Marvel’s
Phase Three in super hero film adaptations branches out from the real world to
the realm of fantasy and wizardry in Dr.
Strange, a visually stunning origins
tale of redemption that is consistently entertaining and, yes, mind bending.
Adhering to the tried and true formula of
Iron Man, an egotistical,
self-centered surgeon (well played by Benedict Cumberbatch) has his career is
cut short by a horrific car accident and subsequently searches desperately for help from the other side of the globe in the
form of a wise mystic, The Ancient One (marvelously interpreted by Tilda
Swinton). As he learns to heal and master other worldly powers and
abilities, Strange finds that there are corrupt sorcerers like Kaecilius (Mads
Mikkelsen in another glorious villainy romp) who seeks darker powers to destroy
the earth. A strong cast including Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor elevates
this to a well-acted, believable adventure still grounded by real emotions.
There is humor sprinkled throughout and wide eyed fascination of this new world
of magic, alternate realities, and other dimensions of space/ time that Marvel
is introducing to its fandom. Above all else, director Scott Derrickson and the
production team have creatively fashioned a world with supremely imaginative special effects that exceed The Matrix and Inception.
They are Oscar worthy. Do stay for two post credit moments.
*** of
**** stars (add ½ * for Marvel fans)
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