Movie Review: Doctor Strange

If Marvel has any weakness, it is that they have no freaking clue how to make a bad film - the Man of Steel kind of terrible. I mean, with Doctor Strange, they amazingly extended the streak of successes that stretched all the way back to the original Iron Man. Quite frankly, I was expecting some heavy handed combination of outlandish special effects masking a superficial and convoluted story with two-dimensional characters, but instead, I was treated to an actual well-acted, well-crafted story with actual character development within the framework of a compelling plot. The casting was excellent. All of the actors fit into their roles in ways that transcend the normal Marvel movie. Benedict Cumberbatch, in particular, brought smugness, sincerity, and charisma to the role that I don't think many actor could have pulled off. I thought the action sequences were fine and the visual imagery and effects employed were outstanding. Doctor Strange was, to me, an appealing Marvel movie. It had enough moments of pizzazz to intermittently soar, and while not perfect, this was an excellent introduction to the character.