Thursday, November 17, 2016

Doctor Strange (2016)

Director: Scott Derrickson. Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Benedict Wong. Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt. 115 min. Rated PG-13. Fantasy/Action.

Another Marvel attempt to reformat the superhero genre, and it works. This is exactly what Thor had attempted to achieve but failed: create an alternate universe with it own rules and entities, to make it look interesting and fresh. Add some thought-provoking Lincoln-type philosophical viewpoints for young adults (break a few rules, negotiate with the devil, all for the greater good), and you have a winner. Benedict Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange from the comics, and I'm still not buying into all the Hollywood white-washing accusations, for employing the skills of the superb Tilda Swinton.

PS: Interestingly, of the two post-credit scenes, one is Doctor Strange and Thor chatting. So someone's admitting their similarities. I even got confused watching Strange, thinking Rachel McAdams already played Thor's love interest in Thor - which was actually played by Natalie Portman.

Mo says:

2 comments:

  1. I can't really say I enjoyed this movie that much. It was just OK really. I did find my mind wandering at times, especially during the fight scenes that did seem to be standard Superhero fare. I'd give it a so-so.

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    1. Agreed. And almost a year later, I realize I really don't remember what the movie was about. I guess at the time I thought it was an improvement compared to the rock bottom superhero movies had already hit. "Thor 3" is coming out tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath.

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