Surprisingly good.
I was dreading another superhero origin story from Marvel. But as the father to two boys who are superhero fans, I have my duties. So as I settled in to watch Dr. Strange, I held my tongue so that it wouldn’t get bit off by the two fanatics next to me. But to my surprise, I ended up liking it. In fact, while a standard origin story, it is presented in an original and whimsical manner that allowed me to put aside my issues with the formulaic and generic superhero films of the last 10 years and go along for the ride.
I’m not gushing. The film does follow the standard Marvel structure that I find redundant. In fact it reminds me of the first Iron Man movie. A snotty, ego driven success story named Stephan Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a neurosurgeon, gets into an accident that leaves him with permanent nerve damage to his hands (Tony Stark had damage to his heart). He tries to find a cure by traveling to Nepal where he meets The Ancient One (an excellent Tilda Swinton) and her “staff” who serve as Stranges’ guides to the mystical world of inter dimensional travel, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong). When the plot does kick in, it is really about Strange trying to stop an old disciple of the ancient one played by Mads Mikkelsen in the standard villain role (he’s good but like in most Marvel films it’s the least interesting role in the film, Thor’s Loki aside).
The cast is impressive and does really good work. Cumberbatch is perfect in the main role. Sadly, the movie must give him a love interest (Rachel McAdams) who is treated more like comic relief then an actual paramour. I wish she was given more to do. Director Scott Derrickson, working with a massive budget pulls out all the stops here, allowing for a trippy ride. Watch it in 3D. You’ll rarely hear me say that but here, it’s worth the extra 3 bucks for the glasses. Not bad, Marvel. Wait until the very end if you’re a true fan.
