Mini Movie Review: "Doctor Strange" (2016)

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I have avoided Marvel Studios movies for awhile because they have become an an assembly line of increasing mediocrity. However the lesser character of “Doctor Strange” seemed promising and the movies boasts an impressive cast of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen and Rachel McAdams. A warning sign things might go amiss were three writers (too many cooks) worked in the script including director Scott Derrickson whose previous major credit was the horror picture “Sinister.” The movie’s first 45 minutes are interesting in setting up premise and character development. Cumberbatch performs well in creating a fully rounded character, a rarity in the Marvel universe. Dr. Stephen Strange is a brilliant yet selfish, arrogant and egotistical neurosurgeon who treats lover Christine (McAdams) callously. Insight into the man is provided by the sterile penthouse he lives in and large Rolex watch collection. Don’t text and drive. Strange’s fate is his own fault. He cracks up his speeding sports car. The accident destroys the nerves in his surgical hands leaving him embittered and hostile. Strange will do anything his hands which are his identity including traveling to Nepal in search of a magical cure. Once taken in by the Ancient One (Swinton) , Strange and the movie dissolves into vague mystical mumbo jumbo. Meanwhile, the Ancient One’s rogue protege Kaecilius (Mikkelsen) and his minions are running amok threatening the world with something to do with living forever and some outer space evil force. The movie turns into a series of fights and CGI special effects. The CGI extravaganza is visually stunning but noisy imagery cannot make up for fuzzy plot becoming nonsense. After a promising start, “Doctor Strange” becomes routine hackneyed Marvel fare and the Strange character less interesting. Marvel loves to self promote. There is the obligatory cameo by Stan Lee this time on a New York bus. The Ancient One mentions the Avengers as protecting the world from physical threat while they must protect from mystical harm. Following the credits is a discussion between Strange and Thor (Chris Hemsworth). “Doctor Strange” was generally a popular and critical success so one can expect a sequel from the assembly line.