Marvel’s lastest addition to their cinematic family Doctor Strange has the fairly difficult task of juggling the big screen debut of a marketable superhero that will move merchandise alongside making a compelling adventure story, and it generally pulls it off successfully.
In the vein of Guardians of the Galaxy, Strange’s indeed strange tale balances somewhat irreverent, droll humor with dramatic tension and a series of touching moments. Its tone is closer to the likes of that film and the arguably even sillier Ant-Man than it is to heavier Marvel projects like the Captain America trilogy or their Netflix shows. Still, the movie does manage to tell a solid, old school spirited comic story that has enough unique elements and situations to help it stand out among the pack.
Much like in the original comics, Stephen Strange starts out as a talented but self absorbed surgeon. The medical drama genre has always been able to experiment with different character types, as the doctors are, obviously, usually hard to root against due to the nature of their work. And while Benedict Cumberbatch’s Strange isn’t quite as bitter or curmudgeonly as Gregory House, his ego and pride in his work is still an obstacle he needs to overcome, well beyond a brutally filmed car accident that robs him of the use of his hands.
The quest to reacquire his skills sends him to Kamar-Taj, a mysterious location in Tibet where an enagmatic Celtic teacher, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) shows Strange the ability to travel across an “astral plane” of multiple dimensions. With the help of her disciples Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange studies under her hoping he can use the teachings to draw on the power to heal himself.
But Strange, like an impulsive boy, is not only a fast learner but immensely curious of the true purpose of Kamar-Taj, as well as the more advanced, forbidden lessons. To his chagrin, some of the pages in his books were stolen by the former student Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) to act out his plan of summoning the interdimensional monster Dormammu (Benedict Cumberbatch, in a fun and snarly performance that reminded me of his turn as the greedy dragon Smaug). Strange is at first reluctant to get involved in a battle for the universe, but the situation and his friends press him to take advantage of his talents.
As the iconic sorcerer, Cumberbatch gives a strong, flawed and suitably sympathetic performance, convincingly playing an unlikely diamond in the rough turned apprentice turned hero that almost seems more suited for a younger protagonist. In spite of his stature and past glory, his arc is a pure hero’s journey, right now to the refusal to answer the call. It’s not a groundbreaking story by any stretch, but Cumberbatch is able to capture a wide range of emotions that make Strange into a well rounded and appealing hero, in spite of his faults.
He’s supported by a stacked cast that add a good deal of personality to the side characters. Ejifor is a good, stubborn but practical minded foil to the egotistical doctor, while Swinton is at once patient, mysterious and intimidating. Wong has a number of understated but funny moments, and Strange ‘s dynamic with fellow doctor Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) feels very touching and genuine.
Through some strong direction by Scott Derrickson and cinematography by Ben Davis, the fight scenes and effects are where Strange lives up to its title. The effects of the characters traveling through the astral plane is represented by bizarre, kaleidoscopic imagery, and Strange’s battles with Kaecilius are as topsy turvy as an Escher painting. I won’t spoil the climax, but it’s a clever subversion of a number of superhero final act cliches.
I can’t predict how well Doctor Strange will hold up over time, but from where I stand it’s as good of a multiplex debut for Steve Ditko’s cosmic crusader as one could have hoped for. To me it’s a fun, upper/middle tier superhero film that isn’t as ambitious as Civil War or many of DC’s films, but still posessing heart and intelligence. Recommended for comic book fans and those looking for a fun popcorn flick, as well as anyone interested in an interesting story about putting one’s ego in check and the power of humility.