Doctor Strange returns. And this time, he has many Marvel friends to work with. Our JP reviews “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Marvel Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- Written by: Michael Waldron
- Based on Marvel Comics
- Produced by: Kevin Feige
- Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, Rachel McAdams
- Cinematography: John Mathieson
- Edited by: Bob Murawski, Tia Nolan
- Music by: Danny Elfman
Studio Synopsis:
Doctor Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse. However, a threat emerges that may be too big for his team to handle.
J.P.’s Take:
Master of horror Sam Raimi demonstrated before he can master with style and verve an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) entity directing successfully the “Spider-Man” franchise of the early 2000’s. So Marvel has gone back to the “well” that has sprung forth the magic once more as Raimi now helms “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
It is every bit of mind bending as the title suggests … up to a point. Fortunately, it doesn’t leave you stranded in that warped universe for long before pulling you into a much deeper story than you’d suspect. At the heart of the “madness” is the fallout from “Spider-Man: Now Way Home,” where it expands on Dr. Strange’s newfound heroism as well as the consequences of his choices. For the novice, they will need to consult a Marvel encyclopedia to keep the franchises in order, because it’ll get tricky if you aren’t able to spot the plethora of Easter eggs and lead-ins to other Marvel outings. That’s not to say newcomers won’t experience something alluring, eerie and fun; it just means they’ll have to connect the dots later.
Those of us who have followed Raimi’s career know of his caliber. With the likes of his breakout cult classics like “Evil Dead” series, the “Darkman” franchise, and “Drag Me to Hell,” you are sure to get a creepy treat here. Sam Raimi brings buoyancy to the show with the kind of macabre eerie atmosphere that only he has specialized in. I was shocked at the death scenes of certain characters (of which I will not spoil). Even amidst the chaos, Dr. Strange retains his charm and mysticism as apropos of the character as a whole. The story begins in a dream sequence as Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and a young mutant named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) are being chased throughout the multiverse by an interstellar demon.
The situation gets wilier as they reach the book of Vishanti, and Dr. Strange has to, once again, make a life or death decision in order to bring an end to the chaos throughout the universe. This is a dilemma all too familiar to him, especially in the aftermath of the battle between his fellow Avengers and Thanos.
Where the twist breaks though, is when Wanda Maximoff a.k.a Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) enters the scene. Again, there is a good level of complexity garnered by writer Michael Waldron, where if you’re not paying close attention, certain plot pieces may go over your head. However, I give Waldron kudos for being able to clear a path for the story to flow. You’re able to keep up with the pacing while enjoying the ride at the same time, and what an exhilarating ride as we’re exposed to bizarre visuals of other worldly creatures that practically burst from the screen. I especially enjoyed the many interdimensional jump scenes, in particular the free fall that Dr. Strange took through multiple dimensions, each one with their twisted and warped versions of themselves. There are scenes riddled with poignancy which involve Wanda Maximoff being a mother, while other instances involving Stephen Strange and his ex, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams).
Making this all come to life in a vibrant way is the star studded cast. Firstly, I must give Olsen a round of applause for playing two different roles in such a distinct fashion. She harnesses Scarlet Witch, drawing out her searing cunning and controlled rage, while displaying her soft underbelly, as she too is fragile. She yearns to be part of a universe where she does not belong. As Wanda Maximoff, she’s the doting mother who devotes her life to her two young boys, yet also carries a motherly strength that can’t be denied. Benedict Cumberbatch is the captivating Dr. Stephen Strange as only he can embody. Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez adds certain vulnerability and unassuredness to her role, yet finds deep down she has the courage to face her fears. McAdams shows versatility in her singular character of Christine. Without spoiling too much, you’ll be jumping for joy when spotting long-awaited characters making surprise cameo appearances throughout. Let’s just say they’re put in place to set the stage for the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe, as planned for years to come. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays an alternate Karl Mordo with a sly wit. Benedict Wong reprises his character of Wong with the same dynamism as before. All gave wonderful performances and truly brought this new universe to full bloom.
So far, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is a strong contender among several of Marvel’s releases, mainly “Black Panther,” “Captain Marvel,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” This one got my blood pumping with the many cameos, plus the end credit scenes that suggest something major is coming up soon. So, you don’t want to miss a beat. I’m all too excited for the next batch of Marvel team-ups and spinoffs … I’ll be in line when they spring up.