Doctor Strange

[WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!]

When it comes to Marvel films, the stories seem to be made from templates. I think everyone has grown tired of the hero being told, "It's your destiny!" Well, I'm glad to say that Doctor Strange wasn't told this what so ever. I am not a comic book fan, but I do enjoy strange powers.

Doctor Strange is about a prestige surgeon that ends up with traumatized hands after a deadly car crash. He undergoes several surgeries, but none are as successful as he would expect. When he learns about a patient that was once paralyzed and has miraculously recovered, he seeks out the doctors that healed them. Except, these doctors are not what he expected.

So far, Doctor Strange has been my least favorite in terms of story. I do see why it was considered at the Academy for best visual effects, but the story could use some improvement. Aside from Stephen Strange gaining incredible powers, he doesn't change by the end. He dumps his unofficial girlfriend despite his new life not really being that dangerous for her to be a part of. I don't even think he learns any morals by the end.

The visual effects in this movie were spectacular. I can't even imagine what the editing team had to go through to get those graphics just right. However, it felt like they pulled the idea of the transforming and folding buildings from the movie Inception. One could argue and say the idea was pulled from Harry Potter, but those movies didn't go too far with visual effects with transforming buildings. It's inevitable that ideas will be copied and transformed to create a totally new story. But, critiques with a focused eye will see similarities. At times, I had trouble keeping up with the graphics. It was like watching a Michael Bay film, specifically Transformers. When too much goes on at one time, audiences can't keep up visually to the point where it's overwhelming. Those who have motion sickness, like me, might find themselves looking away during the battle scenes because of all the wild and crazy movements.

I've noticed a pattern with Marvel movies. There's always an antagonist seeking immortality, mostly because this is the ultimate goal of a super bad guy or girl. But, this seeking of immortality can become cliche after awhile. An excellent example of an antagonist who does not seek this goal is the Joker. Now, there are probably more villains out there who are on the same boat with Joker, but since my comic knowledge is limited, I'm sticking with Batman's villain. The Joker seeks chaos and destruction, specifically against Batman. He loves to play the game of tug-of-war with Batman and ruin all of Batman's good deeds. I had hoped that Dr. Strange's villain would be like this, rather than a typical bad guy seeking immortality. This seems to be Disney's go-to for brand new bad guys.

Overall, I thought the film had an interesting take on time loops, magical beings, and harvest energy from dimensions across the galaxy. It's a new movie to experience, but not a movie for me to rewatch. If a sequel comes out, I may watch it. But, if it's the typical Disney Marvel story template, then I'll wait until it arrives on Netflix to watch.

#Marvel #Disney #DoctorStrange #BenedictCumberbatch