Benedict Cumberbatch returns as sorcerer Stephen Strange in Sam Raimi’s action-packed addition to the MCU. Returning alongside Cumberbatch includes Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and Rachel McAdams. Additionally, “The Baby-Sitters Club” star Xochitl Gomez makes her Marvel debut as America Chavez; she is a multiverse-traveling teen being hunted for her powers. Audiences are thrown straight into the action from the first scene, making for an entertaining two hours.
After the catastrophic events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) now has a new problem on his hands with the arrival of America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). In order to help America and save her from the malevolent forces that are hunting her from across the multiverse, Strange must enlist the help of allies both old and new and embark on a mind-boggling, psychedelic adventure. This chaotic sets Strange on a collision course with one of the most powerful enemies he’s ever come across.
Sam Raimi is Back After a 9-Year Hiatus
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is a film that certainly lives up to its name; it takes its characters on a wacky and terrifying trip across dozens of different universes. Sam Raimi returns from a nine-year hiatus to direct his first feature since “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013. Raimi makes sure to leave his mark on the film; his unique directing style seeps through the traditional Marvel movie formula, creating a film that is both refreshing and entertaining. This 28th Marvel installment leans more into the horror genre than its predecessors, making you question the film’s PG-13 rating. Much like its 2016 precursor, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s has explosive action sequences and mesmerising visual effects. It makes the film a perfect thing to watch on the Big Screen.
Fresh off a recent ‘Best Actor’ Oscar nomination, Benedict Cumberbatch delivers yet another strong turn as the titular character. He takes on the task of playing not one, but four different versions of Steven Strange. Joining Cumberbatch is Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch. Olsen’s new take on the Wanda goes down a much darker path; her journey is paved with loss and suffering as a mother desperate to get her children back. Her performance captures not only Wanda’s pain and suffering, but also her sheer determination. With her Marvel debut, Xochitl Gomez gives a strong performance that leaves you anticipating her next appearance as America Chavez. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” also features solid performances from the rest of its cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Benedict Wong.
Elizabeth Olsen in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” (Photo credit: Marvel Studios).
‘Doctor Strange 2’ Reels in Characters and Arcs from Previous Marvel Entries
The film also includes cameos of characters from previous Marvel projects including “WandaVision,” “Captain Marvel,” and “What If…?” just to name a few. Fans of Marvel lore will be pleased as the film also marks the one of the very few times characters acquired after Disney’s acquisition of Fox make an appearance in the MCU. The film also brings one of the many fan castings floating around the Internet to life, albeit only for a few minutes. Dedicated Marvel fans will also see that “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” comes as a result of a build up from many past MCU projects, including Disney+ shows “Loki,” “WandaVision” and “What If…?” and films including 2016’s “Doctor Strange” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
In typical Marvel fashion, the film’s post credit scenes set up future Doctor Strange appearances and introduce new and exciting characters, with a certain Oscar-winning actress making her MCU debut as a mysterious sorceress. Iconic composer Danny Elfman makes his return after 2015’s “Avenger: Age of Ultron,” composing a chaotic and booming score that perfectly matches the film’s frenzied action.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Wong in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” (Photo credit: Marvel Studios).
Strong Performances and Impressive Visual Effects
However, despite the film having an engaging story, new characters and intense stakes, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” can’t help but feel as a step down from some of Marvel’s recent projects. Examples of this are “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and the Disney+ series “Moon Knight”—the latter of which being Oscar Isaac’s MCU debut as a former Marine turned Egyptian hero who suffers with dissociative identity disorder.
Sam Raimi brings audiences an action-packed and emotional affair with his latest superhero flick. The acclaimed director brings an exciting story to the screen, fueled by high stakes and explosive action sequences that leave you eager to see what Kevin Feige and Marvel has up their sleeves. Strong performances and impressive visual effects gets Marvel’s 2022 movie slate off to a fantastic start.
Currently, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is only available to watch in theaters.
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