Movie Review - Doctor Strange

   Doctor Strange: a movie that very much lives up to its title. It's a weird sort of film, probably amazing if you're stoned. Despite not being a remake of the 1978 made-for-television film, is it worth viewing?...Even though this review is extremely late and you've probably already made up your mind? Sorry, 'bout dat.

   Meet Dr. Stephen Strange: brilliant neurosurgeon, all-round douche bag, terrible driver. When a car accident ruins his hands, he loses his ability to do his job, his raison d'etre. But when he runs into the Ancient One and her band of mystics, he discovers a greater power – and danger – than he had ever known before. Overall, it's another origin story plot with many similarities to 2011's Thor, with several scenes that feel like Harry Potter mashed together with Inception. So yeah, Doctor Strange isn't exactly the most original movie to come out this year. I do like how the magic they use in the movies has rules and specific properties and that the sorcerers can't just do whatever they want (a major turn-off for me with movies about magic). It's just too bad that the final battle scene is somewhat anti-climatic, even silly.

   Doctor Strange is filled with some good characters. Benedict Cumberlatch is excellent in the lead role. By the film's final act, his Stephen Strange becomes a very likeable character you'll want to see again (hopefully in a more exciting film than this). It seems a shame he isn't allowed to do his natural voice for this role, but his American accent is pretty good. Tilda Swinton is excellent as the Ancient One. Mads Mikkelsen is alright as the villain Kaecilius even though his character isn't as developed and his makeup looks kind of silly. There's also some fun side characters like Mordo and Wong.

   One of the first things you'll notice about this movie is its dazzling special effects. If you've ever wanted to see Manhattan shuffled around in pieces like a Rubik's Cube, then this is for you. But there were a few production choices I found to be annoying. Like the handheld/shaky camera used during a few conversation scenes for seemingly no reason (especially irritating if you're watching the 3-D version like I was). There's also a couple scenes involving spiritual/mystic technobabble that struggle to hold your attention; even the actors didn't seem much interested in what they were saying. I think a more capable director might've been able to shape these elements more coherently. Instead this ship's captain is Scott Derrickson, a director known mostly for mediocre horror films. This project is of a noticeably higher calibre. At least he's trying something different.

   And that's Doctor Strange: a by-the-numbers superhero origin story which nevertheless manages to be charming and entertaining. The acting is nice, some of the jokes are pretty good, and the action is decent. If you saw it already... good for you. If you didn't, then maybe try giving it a second thought.

Grade: three and a half out of five.