Doctor Strange (Nik's Piks: Movie Review)

"The reality you know is one of many." ~ Doctor Strange

Prior to seeing the trailer several months back, I was unfamiliar with Doctor Strange who was originally brought to life by Marvel Comics and a 1978 made-for-television film. Being a newbie Marvel fan, I would have eventually seen the film. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch just made that more of an urgent matter.

Dr. Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a brilliant neurosurgeon with an ego the size of the planet. When a car accident leaves him severely impaired and unable to perform his job as a doctor, Strange seeks every available medical option the country has to offer. But when western medicine fails him, Strange heads to Nepal to seek help from a mysterious sorcerer known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). She instructs him on the mystic arts while teaching him to release control and open his mind to the countless dimensions in the multiverse. What Strange does not realize is that his lessons are not only for the purpose of enabling his body to heal itself with optimal cellular regeneration as he was initially led to believe. Going back to his old life is NOT the goal of the Ancient One.

Strange learns that one of the Ancient One's former students, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), and his followers are determined to summon Dormammu, the dark force of the dark dimensions. Strange must decide whether to be selfish and use his new powers solely for his benefit or stay and help the Ancient One and her students defeat evil. Guess which one he decides to do?  However, when all is said and done, the theme of does the end justify the means takes stage. 

"The bill comes due......always." ~ Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange was super fun and interesting. It was not like any other Marvel film. It is a sci-fi, fantasy, superhero film with a prominent supernatural flair and some Doctor Who, Matrix, and Inception thrown in the mix. In other words, this movie will appeal to a very large group of moviegoers. And, to paraphrase the film, whereas the Avengers are here to protect us from earthly dangers, the Ancient One and her sorcerers are here to protect us from astral threats. 

The special effects were a clear focal point, and I took the plunge and saw the film in 3D hoping that would enhance the experience. I am not convinced it did. Probably should've driven a bit further to view it on an IMAX screen. As all first films in a Marvel franchise, the movie gives viewers the complete backstory along with insight and teasers into future installments. Stay for the end of the credits.....the FINAL credits.

Watch Official Trailer

The film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Benjamin Pratt.  Doctor Strange is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout and an intense crash sequence. I will also note that the overall content and thematic elements are not suitable for young children who may be used to going to other Marvel films such as Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. 

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