When it comes to a character like Dr. Strange, producing a movie based on him is a no-brainer. Even when the MCU was still beginning, it was something people wanted. Sure enough, the film was slated for Phase Three with Benedict Cumberbatch of "Sherlock" fame in the role.
So I'll be honest. I wasn't as hyped for this film compared to everything else I've seen this summer. Part of it is when you see a Marvel Studios film, they've done no wrong so far so you just expect it to be good. I mean, you know that Cumberbatch will be good and so will the visuals. Even going in after knowing about the great reviews, I still didn't think it would be up there with Cap, Avengers, or Guardians. Well, consider my face red because my expectations were GREATLY exceeded.
I have to hand it to Marvel firstly for not giving away too much in the trailers and TV spots; that's part of the same reason why Winter Soldier blew me away, and it repeats itself here.
Starting with the actors, I don't think there was a bad one in the bunch, and the interaction between them was amazing.
Cumberbatch was beyond excellent in the lead role. I mean, I knew he'd be good, but I wasn't expecting him to give one of the best performances in the MCU yet. His character arc is amazing, from the confident yet arrogant surgeon, to his downward spiral after his accident in a pretty heart-breaking montage of his recovery and rehab, to becoming a well versed sorcerer. In some ways, I saw a bit of other Marvel heroes in his story. Like Tony Stark, he's super sure of himself (as you'd probably expect from one-half of the Awesome Facial Hair Bros). Like Thor, he becomes arrogant and has to learn some humility (not to mention he even has someone close to him who dresses in green). Like Cap, he has something to prove, wanting to help people but try not to kill anyone. What was also nice to see was how green Strange was. In my experience with Strange, I'm used to seeing him at the peak of his abilities. Even if they talk about his beginnings, they usually skim over the training. He doesn't become the Sorcerer Supreme yet, but he's well on his way.
The Ancient One was pretty much what you'd think of when it comes to an all-powerful teacher. I know there was a lot of flack when it came to Tilda Swenton being cast in a traditionally 'old asian man' role (I think they even poke fun at that expectation in the film itself), but seriously, I couldn't see anyone doing any better in the performance she gave.
Brother Mordo is usually seen as a villain, but this film shows us his own beginnings as a fellow student with Strange with the two forming a friendship. I think it was a great move to save him as the villain for a sequel, as this film does a great job of foreshadowing Mordo's dark path after all he goes through.
Benedict Wong as...Wong (seriously, someone did that on purpose) was another fun part of the film. In some stories, Wong is usually seen as Strange's servant, like the Alfred to his Batman. Honestly though, I always thought Wong was more of a sidekick, able to hold his own but not as strong as Strange himself. If anything, the film shows the two on even ground, not to mention the interaction they have is also pretty fun. I think what makes it most interesting is that Wong is the one who's more knowledgeable in the mystic arts instead of Strange. It may be a long shot, but I do hope Wong makes some sort of appearance in "Infinity War", just to see how the two's relationship has grown, saving us from waiting on a sequel.
Now the visuals. I knew this film was going to be trippy and worth the 3D viewing, but it took things further than I expected. Think "Inception" meets "Ant-Man", but cranked up to 10. I reference "Ant-Man" because some of the strange dimensions we see, like the Dark Dimension, actually remind me of the Quantum Realm Scott shrank down to (I'm not too sure, but I think the Quantum Realm was actually shown here too). The best comparison to "Inception" was the skyscrapers being manipulated, but with magic instead of being a dream, making me feel that if "Inception" had gone a little further, it could have been similar to what we saw here. The use of magic by individuals was also interesting as well, from the creation of portals and weapons (making me think of Scarlet Witch's hand motions), not to mention a pretty cool astral projection fight.
In a way, "Doctor Strange" is another game-changer as magic and the supernatural, while being teased with The Hand on "Daredevil" and Ghost Rider on "Agents of SHIELD", has now been fully introduced into the MCU. I wouldn't say it's the same game-changing level as the Avengers or Captain America movies though, as magic isn't actually revealed to the public, but for the audiences, it was still something brand new and amazing.
I really don't want to say much without spoiling anything, I really recommend seeing "Doctor Strange", especially in 3D. Even if you're not sure about it, trust me, you will NOT regret it. Plus, you might as well get familiar with him before "Infinity War".
My Marvel Cinematic Universe Film Rankings:
1. Captain America: Civil War
2. Avengers: Age of Ultron
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
4. The Avengers
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
6. Doctor Strange
7. Ant-Man
8. Iron Man 3
9. Thor
10. Captain America: The First Avenger
11. Iron Man
12. The Incredible Hulk
13. Iron Man 2
14. Thor: The Dark World
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