“Doctor Strange:” Marvel’s Latest Hero

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the new Marvel movie "Doctor Strange." Photo by Associated Press.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the new Marvel movie “Doctor Strange.” Photo by Associated Press.

By Jordan Norkus

Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor

If you’re looking for the latest fantasy and science fiction film with visually dynamic special effects, look no further.

On Friday, Nov. 4 Marvel Studios released its latest superhero film, “Doctor Strange.”

After its launch in North America, it had a box office gross of $85 million and received mostly positive feedback from critics and audience members.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton.

Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange, an arrogant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a catastrophic car accident.

The stem cell operation he wants to undergo to heal his hands is too experiemental so he spends almost all of his money trying to find a doctor that would do it. After countless rejections and being desperate for any means of healing, Strange learns of a place called Kamar-Taj, where he discovers the hidden world of magic, mystic arts and alternate dimensions. He soon becomes a sorcerer under the teachings of the Ancient One, played by Swinton.

I never heard of “Doctor Strange” before seeing the theatrical trailer, so I had no idea what the story was about. The trailer was vague but it gave just enough to make me want to see the movie. Too many films nowadays give away everything through their promotional previews, so I liked going into the theater not knowing what to expect.

I was especially impressed with the special effects utilized in “Doctor Strange.” It was visually different than anything that’s been out recently. This film held a psychedelic essence that really captured the use of magic and otherworldly dimensions.

In one hour and 55 minutes, Cumberbatch and the rest of the cast gave a stellar performance.

Already being a fan of Cumberbatch’s work, I really liked how he played the role of Strange. He successfully portrays a man who starts off believing he knows everything there is to know just to find out that he knows nothing when he goes to Kamar-Taj. He was blinded by his own arrogance. Strange has to let go of what he thought he knew about the world before and even by the end of the movie, he’s told that he still has so much to learn.

My only negative criticism for the film was that I thought the ending was a little too rushed and “jokey.” Defeating Dormammu, the ruler of a dark, alternate dimension, seemed to be way too easy. Throughout the film, it was said that this entity could bring on darkness and destroy worlds completely. After a few comical sequences, all was settled. I expected a little more conflict from what was shown.

When the movie was over, two more scenes were shown during the film credits.

In the first credit scene, Strange is shown talking to Thor, the Norse god of thunder and lightning, played by Chris Hemsworth. This sets up what’s to come in the upcoming film, “Thor: Ragnarok.”

Being a fan of superhero films, I really enjoyed “Doctor Strange.” It has a unique storyline and is different than what Marvel has been releasing over these past few years.

If you like special effects and action-packed blockbusters, this one’s for you.

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