Just a Kind of Magic
Director: Scott Derrickson
Running Time: 115 Minutes
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton
After a car accident severs the nerves in his hands, talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) ventures to Kamar-Taj, in the hopes for a cure. His journey leads him to The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), a mystic who shows him the hidden world of sorcery. The experience leads Strange to follow her tutelage, devoting himself to studying the mystic arts.

But the visuals are the real star here, delivering stunning views into this new world and the magics which are part of it. An apt description is Inception on LSD. From the big scenery altering magics to the way gravity and reality are altered for fighting scenes, what director Scott Derrickson brings to the table is pretty impressive. It also contains one of the best scores in a Marvel picture, fantastically delivered by Michael Giacchio.
Mads Mikkelsen puts his all into the villainous role of Kaecellius, who has shades of an interesting character, but could've done with a bit more work. Chiwetel Ejiofor suffers from much of the same, as his supposed friendship with Strange is more talked about than it is witnessed onscreen. There's interesting shades to his character once more, but one wishes he was utilised a bit more onscreen.
It's apparent the film follows the typical origin tale, carrying the familiar beats in the story structure. But these moments aren't hugely detrimental, as we bear witness to mind bending visuals that one-up Inception, enjoyable shenanigans reminiscent of Groundhog Day, and the fighting antics of a mystical cloak.
Standing out well as both a part of the MCU and a standalone story for its lead character, Doctor Strange is, for lack of a better word, magic. A promising start for Marvel's newest addition, and the latest in a long line of successful risks for the studio.

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