SYNOPSIS: From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

REVIEW:

Kaecilius: You'll die defending this world, Mister...

Dr. Stephen Strange: Doctor!

Kaecilius: Mister Doctor?

Dr. Stephen Strange: It's Strange!

Kaecilius: Maybe, who am I to judge?

It IS very strange, very mystical, very confusing, very bizarre, but it is also very stunning and very entertaining. One question is, is it live or is it Memorex? (I probably just dated myself). I mean is this a dream or is it real? Is this like Inception? I would say this is Marvel's version of Inception because it will remind you a lot of that particular movie which is not a bad thing. The only difference is, this isn't a dream. On that note, it is needless to say that the visual effects of this film are mindblowing. It is right up there with films like Inception and Avatar. This brings me to my next point which is that this is definitely worth considering seeing it in 3D. In other words, it is 3D worthy. Disclaimer: I am not a big spender type of guy so most of the time I would rather just pay to see the 2D version of a film because not much is gained by paying the extra amount just to see it in 3D. I find this to be true of many of the 3D movies of recent past. However, in this case, as it is for a movie like Avatar, you almost gotta see it in 3D to really appreciate and get the full effect of the amazing special effects. Wong: Heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical dangers. We safeguard it against more mystical threats.

Marvel, it seems, can do no wrong at this point in the game cinematically speaking. Now they're expanding the realm from just physical to include the mystical and spiritual and doing it in a fascinating way. As each episode of the Marvel Universe unfolds, I don't know about you but it just makes me want more and more. Now with the addition of the Doctor, I can hardly wait to see what is yet to come. By adding this dimension to the Avengers team, it is just going to be too cool. It is just really exciting and I shed a brief tear for DC . . . cinematically speaking. I am rooting for them, but they are so far behind to what Marvel has accomplished thus far. The Ancient One: Arrogance and fear still keep you from learning the simplest and most significant lesson of all.

Dr. Stephen Strange: Which is?

The Ancient One: It's not about you.

This film presents us with the mere beginnings of the Doctor Strange character and from what I've heard, it is only scratching the surface as what he will be capable of doing. It is extremely satisfying to see Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. I don't think anyone else could have done better. Talk about perfect casting, and not only him, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tilda Swinton were also perfectly cast for their roles. I've always been a huge fan of Chiwetel. I believe him to be one of the better actors of our time. Same goes for Tilda. Ever since I saw her for the first time in Constantine, no matter what she does, she shines. She never fails to impress me and her role in this movie is right up her alley. And there is Rachel McAdams who plays a small but meaningful role as the "love interest". Priscilla might get mad at me, but I've got to admit that Rachel looks to be that kind of woman that you could just melt in her presence and could just easily fall in love with her, probably at first sight. As you can tell, the cast did a great job with this film, and the casting crew did a great job getting this cast. And of course, be on the lookout for the ever fun Stan Lee cameo. Also be on the lookout for 2 end credit scenes. This is probably Director Scott Derrickson's most light hearted film, not that this film is light hearted but if you look at his directing filmography you will see what I mean. He is exactly what a film of this nature calls for and did it right. If you are a Marvel fan, this is a must see.