Movie: Doctor Strange
My Rating: 3 stars
I can go in for a frivolous superhero, action movie from time to time. And, this one looked fun enough—a doctor who learns how to bend and manipulate time and space from monks in Katmandu. I mean, that’s what we’re all hoping to get out of meditation, right? The ability to conjure wormholes out of thin air, summon sentient weaponry, and wear specialty monk costumes that makes you look like you’re about to fight a round in Mortal Kombat—I’d be willing to suffer through a bit of chanting and ruminating for that. But our protagonist, Doctor Strange, is a remarkable man to begin with, so when given the materials to do these amazing things, he stays true to his overachieving roots and goes for the spectacular. He’s just helping to save the world from an evil, trans-dimensional demon, no big deal. And, he’s doing it all with the help of a bald Tilda Swinton. Now that’s entertainment!
As I’ve mentioned in some of my other posts about superhero movies, I never really followed any of these comics, so I don’t have much knowledge of the properties. Consequently, I don’t have the same emotional investment in the films that a true fan might have. In some instances that can be a good thing. I’ve known superfans to be wildly disappointed in how a director has treated their treasured comic before. And, that wouldn’t be fun. But then, I don’t get to feel the corresponding soaring high when a director gets it right. Nevertheless, I thought this movie was a pretty good time. Although, (and I almost feel crazy for saying this) clocking it at just under two hours, this movie felt a little bit rushed for a Marvel movie. That sounds insane, I know. But, I’ve gotten so used to these huge superhero behemoths running close to three hours, that that’s what I mentally prepared myself for.
See this movie if the mood strikes you. It took me a pretty long time to get around to it, but I don’t think I suffered for the delay. So, it’s no big deal if you decide to skip it. But, I had a good time watching it. And I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t too . . . unless you have some prejudice against wizards, of course. (And, who doesn't, really?)