Dr. Strange Takes Marvel Movies To The Next Level – Rik’s Review

I was never the biggest Dr. Strange growing up and I always liked him better in a group setting in such books as The Defenders. I knew his origin and had a few issues but was never fascinated by the character until Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as Dr. Stephen Strange. I loved Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game so I was already a fan of his acting and I couldn't wait to see his take on the good doctor.

I have to say that Dr. Strange is one of my favorite Marvel movies. The producers managed to capture the essence and look of the comic books and that's no small feat.

Steve Ditko, Dr Strange's creator and artist managed some of the most hallucinogenic and psychedelic comic panels in all of comic history in the 1960's and Marvel Studios has managed the impossible and that's replicating those comic panels --- and I haven't even mentioned the actors yet.

Benedict is perfect as the cocky and brilliant Dr. Stephen Strange and I loved Tilda Swinton in the role of The Ancient One. Marvel is getting a lot of hate mail over the casting but Swinton absolutely nails the role. Benedict Wong is fantastic as Dr. Strange's manservant --- they managed to elevate that character above even the comic books.

I enjoyed the movie as special effects seemed seamless and for once a city wasn't destroyed in the grand finale.

I had only one issue with the movie and that's with Mads Mikkelsen, who was fantastic as Hannibal Lecter on the TV series "Hannibal". Mads is an awesome thespian but poorly used and scripted in Dr. Strange. I would say that's my only single objection with the movie, he needed better lines and more of a sense of danger for Dr. Strange.

I can't wait for the sequel and yes, don't forget to stay for the two extra movies scenes that wrap up Dr. Strange nicely.