Marvel's Doctor Strange [Blu-ray] [2016]

Dr Strange master of the mystic arts formerly Dr Stephen Strange surgeon a man so arrogant and up himself he was detestable but utterly brilliant.Following an accident his hands are destroyed and he can no longer operate.So begins the adventure in one of the best Marvel films yet.He is put on to a possible cure available in a far off Eastern land known as Kamar-Taj.He is in the course of the (no spoilers) trained to confront his own demons and battle dark forces that want to destroy the world.Pretty much like a lot of super hero movies but this is a lot different than most.Benedict Cumberbatch is as good as we have come to expect even if one cant help thinking of Sherlock Holmes in some of his characterisation.He is well served with the rest of the cast namely Chitwell Ejiofor as one of the mystics teaching him the ropes and Tilda Swinton as the shaven headed top honcho with the unfortunate name of The Ancient One but she is plenty tough I can tell you.The lovely Rachel McAams is somewhat wasted as Stranges ex although she does have a few neat lines spread out.I think she will be more rounded in any sequel.The chief villain played by Mads Mikkelson is not really villainous enough and there is a deleted scene that would have been best left in to show his badness.The effects are absolutely mindboggling.I don't know what an LSD trip was like but I can imagine it was something like this.Dr Strange was never my favourite comic book character but it makes a much better movie than comic.I did have to shake my head at first to accept Tilda Swinton in the role that in the comics was a real ancient one in the form of a wrinkled old oriental guy.There are no f words or gore and in fact I would say that the movie may have been better with a 15 certificate to toughen it up but you cant have everthing.There is an element of humour also throughout which was a nice touch.The Blu-ray disc is brilliant and there are some nice extras and sneak peaks to keep fans happy.A rewarding experience.

Excellent film, excellent price

Good movie

The 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After a near fatal car accident, neurosurgeon Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) loses the ability to use his hands. He travels to the mysterious Kamar-Taj to meet the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) to heal himself and also learn the ways of the mystic arts.Whilst very much being a typical MCU origin story template, Doctor Strange is definitely one of the strongest and most underrated instalments in the universe. We spend enough time with Strange at the beginning to get to know what his character is like before the accident which makes his arc more engaging as the story progresses, it is very much in the same vein as Iron Man but I think Doctor Strange takes a more personal and focused approach. We see how much time progresses as Strange tries attempt after attempt to heal his hands before he himself is broken, then in Kamar-Taj we see him build himself back up again.What really makes this film standout amongst the crowd is the visual design and CGI effects, they are still jaw-dropping to this day and easily the MCU’s creative high point. There are so many memorable sequences thanks to this, the highlight being Strange’s first trip through the multi-verse which is captures the style of the comics so perfectly I can’t help but grin and just look in awe of the trippy, beautiful yet also nightmare fuel blast of colours that barrage your senses. The astral projection hospital punch up. The New York action scene that puts some of Inception to shame with it’s labyrinthine constantly rotating and spinning platforms and the finale is one of the more unique in the MCU with the rewind street fight and the instantly quotable - “Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.” scene.From a technical perspective there is some excellent cinematography and detailed set design that captures the mystique and otherworldly nature of Kamar-Taj. The pacing can feel a bit rushed at times and but the film mostly is consistent through the 2 hour runtime. The score has its moments but unfortunately isn’t as epic or memorable as other MCU instalments.Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Strange, he looks page to screen perfect. He captures the arrogance and cockiness of the character and later in the film the more sympathetic and selfless sides as well. Tilda Swinton is good as the Ancient One, she gives a unflinching, calm and mysterious performance and has a great screen presence. Unfortunately Kaecilius isn’t a very memorable villain but Mads Mikkelsen gives a suitably remorseless performance and Dormammu could have also done with more of a presence and personality and yes I know it’s a nitpick but why couldn’t they use his flame head from the comics instead of a generic CGI face? Chiwitel Ejiofor, Bendedict Wong & Rachel McAdams are strong in their supporting roles, but unfortunately the latter doesn’t really get much to do in the main plot, she and Cumberbatch have good chemistry but their relationship is never really developed. Also like with a lot of the MCU, the humour is hit and miss and is slightly awkward and overused here at times.Though very much a familiar origin story formula Doctor Strange is a very entertaining and strong instalment to the MCU. Visually incredible at times with sequences that set a high bar for the sequel to live up to, well shot fight choreography and strong performances. Though the mostly forgettable antagonists and some awkward humour do let it down, this is still an excellent sci-fi, fantasy romp that really shows the multi-dimensional scale and potential for the character.