Review of Doctor Strange (2016) by Silverscreen91 — 04 Nov 2016

Dr. Strange is, appropriately enough, a strange movie. It is both something new and yet the exact same thing we've come to expect from Marvel Origin Movies lately.

The story of Steven Strange is one tread upon repeatedly, using what I like to call the Marvel Origin Movie Formula: Person has a problem, finds solution via gaining/making powers, training montage of improving those abilities, enter main villain, small fight with villain leading up to bigger fight with villain. There are, however, several points that this movie vastly breaks away from the mold. The first point is the setting. Magic might have been touched upon in Thor, but they go head first into the deep end of using magic in this movie. It helps it to stand out from the other films. Second is the climax. It's a clever change from the usual ultimate battle finale we've come to expect from these films, having Strange use his brain instead of his power to win.

The characters are, unfortunately, total retreads as well. Dr. Strange particularly feels like another Tony Stark. A lot of the character development is easy to see coming, though I have to say there are a few scenes that, again, help to break away from the usual for Marvel. The villain of the picture has a nice monologue that, gasp, gives him character. Not a lot, but it's more than usual for many Marvel movie villains. Unfortunately, he and a particular other villain seem to be cast aside, but thankfully there's a chance left open for both of them to come back rather than just outright crossing them off. There's a touching and interesting scene with the mentor of the film, and it's nice that, in a refreshing change of pace, everyone is willing to call out the main character for his...Stark-ness.

The action in this movie is pretty damn cool, mostly because of said effects being incorporated into it. There is one particular shot in the movie that I think was meant to be the big "HELL YEAH" moment, and I am so very, very glad that it wasn't spoiled in advertising because it made that shot all the more glamorous.

The long and short of the film is this: If you love the Marvel Origin Movie formula, you'll love this movie. If you're getting tired of the formula, you'll be pleasantly surprised with a couple of things in the film and enjoy the new atmosphere made by being immersed in the magical side of the MCU. Strange is a good addition to the MCU, but it's hard to look past the fact that Marvel's kinda stuck in a rut with the formula. Here's hoping Spider-Man and Black Panther will break the mold.