Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Today I saw “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which came out last month, but was released on Disney+ this past week. I will now let everyone know what I thought of this sequel.

The film was directed by Sam Raimi, written by Michael Waldron, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, alongside Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. In the film, Strange travels into the Multiverse to protect America Chaves (Gomez), a young girl capable of traveling the Multiverse, from Wanda Maximoff (Olsen).

Marvel had played with the idea of parallel universes before in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” While that film was a huge nostalgia-blast for Spider-Man fans, this film is in a different area completely. While it doesn’t fall under any genre, it could broadly be described as a horror film. Jerey said in her review, “But this genre-bending film isn’t just limited to horror. It’s a swashbuckling adventure story as well and is a cracking origin movie for America Chavez’s character.” It follows events of “WandaVision” and “No Way Home” and somewhat points at where the upcoming Marvel films are going. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” comes six years after the first film and just months after this magician important involvement in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Jerey said, “In keeping with MCU credo, the film is one of the hyperlinks in a multi-billion multiverse that continues to spawn films and spin-off shows.”

The standalone series “WandaVision” helps explain the transformation of Wanda into an evil version of her alter ego Scarlet Witch. Wanda is after the unattached power of teenager America Chavez, who encounters Doctor Strange first in his dreams and then int eh real world. Jerey noted, “America is a time-space bending traveller across parallel universes – the perfect excuse to trot out several Doctor Stranges for the price of one ticket as well as imagine different outcomes for the same triggering incident.”

Benedict Cumberbatch looks like he was born to play Dr. Strange. He makes us love and hate the character yet again. Jerey credited, “But Elizabeth Olsen steals the whole show by displaying both virtuosity and versatility in her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff. She goes through different shades of character through the course of the film and wins our sympathy.” Xochitl Gomez is a welcome addition as the confused yet difficult America Chavez – a teenager, who possesses the superpower to jump between universes.

Director Sam Raimi returns to the superhero films after “Spider-Man 3.” Raimi is also known for his cult horror “Evil Dead” trilogy. Jerey said, “Imagine the blood, gore and the terror of his horror films married to the colourful and yet deeply moving narrative of his Spider-Man films. If Marvel ever decides to make a film on their Marvel Zombies series of comics, Raimi is the man for them. Michael Waldron’s screenplay is as tidy as a computer screen with many tabs open at the same time. The frequently incoherent plot, which toggles between Wanda’s rampage, America’s transformation and Doctor Strange’s emotional upheaval, is more concerned with fitting into the larger MCU franchise than giving its charismatic hero his own playground. Raimi and his writers ensure the plot is well-paced out and give ample scope for it to be immersed in colourful special effects and elaborate set designs with unparalleled visual finesse.” Danny Elfman’s soundtrack was good to the splendor visuals.

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is another different attempt from MCU going into a new genre of horror with the perfect direction for that at the wheel Sam Raimi. Elizabeth Olsen steals the show with her performance. The camera work is amazing. Overall, this is a good film with Sam Raimi’s signature horror elements. Watch it on Disney+ to get the IMAX Enhanced experience.

This is a great sequel. I would say another one of my favorites in the MCU. All the twists and turns this film made and put you at the edge of your seat. If you had seen “WandaVision,” you should see this film than, otherwise you won’t be able to understand everything. Everything that happens was having you think what was going to happen or if that was the right choice to make. If you don’t feel safe going to the theaters, do what I did and see it on Disney+, if you have an account with them.

Thank you for joining in on my review tonight. Look out what I will review next month.