To See or Not to See: Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange, Marvel’s newest superhero movie, is not the typical superhero movie. It is a little more brainy, and a little less of a show of brute strength. The strength of Doctor Strange lies in his brain. Only the strength of mind along with being intelligent can allow him to wield and use powerful magic. Like other Marvel movies, though, the special effects in Doctor Strange are really really good, and it is peppered with little moments of comedy. Overall, Doctor Strange is a refreshing break from the traditional superhero films.

The film begins with Doctor Strange’s origin story. Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a famed and skilled neurosurgeon—and he’s very aware of how good at his job he is. Naturally, he has a colleague, Christine (Rachel McAdams), who is his ex-lover, but who still cares for him. After a horrific car accident, Strange is left without the use of his precious hands so he goes to Nepal in search of something that will cure him. He discovers The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and her second-in-command, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). They open his mind to infinite universes, good and dark powers, and lots of magic. Oh yeah, and The Ancient One’s former protégé, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), who has turned dark in his quest for immortality.

Well before the movie was released, there was quite a bit of controversy over the casting of The Ancient One. However, if you’ve never read the comics, this casting choice won’t bother you; although, if you’re a little picky, you’d wonder why a mystic Celt (which is how they refer to her at one point) made her way to Nepal to train others in magic. Aside from that, Swinton excels at being The Ancient One. She is great at playing slightly peculiar characters, and her bald head in the film enhances the slightly eerie, other-worldliness she has about her.

Benedict Cumberbatch lends the perfect balance of arrogance and brilliance to the character of Doctor Strange. He is infuriatingly full of himself (kind of like another iron-clad superhero), but he has a level of likability because he is so much more focused on the mind rather than the body. Indeed, he is not the best physical fighter and is almost bested several times because of it. He must use his magic (and, hence his intellect) to defeat dark forces. Cumberbatch’s facial expressions and dry delivery are on point. As with all good casting, you can’t imagine anyone else being Doctor Strange.

When all of these things are combined—smart casting, strong acting, fantastic special effects, and brainy ideas–make Doctor Strange a superhero movie worth seeing.

Photo Credit: Marvel