Review of Doctor Strange (2016) by Jessamyn B — 23 Apr 2018

Dr. Strange is a work of cinematographic art that takes viewers on an eye tantalizing journey through parallel dimensions, successfully popularizing a newly revitalized facet of the marvel universe. The audience becomes emotional entranced by the film as we watch Doctor Stephen Strange fall apart after a disastrous car crash that renders his hands useless. The film features enough character development to keep the audience captivated as we watch a previously arrogant surgeon become a humbled sorcerer under the apprenticeship of a mystic known as the Ancient one. This change of heart becomes especially apparent through Strange's repetitive interactions with Christina: their feelings and friendship rekindled as Strange's heart softens, revealing an emotional side previously unseen to viewers. However, while the characters and beautiful cinematography alone are enough to keep the audience's attention away from it's many plot holes and gaps- the movie wasn't all that it could have been.

Strange's biggest flaw was how it glossed over a detailed explanation of a multi- dimensional universe. The simple-minded nature of the film left out information about the origin of Strange's powers ultimately leaving viewers confused. This might have been okay if not for the disappointing climax of the movie that left Strange to rely on a powerful object and good fortune rather than the cultivation of his own abilities. Furthermore, the movie didn't sport a particularly exciting villain character either. Kaecilius was poorly developed, a composite of previous villains already seen in the Marvel universe. Strange truly had the opportunity to go big, and in many ways they missed the bar if only by a little bit.

Of course, while Dr. Strange had its flaws, the movie was truly saved by its cast. Dr. Strange was magnificentally portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch: no actor could have been better suited to the role. All in all, the movie was s captivating success.