Even the most ardent fan of DC Comics will have to admit
that Marvel is doing a great job with the movie adaptation of its comics. They
are able to translate their comics to the big screen in a seamless fashion,
satisfying both regular movie goers and comic book enthusiasts. And their perfect
casting is almost uncanny. What is even more interesting now is that they have
started breaking (or atleast bending) the unwritten rules by bringing in game
changers like the R-rated Deadpool and now Doctor Strange. By bringing in the
occult aspect to what has essentially been a ‘grounded in reality’ world of
superheroes, Marvel has opened up a world of possibilities and delivered a
truly fresh (and trippy) cinematic experience. Watch out DC – I don’t think your
current by-the-book approach is going to cut it.
Like every other superhero, Doctor Strange’s first movie
deals with his origin story. Brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen
Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) loses the use of his hands after a car accident
(never use the phone while driving – worth appreciating that Marvel even puts
it in their end credits). Unable to find a cure in Western medicine, he travels
to Nepal on hearing about Kamar-Taj – a mysterious enclave where he meets a
group of sorcerers led by the enigmatic ‘Ancient One’ (Tilda Swinton, another
perfect casting). What follows is Strange’s education of the mystic arts, and
his reluctant journey to become a protector of the world.
Marvel does a by-the-numbers origin story for Doctor Strange as well, but what
is exciting and refreshing is that the studio has embraced the mumbo-jumbo
aspects of the source material rather than shying away from it – this results
in some very ambitious and visually stunning scenes, which felt like Inception
on LSD. The sheer spectacle of it makes for a truly special cinematic
experience, something that has been lacking in other movies in the MCU.
The movie also benefits from Marvel’s irreverent attitude
and tongue-in-cheek humour, and the movie is peppered with witty one-liners and
even some laugh out loud moments. The movie continues the tradition of not taking
itself too seriously, and really benefits from it. Add to that the cast who fit
their roles perfectly, and you have another winner.
But the movie isn’t without its flaws – most of the
characters aren’t well fleshed out, and this is most evident in the main
antagonist. Barring Loki, Marvel has not been able to produce a villain who can
leave an impact. Also, a lot of the movie’s highlights come from the fact that
it is different in its source material, opening up new opportunities – we will
have to see how they can keep it going for the sequel once the novelty is gone.
In fact, given that he will be in Avengers – Infinity War, it’ll be interesting
to see the character dynamics in play.
That being said, this is a definite winner for Marvel – I
would go so far as to say that it is probably another defining moment in
superhero movies. Definitely watch this one in the theatre (something I wouldn’t
have said for any other Marvel movie). In fact, I’m waiting for the movie to
come back in I‑Max to experience the brilliant action scenes.
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