Everything is Getting Magical in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Looking Back At When The Sorcerer Supreme Made His Big Screen Debut For Marvel!
With that awesome ‘Black Panther’ movie trailer dropping, and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ right around the corner, fans have been saying Marvel Studios is finally mixing things up. I have a friend who said the superhero genre is starting to all feel so similar, and isn’t breaking new ground. Many fans, including myself, do see Marvel trying to bring in changes to there films. I decided to go back and look at the movie, ‘Doctor Strange’. Mainly because, I believe that is when Marvel really got kicking with trying to shake up the superhero movie genre.
Can you believe it folks? We have truly come a long way. Can you believe that ‘Doctor Strange‘ was the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? At this point, you would think that some of these Marvel Studio films would get a little predictable, feel a little stale, and seem like there are no other areas to explore. On the other hand, Marvel has been doing a very well job of introducing lesser-known heroes, mixing up the genre, and finding a way to change up there formatting and still stay fresh. ‘Doctor Strange’ is the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and with films like this, I want to say cheers to another 14. This film is the freshest thing Marvel has done since the first ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘!
Dr. Stephen Strange played by Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’), is a successful yet arrogant doctor. One night, life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. He quickly learns that the enclave is at the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying reality. Before long, Strange is forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Get Spellbound With Doctor Strange!
For those who may not know much about Doctor Strange, let me drop some quick knowledge on yah. Dr. Strange first popped out of the glorious head of legendary comic book artist Steve Ditko, and comic book legend Stan Lee (a pairing best known for Spider-Man). Dr. Strange appeared in 1963, around the time ‘Harvard’ fired Timothy Leary and a colleague for conducting experiments with hallucinogens. In interviews, early comic book writer for Dr. Strange Roy Thomas has mentioned that it was trippy visuals, the drugs of the 60s, high on shrooms, hallucinations, ‘Chandu the Magician‘, Egyptian myths, cosmology, acid, and more that has inspired such a legendary character, that we still love to this day.
Now Doctor Strange may be Marvel’s best looking movie, however it is not Marvel’s best film. The first thing we have to talk about are the visuals, because this film has some really spectacular visuals. The buildings gnarl and twist like segments of a Rubik’s Cube. Balconies become playgrounds, they buckle over and start spinning, threatening to smash down on various characters like a maniacal rolling pin. Gravity flips and shifts with each camera angle as the goons look like inebriated hamsters on a wheel. The basic physics concepts you are used to no longer work in the way you have been taught. It is like watching reality tear itself apart.
The director, Scott Derrickson (‘Sinister’ and ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’) crafted a beautiful world. Filled with color, snazzy visuals, and style. The cinematography is literally some of the best work I have seen out of any Marvel flick. I truly believe that this film could have been nominated for visual effects. Similarly, I know many people compared the visuals to ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Inception’. Even though it takes inspiration from those films, it is not completely ripping them off. The magic and sorcery are just so enchanting to look at whenever it shows up on screen. I usually like to watch regular 2D movies. On the other hand, I usually would not recommend this but if you can see this movie in 3D you should. This is the type of film you want to see in your face.
Benedict Cumberbatch is literally a perfect ‘Doctor Strange’. He looks just like the character in the comics. He is funny (‘Doctor Strange’ likes Beyonce), confused, has intellect, arrogant, and passionate. This character is extremely relatable to a majority of people, and that is why we feel something for the character. Before this film started shooting the rumor going around was Jared Leto, Adrien Brody, and Joaquin Phoenix were all considered for the role. In addition, even though all those actors are extremely talented. I am glad they went with Mr. Cumberbatch. Also, in my opinion Chiwetel Ejiofor (‘Triple 9′ and ’12 Years A Slave’) always performs as if he is wanting to win an Oscar. Every time he is on screen, he gives a spectacular performance.
If You Have Seen Other Superhero Films (Especially Marvel) Doctor Strange Will Come Off Familiar?
Once again, my only complaint with ‘Marvel’ is they rush the origin story and have a somewhat forgettable villain. The villains are getting a little bit more well rounded, however, the villain in this movie played by Mads Mikkelsen (‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Hannibal’), and for someone named Mads he comes off a little easy going for a villain.
Overall, i still feel the same may about this movie as i did when it first came out. It has a very cool character, it is another great adaption in the M.C.U., it has wonderful visuals, and I think most people will enjoy it. I am more than proud to give Doctor Strange a…
9 out of 10!
So those are my thoughts on the film, and I’m glad ‘Marvel’ is starting to switch things up. The last thing I want, and I’m sure you want is the superhero genre getting bland. Marvel films like ‘Doctor Strange’ were a good and clear sign of Marvel taking chances, and mixing things up for the better. With upcoming films like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Black Panther’, I believe there has never been a better time to see comics adapted for the big screen.
Thank you all for reading, and or viewing, and I hope you all have a good day and night as always. 🙂
Nile Fortner
Nile@comicattack.net
