'Doctor Strange' Review - Scott Derrickson (2016)

Doctor Strange is the latest instalment into the MCU. Or for those of you reading this review from the underside of a rock, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie follows Dr Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon played by Benedict Cumberbatch. As tragedy befalls Dr Strange after a brutal car crash, he finds himself on a quest to regain control of his body which is deemed irreparable. I am part of a weekly podcast at my University where we discuss cinematic issues or topics each week. Last weeks was Marvel, if you'd like you can check that out here where we discuss all things MCU.

My first issue with this movie comes entirely from the first act. In many ways we're lead to feel sympathy for Dr Strange following his accident. I found that difficult as the accident was the product of Dr Strange driving his expensive Lamborghini around narrow hillside roads at 100mph in the dark. The pressure is mounted upon Dr Strange and Cumberbatch portrays this quite well, only this time with an at times phoney American accent. In the end Dr Strange refuses to accept that his career is ruined, and sets off to the East for healing. What he finds instead is spiritual enlightenment, and guidance from 'The Ancient One' (Tilda Swinton) a powerful and knowledgeable sorceress. 

The fundamental flaw of 'Doctor Strange' is its inability to distinguish itself as a movie within its own right. It cannot seem to stand on its own two feet, and its ownership by Marvel only ever seems to serve as a hindrance. What Marvel seemed to do so well in its latest string of movies is wallow in its self-indulgence. Its tongue in cheek, its often ridiculous but in most cases (The Avengers) it works. The parallels between East and West that are defined within Doctor Strange are too vast, and thus prevent the pop culture references from ever hitting home. Doctor Strange is however a fantastic visual spectacle and a reminder of just how advanced CGI is, and how it can impact storytelling to great effect. Under the command of Marvel however, the origin story of Doctor Strange struggles to be anything more than Inception in cool capes. 

The talented cast often work wonders with their thinly written characters. Mads Mikkelsen is as engaging as ever as the dead eyed villain intent on bringing Earth to its demise. Tilda Swinton is as commanding as ever with her on screen presence. Chiwetel Ejiofor seems to have plucked an ever-changing accent out of nowhere for his character, which falls somewhere between English and American. At least Cumberbatch made his mind up. The talented cast introduce a new set of characters to the MCU reasonably well, but their chemistry cannot match that of the Avengers or the Guardians. Unfortunately for the cast, comparison is inevitable as they all march towards their inevitable meet and greet which lies in the very near future. (This is me saying stay until after the credits. It's my favourite one yet.)

In conclusion; 'Doctor Strange' is another moderately healthy addition to the MCU, and an above par superhero origin movie. A visual treat on a grand scale, Doctor Strange delivers on the high expectations fans will have over a beloved character from the comics. Despite not standing up to its Marvel counterparts, Doctor Strange offers new themes and characters that will ultimately slot right in to the expansive universe Marvel continue to build upon.