Film Review: Marvel’s Dr Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch
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- Published on Wednesday, 26 October 2016 11:10
- Last Updated on 27 May 2018
- IsaacMartin
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Comic book fans and Marvel aficionados will rejoice this weekend at the official release of Marvel’s Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Read why London Mums loved it and explain why it’s a movie for grown ups and not for young children.
The story
Doctor Strange is an upcoming American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character, surgeon Stephen Strange who has a career-ending car accident and subsequently learns new powers and skills from the Ancient One.
Cumberbatch was chosen for the eponymous role in 2014, and filming began in 2015 in Nepal before moving to the United Kingdom, and concluded in New York City in April 2016.
The trailer
The cast
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH, CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, RACHEL McADAMS, MICHAEL STUHLBARG, MADS MIKKELSEN AND TILDA SWINTON
DIRECTED BY SCOTT DERRICKSON
The Verdict
Doctor Strange is a dizzying, spell-binding visual feast! It packs adventure, danger, fantasy and romance into a thrilling package led by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch stars as Doctor Stephen Strange; a brilliant, yet selfish, surgeon who loses the use of his hands. Desperate to heal himself he eventually turns to ancient, mystical arts and learns sorcery. In a story not unlike Iron Man he eventually learns about things more important than himself, like saving the world from the forces of darkness, learning humility and the value of friendship along the way.
Considering how complex the magical worlds of the film, and how distracting the visual effects (which really are amazing) it makes sense to keep the story simple and somewhat formulaic. The bad-guys are evil, the seemingly unlikely hero is the only one who can stop them and good triumphs in the end.
There are a few plot twists I won’t spoil, but there are quite a few dark and disturbing scenes not suitable for younger kids or the feint-hearted. Most are cut with generous and well-timed comedy before they go too far, but there were a couple of scenes where even I had to avert my eyes. However, for me, the extensive and excellent special effects means it might even be worth it to splash out to see it in 3D!
Overall an excellent edition to the Marvel Universe, which also nicely sets up the next few movies. Bring on Thor 3!
London Mums’ rating: 8/10
Doctor Strange hits UK cinemas on 28 October 2016.
I have been an avid movie fan for as long as I can remember, from the swash-buckling excitement of Indiana Jones and The Princess Bride to the drama of The Little Princess and The Iron Giant, movies are able to inspire younger audiences, teach them about the world and show them things they’ve never dreamed of before. I continue to be wowed by children’s cinema today, from movies like Moana and A Monster Calls to The Greatest Showman we live in exciting times for family-oriented cinema, and look forward to exploring it with you.
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