Get ready to watch reality bend at will in the newest issue of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange. The MCU does it again by making a lesser known character a favorite one. Doctor Strange introduces sorcery into the MCU with some of the best visual effects seen in the Marvel movies yet. The narrative stays small and doesn’t expand into the rest of the MCU to introduce Stephen Strange instead of throwing him into heat of the furnace, as seen with characters such as Scarlet Witch. Doctor Strange stays true to Strange’s origin with little changes here and there, as well as introducing minor characters that help build the mystical world around Doctor Strange. In addition, the movie is an excellent solo film that doesn’t include the other Marvel characters and gives the audience a chance to get to know the mystical Strange.

The film itself is fantastic in how it shows Strange change from an egotistical doctor to a broken man who loses his purpose and overcomes his obstacles to become the master of mystic arts. The visual effects are stunning, especially in 3D, and make the film look like it was filmed with a kaleidoscope. The first act of the film drags but builds up Strange’s character. In the second act, Strange undergoes training learning how to use his powers- which adds a comical effect to the movie. The third act is action-packed and shows how powerful Strange is. The movie is fantastic and leaves the audience wanting more of the mystical sorcerer. 

Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing in his role of Stephen Strange and shares a similar and egotistical personality to Tony Stark. Tilda Swinton’s character of the Ancient One is mysterious in all ways. She throws a curveball at the audience in the third act of the film as Strange finds out her dark secret. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character, Baron Mordo, is a great side character as he and Strange share a relationship like Iron Man and War Machine. Also, the character Wong, played by Benedict Wong, is comedic as he has no sense of humor when Strange tries to make him laugh by cutting jokes during the second act of the film.

Similar to most movies, this particular one has its share of flukes. Marvel’s lack of memorable villains does not exempt Doctor Strange’s villains. Keacilius, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is not the worst villain Marvel has tried to adapt to screen, but he is certainly not the best. He wasn’t developed as well as he could have been. As for Doctor Strange’s love story, the relationship between Strange and Christine Palmer, played by Rachel McAdams, is not developed deeply enough to call the two partners. The relationship could be compared to Thor and Jane Foster´s relationship as it fails to build a strong romantic bond between the two.

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, Doctor Strange is but a glimpse of what Marvel can do. With a plethora of characters, the possibilities are endless. Following the events of Captain America Civil War, Doctor Strange had a lot to live up to, and it not only lived up to its expectations, but it exceeded them. Bringing in $85 million in its opening weekend, November 4-6, and it has brought in $150 million in just the United States alone, exceeding its box office predictions. Thankfully, it won’t be long until Strange shows up again in the MCU- thanks to one of Marvel’s famous post-credit scenes. Whether it will be in the next Avengers movie or maybe even a cameo in a hammer wielding god’s movie, Doctor Strange will definitely be showing up to fight evil alongside his fellow Avengers.