Movie blurb

After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when

a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

Review quote:

A bizarre and beautiful detour on the Marvel journey, which culminates in a mind-bending, expectation-inverting final act. Not to be watched under the influence.

~ James Dyer

My Review

I had no idea what to expect, going into this film – I was aware of Doctor Strange as a Marvel character, but little more than that.

Having seen the film, I’m so glad I went in without any pre-conceived ideas. While the story line is pretty standard fare, the acting and the visuals are a fabulous treat. To quote Wendy Ide, reviewing in the Observer, (I couldn’t do it any better, so why try?)

“Benedict Cumberbatch is unpredictable and intriguing as the Marvel superhero in a brain-melting tale that reinvigorates the genre”

That sums up the hero a treat. Tilda Swinton is also a force to be reckoned with, as the ‘Ancient One’ – somehow wearing her bald head with a gravity that is rocked by her sudden moments of uncertainty, and very human cruelty, bringing a refreshing depth to a character who could have been just a cardboard cut-out mystical monk.

The rest of the supporting cast are strong though perhaps a little underused, but that streamlines the story which is, after all, about Strange’s journey.

The special effects are the most awesomely strange (pun intended) you will ever have seen – kudos to the creative team. I can’t even imagine how you would go about conceptualising what they did with the various city-scapes, let alone realising it on screen. Blown away is a term that comes easily to mind…

And as a huge bonus, there is a sharp wit peppering the screenplay, resulting in some hilarious moments that leave you to go home with the warm memory of having had a wonderful time. Librarian Wong is masterful as a straight man, and Strange’s trademark cloak, the ‘Cape of Levitation’, has a mind of its own, adding to the fun. The one-liners are just hysterical – watch this trailer until the end, and you’ll see what I mean.

Verdict – go, see it. No question.

Oh, and don’t leave when the credits start to roll. Aside from the beautiful kaleidoscopic sequence of images, there is a bonus scene after a few moments, of Strange interviewing Thor, asking about his future intentions towards the planet. Well worth the extra few minutes of sitting in front of the screen, and indicative of where things in the Marvel world will be heading next. Frankly, I can’t wait!