Benedict Cumberbatch recently toppled Robert Downey Jnr, as
Doctor Strange brought in a record $600 million for Marvel, which is the
highest ever recorded for a solo film. Before its release there were doubts
about just how successful the movie would be. Strange certainly isn’t a well-known
character or anywhere near as marketable as the other heroes that Marvel have
rights too.
So what makes the film quite so good? When the movie was
announced, marvel movie goers were still wondering just who could
pick up Thor’s hammer, however, Benedict Cumberbatch is traditionally
exceptional in performing Dr Stephen Strange. But the real highlight is some of
the mind bending visual effects which truly light up the film. The visual
effects team have already been touted
for an Oscar nomination. It might not be the best Marvel movie, but it has
a slightly darker tone which the audience has been crying out for. Considering that
first Marvel film came out in 2008, fans of the franchise are starting to grow
up. This was the perfect timing for a slightly experimental film.
It has all the usual bells and whistles, packed with action
and explosions, but what really bends the mind is some city altering Inception
style graphics. It’s eye poppingly fantastic and Cumberbatch settles in seamlessly.
Strange starts off as a surgeon, a man of science. Strange
starts off as a bit arrogant, he has become wealthy and successful and is more
than comfortable with his lifestyle, but like so many superhero films, there’s
a terrible accident. He then travels to Nepal, where he goes on a mind-bending
journey to discover his unleash his powers. He soon turns into a Tudor coat,
goaty bearing, astral plane sorcerer. He learns his technique from a cult
leader called the ‘ancient one’ who is played by Tilda Swinton, who absolutely
pulls off the bald look. He must master the techniques of sorcery in order to
defeat Kaecilius, a former student of the Ancient One, who has moved over to
the ‘dark side.’ (Nothing like Star Wars)
I’m certainly one for training montages and Doctor Strange
nails it. It reminds me somewhat of the Matrix, with incredible effects
combined with Kung Fu, magic wielding. Stephen Strange is well and truly taken
down the Rabbit Hole and goes on a journey, which is destined for far greater
things than the simple job of surgery.
For Marvel fans, it will undoubtedly be a must see, however,
for casual comic book fans who are unsure about tackling an unorthodox Marvel
movie, it is still well worth a watch. We hope to see Dr. Strange once again in
Avengers Infinity war, as we attempt to see as many of the Marvel cast as
possible.
