from top-notch, the film's earnestness and entertainment value makes up for what it lacks in presentation.

Reggie Bannister is the undisputed star of this entry of the series, doing a fabulous job carrying the film with equal parts humor and pathos. A. Michael Baldwin returns as Mike, appearing all-too-briefly as emotional motivation and support for Reggie no matter in every reality he cycles through. After decades of acting against each other, there is real tangible affection between the two actors and it shows on screen. Angus Scrimm appears for the final time as the Tall Man, flashing his signature raised eyebrow and sharing several great scenes with Reggie. The film also features the return of Kat Lester as the Lady in Lavender, last appearing in the role in the original Phantasm, looking lovely as ever and positively terrifying. Series newcomers Dawn Cody and Stephen Jutras are fun additions, Cody as the target of Reggie's futile attempts at romance, and Jutras as a fierce warrior of small stature called Chunk. Featured in one extended action scene, character actor Daniel Roebuck meets a bloody end fighting a silver sphere with Reggie in a barn. Series regular Bill Thornbury appears as Jody in what ultimately amounts to a painfully brief cameo appearance towards the end of the film.

Exploring themes of death, mortality, loyalty, and enduring friendship Phantasm: Ravager is a bumpy but highly entertaining head-scratcher, very much like the first Phantasm film. More discerning audiences may be turned off by its low budget special effects and disorienting plot, but series fans ought to find much to love about this one, especially those who adore the character of Reggie.


MID-CREDITS STINGER
Badly injured from his attack on the Tall Man, Chunk emerges from a portal in the desert and is saved by Rocky (Gloria Lynne Henry reprising her Phantasm III role). The pair are picked up by Reggie and company in Jody's Hemi Cuda. Together, they ride towards a devastated city with giant spheres hovering over it.



FRAGMENTS
- The film is dedicated to the memory of Angus Scrimm who passed away nine months before the movie was released

- The closing credits feature a montage of action scenes consisting mostly of clips not featured in the movie's narrative

- At the tail end of the closing credits reads these legal disclaimers:
"The characters, places and incidents portrayed herein are entirely fictitious and similarity to any real places or people, living, dead or undead is purely coincidental. This motion picture photoplay is protected pursuant to the provisions of the laws of the United States of America and other countries. Any unauthorized duplication, copying, distribution, exhibition, or any other use of any kind may result in civil liability, and/or criminal prosecution and the enduring wrath of the Tall Man."

- The tail end of the credits also features a thank you message to Phantasm "phans"

Phantasm IV: Oblivion

PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION
1998 | Dir. Don Coscarelli | 90 Minutes

"Where do you think you're going, boy? Death is no escape from me."

Mike travels alone to Death Valley seeking answers to the mysteries behind his supernatural connection to the Tall Man and Jody's unexplained reappearance. Stepping through a dimensional fork in the desert, Mike discovers the origin of his nemesis dates back to the American Civil War. Meanwhile, Reggie follows close behind, doing his best to protect Mike from forces unknown.

A frustrating experience even for Phantasm series fans, Phantasm IV: Oblivion deepens the central mysteries of the series without providing definitive answers or conclusive resolutions. With considerably less action and humor than previous entries in the series, this sequel hinges on the audience's emotional connection to Mike's journey as a character with mixed results. Mike's trips to the past through the dimensional forks are revelatory but his conflict with Jody falls disappointingly flat and unfortunately, Reggie's adventures are sidelined for most of the film.

The film cleverly repurposes unused footage shot for the original Phantasm to serve as fractured memories and alternate scenarios playing out in Mike's mind. When these flashback sequences work, they are gratifying for fans of the series, offering a glimpse into bits of Mike, Reggie, and Jody's lives that were previously unseen. However, the sequences that don't add much to the plot only serve to pad out the movie's running time.

The practical makeup effects and stunt work is top-notch, though the number of special effects gags is considerably lower than in previous Phantasm movies. The makeshift sphere Mike builds out of car parts to serve as a diversion during his final confrontation with the Tall Man and an intense sequence early in the film featuring a demonic lawman played by stunt coordinator and frequent Don Coscarelli collaborator Bob Ivy are real highlights of the film.

Principal cast members A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, and Bill Thornbury return as Mike, Reggie, and Jody. Baldwin does most of the dramatic heavy lifting acting against Angus Scrimm and Thornbury, doing considerably well considering the ambiguous nature of the script. Reduced screen time aside, Bannister is once again the heart of the movie and of the Phantasm series as a whole. Angus Scrimm is allowed to demonstrate more range than in previous Phantasm films, this time playing both the Tall Man and his affable nineteenth century counterpart Jebediah Morningside. The film also features Heidi Marnhout in a brief role as a pretty blonde woman that entices Reggie, naturally revealed to be one of the Tall Man's monsters in disguise with silver spheres for breasts.

Phantasm IV: Oblivion is unarguably the weakest entry in the series but it's not without its charms. The film is emotionally earnest, a showcase of resourceful and imaginative filmmaking, and true to the series' indie roots. The worst thing about the picture is its refusal to address pre-existing mysteries introduced in previous Phantasm movies in a satisfying way.


FRAGMENTS
- Produced on a shoestring budget, and released straight-to-video, the majority of the film's new footage was shot on location in Death Valley

- The film's Special Effects Makeup Coordinator, Gigi Porter, married series star Reggie Bannister in 2001

- Jennifer Bross, A. Michael Baldwin's wife, turned down the role of Jennifer but provides the voice of the cackling fortuneteller

- Screenwriter Roger Avary, who wrote an unproduced highly ambitious screenplay for a climatic fourth Phantasm film, makes a cameo appearance as a Civil War soldier

- Director Don Coscarelli's son, Andy, also appears as a Civil War soldier

- The ending theme song "Have You Seen It?" was written and performed by Reggie Bannister featuring the Phantasm motif composed by Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave

- Identical to Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead, at the tail end of the film's closing credits reads these legal disclaimers:
"The characters and events depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living, dead, or undead, is purely coincidental. This motion picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability, criminal prosecution and the wrath of the Tall Man."

Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead

PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD
1994 | Dir. Don Coscarelli | 91 Minutes

"Seeing is easy. Understanding, well... takes a little more time."

Seconds after his apparent destruction in Phantasm II, a duplicate of the Tall Man enters the world through a dimensional fork, kills Liz, and injures Mike. After a puzzling encounter with Jody, Mike's presumed dead brother - now a sentient silver sphere, Mike is abducted by the Tall Man. Guided by the Jody-Sphere, Reggie embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his friend. On the road, Reg is joined by crack shot kid with pistol Tim and nunchuk-swinging combat expert Rocky, warriors with personal vendettas against the Tall Man.

Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead blends the surreal supernatural elements of the first Phantasm film with the gory high-adrenaline action and production value of the second film. Reggie's adventure with Tim and Rocky in tow is solid entertainment, showcasing series mastermind Don Coscarelli’s talent for mixing horror, action, and comedy. Running parallel, Mike's metaphysical storyline builds heavily upon the series' mythology, providing intriguing exposition that introduces more new mysteries than explanations. A major plot revelation explains that each of iconic metal spheres contains the brain of one of the Tall Man's enslaved undead victims. Briefly hinted upon in the original Phantasm, the heroes exploit the Tall Man's weakness to low temperatures. During its final minutes, the picture reveals a supernatural connection between Mike and the Tall Man, putting into question Mike's ultimate role in the film series.

For his third appearance in the Phantasm series, Reggie Bannister takes center stage portraying his alter ego, Reggie the ice-cream-man-turned-horror-action-hero, carrying the film with a natural and humorous performance. Replaced by James Le Gros in Phantasm II, A. Michael Baldwin makes a welcome return as Mike disappearing for roughly half the film. Child actor Kevin Connors turns in a fun performance as Tim, most notable in the sequence that introduces character that plays like a dark R-rated take on Home Alone. Gloria Lynne Henry is convincingly fierce as Rocky, hilarious in scenes that play up Reggie's lustiness. Angus Scrimm once commands a dominating presence fully embodying the evil Tall Man. Absent from Phantasm II, Bill Thornbury reprises the role of Jody in brief, enigmatic capacity. The film also features Cindy Ambuehl, Brooks Gardner, and John Davis Chandler as Edna, Rufus, and Henry - comically campy as trashy looters who are converted into a new set of zombified henchmen for the Tall Man, nasty and menacing during the knock-down drag-out fight in the gothic mausoleum during the film's finale.

Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead is a fine sequel that heightens every aspect of what made the original Phantasm such a fun ride, including the inscrutability of the series' narrative, driving the plot deeper into a strange but undeniably intriguing direction. Action-packed and operating mostly on dream logic, it exemplifies everything that makes the film series appealing to Phantasm fans and understandably frustrating for viewers who prefer straight-forward storytelling.


FRAGMENTS
- Released straight-to-video and produced without financial support from a major film studio, director Don Coscarelli had more creative control over this film than Phantasm II

- Most of the film's musical score is recycled from Phantasm II featuring a synthesizer-heavy rendition of Fred Myrow’s memorable Phantasm motif by Myrow and Christopher L. Stone

- In the hospital sequence at the start of the film, Angus Scrimm plays the doctor, Kathy Lester (who played the Lady in Lavender in Phantasm) plays the nurse, and Jennifer Bross - A. Michael Baldwin's wife - appears as the nurse behind the desk wearing a walkman

- Two of Don Coscarelli's children appear in the orphanage scene

- At the tail end of the film's closing credits reads these legal disclaimers:
"The characters and events depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living, dead, or undead, is purely coincidental. This motion picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability, criminal prosecution and the wrath of the Tall Man."

Phantasm II

PHANTASM II
1988 | Dir. Don Coscarelli | 97 Minutes

"Small towns are like people. Some grow old and die a natural death. Some get murdered."

Seven years after their first battle with the Tall Man, Mike and Reggie hit the road in pursuit of the monstrous mortician and his minions. Heading northwest, the duo venture through numerous dead towns left behind in their enemy's trail. Liz, a childhood friend of Mike with whom she shares a psychic bond, reunites with Mike after her family falls victim to the supernatural threat. Accompanied by a mysterious hitchhiker named Alchemy, the heroes attempt to destroy the Tall Man once and for all.

Though it boasts a considerably larger budget than its predecessor, with financial backing from Universal Pictures, Phantasm II is an entertaining horror action road picture that is unfortunately compromised by studio involvement. The ethereal quality of the original film is largely absent, and though some viewers may prefer the rather conventional straightforward storyline of this picture - playing almost like a remix of the iconic visuals of the first movie with higher production value (even Fred Myrow's musical score featuring the signature Phantasm motif is considerably beefed-up) - the sequel is less psychologically interesting, trading in subtext for flamethrowers, chainsaws, modified four-barrel shotguns, and thrills that look more-polished but feel cheaper.

Despite its drawbacks, the film is not without its share of creative moments. Notable sequences include an encounter with a decoy Liz with the Tall Man's face growing out of her back, a chainsaw duel between Reggie and a psycho in a gas mask, a longer glimpse into the nightmarish hellscape beyond the dimensional fork featuring an oozy dwarf that spilled out of its canister, and the Tall Man disintegrating after our heroes pump him full of hydrochloric acid.

The deadly spheres from the first film make a gruesome return with new features. Most memorably, Phantasm II introduces the golden sphere, armed with a deadly laser beam and rotating blades capable of busting through doors and tunneling through flesh. Point-of-view shots from the perspective of the spheres as they pursue their prey bring a new level of intensity to the mausoleum chase scenes.

James Le Gros does a serviceable, if somewhat dull, job as Mike; his performance never quite capturing the same vibe as A. Michael Baldwin from the first film. Paula Irvine takes on an equally thankless role as Liz, spending most of the movie in peril and doing little else to forward the plot, not much to work with for any actress. Reggie Bannister is truly the co-lead of this picture and the movie is all the better for it. Turns out the character of Reggie is a bit of a horndog, allowing for comedic situations in which Bannister excels, especially in scenes that pair him with the strange-yet-alluring Alchemy played by model Samantha Phillips. Angus Scrimm returns as the menacing Tall Man, again taking full ownership of the role and of the picture whenever he is on screen. The film also features veteran character actor Kenneth Tigar in a relatively early role as a troubled priest with a drinking problem who meets a grizzly fate when he confronts the Tall Man.

Phantasm II is a leaner, shinier, more expensive sequel that in some ways pales in comparison to the low-budget original. It's entertaining and action-packed, but some of the magic is stripped away owing to major studio demands. It isn't a bad follow-up but it lacks the independent charm and earnestness that made the first film a unique and adventurous experience.


FRAGMENTS
- Director Don Coscarelli was forced by Universal Pictures to choose between keeping only one of the two stars from the first Phantasm film, A. Michael Baldwin as Mike or Reggie Bannister as Reggie (A. Michael Baldwin reprises the role of Mike in all subsequent Phantasm films)

- Other compromises Coscarelli was required by the studio to make include maintaining a linear storyline for the film, eliminating dream sequences from the final cut, and having to create a love interest for Mike

- A bag of ashes in the crematorium scene is labeled "Mr. Sam Raimi, Male 170 lbs., Deliver in brass urn" as a tribute to director Sam Raimi (most famous for directing the Evil Dead film and television series and the Spider-Man film trilogy starring Tobey Maguire), a close friend of Don Coscarelli who frequently visited the set of this film during production

- Special effects makeup master Greg Nicotero, currently best known for his work on the television adaptation of The Walking Dead, was as a member of the makeup team on this film

- At the tail end of the film's closing credits reads this disclaimer regarding film piracy:
"This motion picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability, criminal prosecution and the wrath of the Tall Man."


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Kenneth Tigar (Old German Man in The Avengers)