Movie Review: "Doctor Strange" Is Outta This World

"Doctor Strange" is the MCU's (Marvel Cinematic Universe) newest superhero foray. Full Disclosure: I did not know anything about Dr Strange before I saw the movie so I didnt have any expectations. Benedict Cumberbatch (of "Sherlock" fame) plays Stephen Strange. Strange is a brilliant (but majorly arrogant) surgeon. One day he wrecks his fancy car while speeding and loses the use of his hands. His life is torn apart. After pitying himself for a while and being an ass to his sometimes-girlfriend, Strange heads to Nepal. There he meets the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). She eventually takes Strange under her wing and begins to teach him the Mystic Arts. Hint to Strange: It's not going to be a cake walk.

We also meet Mordo (Chiwetel Ejofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong) at the monastery. The sorcerers mission is to protect Earth via a spell that is maintained through three safe houses in New York, London and Hong Kong.

Our heroes are at war with a dude named Kaecelius who was previously one of The Ancient's students before crossing over to the dark side. He's played by Mads Mikkelsen (who has a SUPERB Hannibal on NBC's short lived and severely underrated show). Kaecilius and his groupies steal a page from a book in the library. He will use it summon Dormammu (the Dark Dimension) who is an entity that exists beyond time. He wants to devour the Earth because... ya know... that's what baddies do.

There's talk of the mirror dimension and astral planes. There's incantations and complicated hand gestures. No need to make sense of any of it. Just enjoy the ride. Dr Strange also has some interesting gadgets including: the Cloak of Levitation, a Sling Ring, and the Eye of Agamotto. The Eye will definitely comes in handy later.

The Ancient One is killed. All three sanctums are destroyed and pretty much everyone dead. Luckily Strange is able to use the Eye of Agamotto to trap Dormammu in a time loop from which he can not escape. Dorm finally agrees to leave Earth alone IF Strange will release him from the spell.

The world is saved but Mordo is still disillusioned. Mordo is upset to learn that the Ancient One derived her power from Dormammu as well. He also doesnt approve of Strange violating the laws of nature. Mordo heads out on his own. Luckily Strange and Wong stay behind to protect the Earth from it's next foe. In the final credits Thor pays a visit to Strange to plug the next Marvel movie "Thor: Ragnarok". And so it continues.

Grade: 5 Monsters (out of 5). I always judge movies by whether or not I'm tempted to head to the concession stand or play a game in the lobby during them. I'm happy to report that during "Dr Strange" I was firmly planted in my seat. It's one of the best Marvel movies to date (which is saying a lot since there have been 13 previously). They include: "Iron Man", "The Incredible Hulk", "Iron Man 2", "Thor", "Captain America: The First Avenger", "Marvel's The Avengers", "Iron Man 3", "Thor: The Dark World", "Captain America: Winter Soldier", "Guardians Of The Galary, "Avengers: Age of Ultron", "Ant Man" and "Captain America: Civil War".

The show has EXCEPTIONAL special effects (especially when watched in 3D IMAX) .The worldscapes are a mashup of "Inception" and MC Escher. All sense of spacial orientation are lost. It's delightful to behold. The fight scenes are great fun too.

There's a surprising amount of humor in "Dr Strange". Strange's initial failed attempts at magic, his cloak beating up bad guys and Wong refusal to smile are just three examples. Stan Lee also makes his usual cameo as a guy riding a bus. My only major complaint is with Kaecilius' eye makeup. What's up with that? Instead of scaring me, it made me laugh.