It’s Marvel time again! Doctor Strange review
I’m writing this Doctor Strange review because yesterday I attended the UK Premiere at the Odeon in Leicester Sq. As with any Marvel film premiere its was a well attended screening with critics, bloggers, and entertainment professionals. All eager to find out about the latest character to be introduced to the Marvel Universe. I admit, I don’t know much about the character but I don’t think I’m alone in this. He’s definitely one of the lesser known superheros. And that’s exactly why we are getting an origins film. Which fortunately on this occasion it was introduced by the lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
Who is Doctor Strange?
When we meet Dr Strange we are quickly introduced to a quick witted, brash, genius surgeon, fully control of his life. He is very reminiscent of Tony Stark(but we’ll come back to this later). This all changes when he has a car accident and his future is plunged into doubt. Due to catastrophic injuries to his hands he will never operate as a surgeon again. Despondent and at a life crossroads, Strange becomes desperate for anything that may give him back his old life. But in that pursuit he discovers his destiny may lie on a wholly different course.
Whats the film like?
Although the story arc is good and the characters are interesting, the film never reaches the levels of excitment that we have come to expect from Marvel films. I’m having a hard time knowing why, but maybe its because with this hero there are less/or no boundaries. When your abilities are based in magic anything is possible. Therefore I never felt that Dr Strange’s life was in jeopardy. When you pull out a bar of kryptonite you worry about Superman, when Iron Man’s arc reactor is low on power the bad guys have half a chance. You get the picture. Things just aren’t that way for Strange. We don’t know the boundaries of his power yet. I hope this is addressed on future outings.
Having said that, there are still some great aspects to the film. Cumberbatch was spot on and with all the talk of Robert Downy leaving the franchise are they prepping hime to take over the role as the Marvel Daddy. As I said before the characters have some similar traits. One of which is the comedy one liners. The dialogue is littered with them. All very funny but did we need all of them?
Another noteworthy thing to look out for is the cape of levitation. Its has a mind of its own. But Probably the best thing about the film is the special effects. They are sublime. Sometimes there is so much going on that it’s hard to comprehend. In this regard, it really is as one of the promotion tag lines says, ‘Inception meets Marvel’.
Doctor Strange review verdict
Its a great film and probably a must see if you’re a Marvel junkie but for others, this one may sink into the background a little. We are are however to expect more from Doctor Strange as we have only just touched the tip of the iceberg.
I shouldn’t have to tell you this but don’t leave until ALL the credits have finished! 😉




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