Film: Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Xochiti Gomes, Rachel McAdams
Director: Sam Rami
Review: Klep Napier
Rating: 3.5Xs out 5Xs
Marvel Studios returns to the big screen with the return of the not yet Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange.
Let’s just call it what it is folks, Doctor Strange: In The Multiverse Of Madness is a stage set for two main characters in the well established MCU. The story plays not only as a direct sequel the Disney+ mini series Wandavision, which follows the traumatic results of Avengers: Infinity War through the eyes of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), it also puts Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) on a journey of self discovery while understanding his role in the vast Multiverse and what is means to hold the responsibility with having such powers.
Through all of the madness we are introduced to a new heroine in the Marvel universe by the name of America Chavez (Xochiti Gomes) who plays a pivotal roll in the main plot due to her abilities to travel the multiverse inadvertently.
And if that’s not enough to keep you engaged the film is Directed by the original 2001 Spider-Man film Sam Rami, and let’s just saying Rami’s DNA is all through out this film making it feel unlike any thing we have seen in the MCU to date.
The pros of this film include, Rami’s ability to genre bend The Multiverse Of Madness into Marvels first Horror film. We’re not talking slasher, but there is an underlying fear factor which keeps you on the edge of your seat once this thing takes off. Speaking taking off, the opening scene of this film drops you into the middle of chaos and never slows down. Not even during the post credit scenes. The style and pacing were absolutely amazing. Rami has managed to rejuvenate expectations on what to expect from a Marvel Studios production. We found ourselves, while watching, constantly telling ourselves that this doesn’t feel the same. That only built more anticipation as the film went on.
Now when it comes to cons right away we am have to address the elephant in the marketing. Clearly, despite Doctor Strange’s name being in the title, this story is heavily surrounded around Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff. It‘s a clear continuation to her overall ‘Wandavision’ arch. That may hinder the excitement for newer views who may have not watched the Disney+ series. So long story short, if you have not seen Wandavision on Disney+, the plot of this film will leave you sitting on the outside looking in. The MCU is on auto pilot and this is not a film train that you can just jump on while it’s in motion.
Overall and without a single mention of spoilers, we believe The Multiverse Of Madness was handled with care. With mild yet satisfying comic book cameo fan service, Doctor Strange: In The Multiverse Of Madness is sure to keep Marvel fans buzzing until the next project comes around. And to the many who say the cameos were a waste, they’re simply forgetting the overall message from a another Marvel series, Loki. There are endlessness variants in the Multiverse. So, try not to hold on to everything you see and simply enjoy the times we’re living in when it comes to superhero films.
Last but not least, shout out to the dark yet clear vision of Director Sam Rami. It is his leadership on this project that has out Marvel on the top of box offices once again!
We highly recommend you see this film BUT only after you do your homework and watch Wandavision on Disney+. Trust us, the pay off is worth it.