The Marvel Cinematic Universe just expanded to another dimension. The superhero film ‘Doctor Strange’ opened for select groups of critics this past weekend and the first impressions are in. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the lead role and critics have dubbed the movie as ‘mind-bending.’
‘Doctor Strange’ press screenings follow Marvel’s premieres on the small screen. Most recently, the Harlem-based story of ‘Luke Cage’ debuted on Netflix. March 2017 will see ‘Iron Fist’ punch his way into the streaming platform, and later in the year he’ll join Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil in ‘The Defenders’ limited series.
Cumberbatch’s ‘Doctor Strange’ is the fourteenth film so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU is currently undergoing Phase Three of its master plan spanning over ten years. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ are next in line for Summer 2017.
Who is Doctor Strange?
Doctor Strange, surprisingly, has his origins as a real life doctor. The character debuted in the comic book issue #110 of ‘Strange Tales.’ Strange was created by the Marvel Comics icon Steve Ditko in 1963.
The mystic superhero started as Stephen Strange, a world-class surgeon, renowned for its abilities in and out of the operating room. Many reviewers have pointed out the similarities between both Strange and Tony Stark. The two characters are egomaniacs humbled by the rough happenings of life.
In Strange’s case, he loses his incredible surgical skills after getting involved in a car accident in which his hands were virtually destroyed. Stephen Strange travels around the world looking for a cure for his condition.
Destiny takes Strange to the doors of an ancient civilization in the Himalayas known as Kamar-Taj. There, Strange learns the ways of the Ancient One, learning powerful sorcery and martial arts.
Doctor Strange goes on to become the Sorcerer Supreme, with the ability to control time, space, cross dimensions, and switch between alternate realities. The character was profoundly influenced by the era in which it was created. Strange is Marvel’s response to supernatural threats beyond the scope of traditional superheroes.
What are the critics saying about the ‘Doctor Strange’ film?
‘Doctor Strange’ is an origin story that follows the same plot as the original comic book, except set in the current storyline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Reviewers are praising ‘Doctor Strange’ for its amazing visuals, bringing a breath of fresh air to Marvel’s long film lineup. Many of them have relied on VFX for practical effects, but ‘Doctor Strange’ takes it to the next level.
Strange fights supernatural and mystic threats with interdimensional portals, space-time beams, and more in the streets of Manhattan. The battle against the film’s main villain Kaecilius takes place in an Inception-like folded New York City that has critics raving about Marvel’s stunning visuals. rave
‘Doctor Strange’ stars Benedict Cumberbatch opposite Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius. Other cast members include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, and Benedict Wong. The film premieres in the U.S. nationwide on November 4.
Source: Entertainment Weekly