In the long standing tradition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange too is endowed with the traditional super-attributes that make Marvel's films, well, lots of fun. There's plenty of action, there's a killer origin story and there's a hero whose ego is as big as Tony Stark's. If ever the question were to be asked - who could ever get as snarky as Stark - we'd finally have an answer. And at some point in the future, when the twain (or fifteen odd Avengers and assorted superheroes) do meet, I suspect it will be even more fun. Even without the Iron Man suit.
In fact, the more I think about it, Doctor Strange isn't as impressive for the newish world it draws us into - one where mysticism, multiples universes, magic and a strap bodies are regular fare. It's impressive primarily because of the man who stands at the centre of this cosmic adventure. Doctor Steven Strange, or Benedict Cumberbatch. As we're introduced to him, it's uncanny how much like his permanent alter ego Sherlock (from the BBC series) he is. Except this time he's not British. He's American. A brilliant neurosurgeon, who's as arrogant as any role he's ever essayed.
A high octane road accident causes him to lose the use of his magic fingers, and the medicine that he thrived on, washed its hands off him as fast as it takes a surgeon to scrub in before entering the OR. Searching for a cure, the frazzled, almost broke Doctor Strange heads to Kathmandu hoping for a hail Mary. Of the mystic kind.
It's here that he goes from being Richard Dawkins' favourite disciple to a spell casting, inter dimensional time traveller who studies in the monastery at the feet of a bald woman called The Ancient One. I assure you, it looks reasonably more credible than it sounds. From there to becoming the last line of hope from Earth being consumed by the dark dimension that some rebel sorts are gunning for is about half a movie and plenty of wisecracks away.
Most people will rave about the special effects. But for me that's a given in a Marvel film. It's the characters - and there are a whole lot of good ones woven in - that make the difference and I was left with a feeling that most of them didn't quite get their time or space. Perhaps they've left it for the inevitable sequel(s). For now, enjoy the Strange ride that this film offers you.
Movie: Doctor Strange
Director: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel Mcadams, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rating: 4/5
Verdict: Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant. Period. The rest of the movies sort of hangs on around him and unfurls in bits