The New Review - Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

Copyright by Marvel/Disney

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Directed by Sam Raimi

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, and Xochitl Gomez

Note: I am changing how this movie should be addressed... given the noir horror nature of this movie, it is now "The Multiverse of Madness" Doctor Strange is just starring in it. It isn't his movie. It is the Multiverse's movie.

Concept: MCU Sequel for Doctor Strange... and Spider-Man: No Way Home... and WandaVision. Strange is going to travel to the Multiverse

Execution

Here we go...

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch should've been the only choice when they first casted for Strange, and in this film, he plays MULTIPLE distinct versions that are just him showing off how good he is. Benedict Wong was perfect... again(Wait... did I just realize that they casted a Benedict for Wong... and his last name really is Wong?!?... woah). Elizabeth Olsen shows off that creepiness we got a glimpse of in Age of Ultron, and dialed it up to 13... they leaned HARD into her being a villain. Xochitl Gomez did a wonderful job as the MCU newcomer, looking forward to seeing what more she brings to the table. And nice seeing Rachel McAdams have more involvement in this movie compared to the original. Score: 20/20

Presentation: The MCU meets Sam Raimi horror, topped with some Danny Elfman movie soundtrack magic. It is HEAVY CG, but it needed to be. Difficult to do most of that with practical effects... but to Raimi's credit, he packed some really great practical effects, that he is know for, in this movie. And for movie to be the scale of this movie, it never once feels overwhelming. Some CG moments did look a bit choppy. But... no fault to Raimi or FX crew... there would be no way to have done it more smoothly. Score: 20/20

Chronicle: So... how do you make a sequel to one of the most visual impression MCU movies? And make it a sequel to a trilogy of a different franchise? While making it a bridge to other franchises? And referencing pieces of your television franchises? AND setting up the future of the MCU? Well... with this movie. Sam Raimi weaved together SO MUCH going on in the MCU(past, present, future), but it never felt like that was all going on. It felt like... a Doctor Strange Sequel. Which is what it was supposed to be. A love story, a tragedy, and a horror film all wrapped up in a neat, magic filled package. And I need to highlight that. This did NOT feel like an MCU movie to me. It felt like a Sam Raimi horror film... but doesn't at the same time. It filled a mold... but breaks the mold... without having a mold in the first place. It is... unique. And... with this being the 28TH MCU film, that is one of the best compliments I could give one of these.

All of this praise because Sam Raimi pulled off a PG-13 MCU Horror Film. Someone finally did it. It pulled off what VENOM was supposed to, but failed to deliver on. A PG-13 Superhero Horror Film. Score: 32/30

Impact: As I just said, it is unique. A mold maker... a mold breaker. And that leads me to believe that some other directors should look at as a lesson. Cookie cutter works for a share universe project, but Unique makes you stand out. And this movie stands out. And with Sam Raimi already signed up for Dr. Strange 3, you bet we will all be watching as he does it again. Score: 20/20

Extra Oomph: Spoiler Section here. But... it has to happen. The Illuminati cameos. Woah. John Krasinski as Reed Richards better not be a one off. We got a glimpse, we need more. Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, that was good for my health. The use of Maria Rambeau as Captain Marvel was slick. Anson Mount IN the Black Bolt suit and fully utilizing his powers was a pay off I've wanted since they screwed up the TV series(and I caught that sign language). And... having Charles Xavier coming in with the COMICS LOOK with the Green Suit, Floating Chair, AND the X-Men '97 theme!!!! Wow. I could say how it might be a wasted scene... but it did EXACTLY what it needed to do. Created a crossroads of Comic book movie past, present, future, what if, and what we never thought we would get... without it taking ANYTHING away from the story, and without it taking a large chunk of the run time. Would I have wanted more time with these characters? Sure. But... we had character introduction, slight development, a backstory, and in the moment purpose... and still a fraction of the run time. Wow. And... not even my favorite scenes in the MOVIE!?! Score: 13/10

FINAL SCORE: 105/100

FINAL GRADE: S-Tier!!!

Conclusion: I know Sam Raimi's work. I know how good he is. I also know what can happen when the studio interferes. So I had high expectations for Sam Raimi's return to superhero movies... high hopes that Disney/Marvel/Feige would just let Raimi be Raimi. And... it surpassed my expectations. Vibrant... and dark. Hopeful... and depressing. Magical... and horrifying. Just... Wow.

It's all a matter of opinion: I cannot stress enough that THIS is MY opinion, you can either agree with me or not. I don't have to justify my opinion, because *clears throat* that's what this blog is about. Whether I like it or not doesn't mean you have to or not...... I'ts just my justification behind MY recommendation... Which leads me to my FINAL JUDGMENT...

FINAL JUDGMENT: GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!!! SAM RAIMI NEEDS THE SUPPORT!!! Go see this movie. As soon as humanly possible. You all need to see this movie. SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! Have I mentioned that you should see this movie!?! Because if not, you should totally see this movie!!!

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Well, there you have it folks... Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness has gotten...... a 105!!!

An S-Tier movie... it deserves the extra credit for the extra praise.

Extra note from me. Going into 2022, my most anticipated film for the year was The Batman. And while The Batman is one of the GREATEST DC movies I've seen... it no longer has the spot for my favorite movie of the year. And I'm saying this now, Thor: Love and Thunder won't be capable. I know... we have over 6 months left, but I might need to lock this in as my "Good" for 2022.

Extra extra note from me. All of that time making Wanda out to be the strongest superhero in the MCU... looked like it was a great lead into making her one of the strongest VILLAINS instead.

Sam Raimi. Welcome back to Superhero movies!!!

Also... thank you Sam Raimi for the 2 for 1 Bruce Campbell Cameo!!!

Thank you reading...

Until next time...

Don't forget...