Dr. Strange Reviews
Dr. Strange marks the introduction of a new character to the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, the titular Dr. (played by facial-haired Benedict Cumberbatch), a neurosurgeon turned time and space-bending superhero.
Here's what the reviews have to say about it:
The Effects, Oh Man, The EFFECTS
The 14th installment in the ever-expanding MCU is the first to really exploit the possibilities of CGI — to use state-of-the-art technology to its full, jaw-dropping advantage. "Cool enough" doesn't do justice to this blockbuster's city- and reality-bending set pieces. "Awe-inspiring" is closer… Visually and conceptually, Doctor Strange owes more to the inverted physics of Inception and the East-meets-West chop-socky of The Matrix trilogy.
[AV Club]
In a year where bloated, empty spectacles have induced a crushing level of CG fatigue — Now Showing: "Alice Through the Warcraft Suicide Apocalypse Justice" — this funny, freaky adventure reminds us of how effective VFX can be when they've got some imagination behind them.
[The Wrap]
And The Action Scenes Are Some Of Marvel's Best
For the first time since "The Avengers," the action scenes are special. Derrickson doesn't create any sequences that are fluid and symphonic as that film's Manhattan fight, but he compensates for that lack of grace with a surplus of wonder, contradicting time with space in order to create unique battles that outshine their familiar stakes (and actually take advantage of 3D!)… [R]emember how cool it was when Yoda finally threw down at the end of "Attack of the Clones?" Watching Tilda Swinton roll up her sleeves is better — way better.
But The Astounding Visuals Are Dragged Down By The Familiar Story
The bad news is the studio's most innovative visuals are wedded to one of its most formulaic origin stories. In some scenes, Doctor Strange is Marvel's most exciting movie yet. In others, it might be its most boring movie since Iron Man 2.
[For all of its wondrous world-building and trippy effects, "Doctor Strange" isn't the evolutionary step forward for Marvel that it needs to be storytelling-wise. Underneath all of its improvements, the core narrative is something we've seen countless times.
[I]s set-dressing enough when the core story is so painfully familiar?
The Strong Cast Is Able To Keep The Film Afloat
As in Ant-Man or the original Iron Man, the Marvel Studios releases it most resembles, Doctor Strange sells its wearily old-hat dude-becomes-hero tale through strong casting, an emphasis on emotion and humor, and the good sense never to let action overwhelm character.
It's a tremendously engaging and likable superhero ride, in which the classiest of casts show they know exactly where to take it seriously – and where to inject the fun.
And Casting Issues Aside, Swinton Is Excellent As The Ancient One
In our dimension, you can't get away with origami-folded robes unless you're, well, Tilda Swinton, who swans through the film looking fabulously herself and delivering speeches that would win her an Oscar nom in any other movie not saddled with flaming lassos… The whitewashing puts Swinton in a tricky spot; her commitment is a parachute out of it.
[MTV]
[P]layed with delightful light wit rather than dreary all-knowingness by a shaven-headed Swinton.
Swinton's ethereal, unique presence feels right at home here, playing this serene yet oh-so powerful character.
[IGN]
Also You Should Probably Spring For The 3D
[T]he rare movie that really should be experienced in 3D.
[W]orth seeing in Imax 3-D (for once, the up-charge is worth it).
TL;DR
It's Inception with action, and ideas more inviting.
Watch The Trailer
