Dr Strange: A New Direction For the MCU

 I’ve never been to see a movie in IMAX 3D before, and I didn’t have the intention to with this one. But my girlfriend’s brother booked the tickets, so I thought it would be interesting to see how it felt, with everything jumping out at you. The 3D side I probably wouldn’t recommend, but this movie is a good watch.

I’m a fan of Marvel, and I’d be lying if I said you don’t need to know the Marvel Cinematic Universal (MCU) to enjoy this, but I would still recommend it even if you haven’t. I read a review of this before film before I went to see it and it said that this film was good, but it wouldn’t be anything with the lead, Benedict ‘Otter’ Cumberbatch. I have to agree with that.

The story begins with Dr Strange, an arrogant, self-obsessed doctor who is at the top of his career. Until his life gets turned upside down. His Lamborghini crashes off a mountain and leaves Strange paralysed, specifically in the nerves in his hand. Unable to work, Strange travels to Nepal to undergo ‘Eastern medicine’, in which he finds an old monk known as The Ancient One (played excellently by Tilda Swinton).

Strange is taught to master spiritual energy to heal himself. But his journey soon hults as he runs into Mads Mikkelsen’s Kaecilius, who wants revenge after The Ancient One betrayed him (as ever with a Marvel movie, the villain’s side isn’t given much attention).

Full of action and quips typical with the studio’s previous releases, the movie does a good job of introducing the final character to be in the climactic Avengers: Infinity War. But as mentioned above, Cumberbatch does a great job and any other actor I don’t think would have done the role justice. He is a great actor, and he showed that ability once again.

Not as memorable as his performances in The Imitation Game or as engaging as Sherlock, Cumberbatch does a good job of bringing to life an iconic character. I would recommend watching this one. Although if you’re as fidgety as me, 3D would be annoying. Nothing to do with this film, but as soon as I turned my head just a small amount, the picture would be distorted. It doesn’t ruin the film though, so if you are planning on seeing it in IMAX 2D, then do it. You’ll have a great time.