Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Review

Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Dir: Sam Raimi

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Xochitl Gómez

2h 6m

The latest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands the possibilities of where these superhero films can go. With a multiverse in the narrative mix, we can have multiple Dr. Strange's or alternate worlds where events viewers have experienced alter enough to change familiarity. And, in the case of "Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," you can bring the creative genius of director Sam Raimi to incorporate his unique blend of cinematic madness into the mix. 

Madness is the best way to describe Raimi's return to the genre he had a hand in defining with films like "Darkman" and the original "Spider-Man" trilogy. The narrative is messy and convoluted from the start, with motions back to the Disney+ "WandaVision" series and the most recent "Spider-Man: No Way Home" film. But as the story settles into its multiverse theme, the exciting, exuberant style of Sam Raimi takes over, pushing the gore and horror elements about as far as any Marvel film has while also composing a frame of visuals that feels different for the Marvel cinematic style. It's refreshing watching the old tools used with new creative hands.

The film opens with alternate-universe Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) protecting a young girl with special powers named America Chavez (Xochitl Gómez) from a creature in pursuit. Things end badly, and America, who can jump from universe to universe but doesn't know how to control her power, escapes into the dimension with the familiar Stephen Strange. In this world, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), better known now as The Scarlett Witch, is still grieving the trauma of the reality she created, which ultimately came crumbling down, losing the family she so desperately wanted. America's abilities are powerful and feared, and Dr. Strange, along with ally Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong), are the only ones who can help her. The two travel through numerous alternate universes in hopes of finding a solution. 

Sam Raimi composes "Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" at breakneck speed, hardly allowing any time for the viewer to get comfortable with the story before introducing either an action sequence or more exposition to race to the finish line. Raimi assumes that if you are in the theater for this film, you have watched the prerequisite shows/movies to understand the aggressive plotting. While the story is chaotic, sometimes in disarray, it utilizes the strongest characters, Dr. Strange and the Scarlett Witch, to anchor the emotions. The emphasis here leaves a problem for the newest character America Chavez, played with confidence by Xochitl Gómez, who isn't provided with many opportunities to impose emotions into the story surrounding her. 

Raimi's unique vision and style is the real champion of the film. With influences from "The Evil Dead," "Army of Darkness," and "Drag Me To Hell," Raimi pushes the film into horror movie territory with his iconic zooms, sound clashes, and mischievous use of horror mixing humor that has defined many of his movies. It's a real treat to see the director back in the comic book movie chair. 

It helps that Benedict Cumberbatch is leading the charge as the charming yet arrogant Master of the Mystical Arts, Dr. Strange. Still, the shining star of this film belongs to Elizabeth Olsen playing the vengeance-fueled Scarlett Witch. Olsen embodies a wide range of emotions, anger and rage countered by fear and sorrow. At one moment, both the chaos-magic-wielding Scarlett Witch and homemaking-mom Wanda Maximoff encounter each other; the concluding interaction is a fascinating look at the evolution of this character and the emotions that compose her entire story. 

"Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" may not execute all of its narrative ambitions consistently, but that never keeps the film from being entertaining and a fast-paced experience. Raimi's style, restrained within the Marvel Universe, still adds humor, heart, and, surprisingly, hints of horror throughout, especially in the film's second half, which feels just a tiny step away from going into the director's full signature. Hopefully, Sam Raimi returns for more of these superhero adventures. 

Monte's Rating

3.50 out of 5.00

Doctor Strange Review

Doctor Strange

Dir: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, and Mads Mikkelsen 

What makes a good superhero? The kind of powers they possess? The kind of origin story they have? Perhaps how cool they look in their costume? Yes, all of these assist in making a good superhero, however a great personality can go a long way with these characters. Look no further than Tony “Iron Man” Stark, the charming genius with enough personality for ten different heroes. Adding Robert Downey Jr. as the actor tasked with bringing this personality to life could be one of the best casting choices of the decade. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is charging along, moving into the third phase of character and story implementation. The first phase began in 2008 with the first “Iron Man” film. We’ve seen standalone films, team films, human heroes, alien and mutant superheroes, and other dimensional superheroes. Now, with “Doctor Strange”, we have a mystic magical art superhero. More importantly we have another unique personality and the great casting choice of Benedict Cumberbatch. 

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a brilliant, arrogant neurosurgeon with a perfect surgical record. For Dr. Strange it's less about saving lives and more about beating the odds. Dr. Strange walks and talks like a man invincible, until a car accident almost takes his life and renders the nerves in his hands disabled. Looking for any kind of hope for recovery, Dr. Strange travels across the globe to Nepal to find a Celtic guru known as The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in hopes of being healed. Dr. Strange is introduced to the mystic arts and learns that logic no longer applies to the world that he knows. 

The traditional journey of the hero that has categorized heroic tales in film is on full display here. The foolhardy, egotistical Dr. Strange falls and needs to build himself into something different, nothing particularly new with this story structure here. While this film brings emphasis to a different kind of Marvel universe, one with sorcerers and conjured spells, it also wisely allows enough room for the characters to develop. Obviously there are plans to keep this character around for a while. As with any origin story it's important to understand the protagonist, to have some kind of definition of the character so that as the character grows you can empathize with their journey. It's unfortunate that the same kind of time wasn't given to the overall story here. It doesn't help that "Doctor Strange" comes on the heels of some very strong Marvel properties, "Captain America: Civil War" and the Netflix series "Luke Cage". Still, even though it's been done hundreds of times in film, a good journey and character is the foundation for a quality film and franchise.

Director Scott Derrickson infuses so much visual flair into the film that you sometimes forget about the boring narrative design. This is one of the few films that I would advise watching in IMAX 3-D. The world, when the battles between good and evil start, are manipulated in extravagant ways; cities fold onto one another and roads venture in sharp angles in every direction. It’s confusing at times but the emphasis never moves from the characters in action, which adds a grounded element to everything that is going on. 

It also helps that the film cast fan favorite Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. Mr. Cumberbatch is perfect for the role with his smug demeanor and dry sense of humor. Rachel McAdams is also good as a working associate to Dr. Strange. Add to this the committed performances from Mads Mikkelsen, somewhat underutilized villain named Kaecillius, and Tilda Swinton, a entire movie could be made of her character, and the silly aspects in the narrative are easier to accept when such accomplished actors discuss time travel and multiple dimensions with such conviction.

The build up to the final showdown will display the issues with the story, it's just not that exciting or intriguing like other comic book films. Villains are usually given the indulgences and bravado not afforded to a hero, which makes them an interesting counterpart to the hero and builds a dynamic quality that makes the final battle exciting. This is where "Doctor Strange" is different from the pack because the heroic character here is consistently interesting. Look at the first "Iron Man" film, you had the fantastic talents of Jeff Bridges playing the big bad guy but that's not what you remember about the film, it's always about Tony Stark. "Doctor Strange" operates in the same way because the hero is provided with enough complexity and charisma to fill all the scenes, Dr. Strange is his own worst enemy. It's a battle that composes every scene, it makes Mads Mikkelsen's villain unnecessary. This is the overall success of "Doctor Strange", proving that personality goes a long way.

Monte's Review

3.50 out of 5.00