We finally get to explore Marvel’s multiverse again. This time we get to see a few new and exciting universes.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness mostly just teases what’s to come in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future. It sets up future stories the studio wants to tell and I’m impressed. I want to write a review without spoiling the movie, since I know most people haven’t seen it yet.
Strange’s sophomore outing is simply beautiful. We get to meet new characters, see new places and we even get to know some variants of already established characters. The most obvious new character is America Chavez.
Xochitl Gomez fits the role perfectly. She makes you care about the character and you can experience the America’s tragic story through her acting. She brings new life into the MCU, as well providing us with the hope that a Young Avengers film or Disney+ show might be in development.
This movie might be “headlined” by Doctor Strange but it’s clearly a Scarlet Witch story. The film finally settles the debate of who’s the strongest Avenger, and the strongest person in the MCU period. Elizabeth Olsen didn’t come to play. She once again shines as Wanda and brings a whole new level of emotions to character. Her ability to switch between the most powerful witch and loving Wanda is undeniably awesome.
And then there’s the former Sorcerer Supreme himself, Benedict Cumberbatch. What was a fan casting choice paid off once again. Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange, like how RDJ was Tony Stark. The character’s arrogance comes off even stronger in this film. You get to see more of the comic book’s Doctor Strange. The way Cumberbatch switches between his different variants is admirable.
The three main characters definitely give us an awesome movie, but the movie isn’t hit because of them alone. The supporting cast also deserves some praise. Wong, Mordo, Christine and everyone else once again proves that a supporting characters can make or break a movie. And I can’t forget about the memorable cameos, you just have to go see the movie to find out who they are.
And then there’s the director, Sam Raimi. Raimi definitely delivered in giving us the first MCU horror movie. It pushes the boundaries of what a PG-13 movie can be. You get the MCU humour, the fun colourful and trippy world established in the first movie and some Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, but that’s not all.
The director’s unique cinematography adds to the suspense and story. Raimi didn’t just make a Marvel movie, he made a Raimi movie. It is unique and special and something that shows that superhero movies don’t need to be one genre.
The movie isn’t a masterpiece, but it makes the MCU even more intriguing. After Avengers: Endgame it was hard to know where Marvel could go next, but they just proved that there is a lot more story to tell. The MCU didn’t die with Iron Man; it just took another direction, which Spider-Man: No Way Home already proved.
This is just the start of it all and I love it. The movie is fun and entertaining. Just be careful not to spill your popcorn during some of the jump scares. It is a strange movie, but that’s what we were promised. Just don’t believe all the rumours you read on the internet.
My Verdict
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is funny, filled with action, adventure, fun characters, good story, but not a lot of multiverse. The one thing it promised on wasn’t really delivered on. I’m going to ignore that for now, because I actually loved the movie and how it sets up the next bunch of MCU stories. So should you go see it? Yes! This is a movie that should be enjoyed at the cinema. Get your tickets, Ster-Kinekor Namibia has bunch of them. Don’t miss out on the MCU’s new direction.
My Rating: 8.7 out of 10 – Love It!
