“Dr. Strange” is one strange trip

By: Matt McDonald, Columnist 

Following the success of “Ant Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Dr. Strange”  proves that Marvel can take any comic idea and turn it into an incredibly captivating motion picture. It’s most psychedelic yet, “Dr. Strange,” grabs audiences by the mind and takes them on a journey beyond time, beyond reason, and beyond imagination.

Dr. Stephen Strange, an egotistical yet brilliant neurosurgeon, can’t seem to see beyond his own skilled nose, picking from three different kinds of watches and praising himself for his successes in his field. When he gets into a car crash, however, Strange loses full capability in his hands, rendering his occupation terminated and his emotional balance askew. Finding physical exercises and therapies in vain, he goes to a spiritual enlightener, named the Ancient One, who he is told can teach him how to control his body through his mind. It is not long, however, before Strange finds he has gotten into a deeper realm of time and magic than he first realized.

Aside from the story, the visual effects in this movie alone make it an outstanding work of cinema. For those of you who have not yet seen it, imagine the end of “Ant Man,” all of “Inception,” and LSD wrapped up in a movie, and you’ve got “Dr. Strange.” The worlds and realms that Strange travels through surpass whimsical and cross into almost trippy, complete with bright colors, endless mirror-like surroundings, and celestial ventures through the stars.

Benedict Cumberbatch was excellent in the role of Dr. Strange, nailing the arrogant, genius, quick-witted and emotional sides of the character. Combined with his acceptance of the duty to save others, he becomes the supernatural version of Tony Stark. Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong and Rachel McAdams provide comedic relief and a stable story.

A wonderful standalone origin movie, a beneficial continuation for the setup of “The Avengers: Infinity War,” and a testament to the experimentation of new technologies, “Dr. Strange” may end up being one of Marvel’s best movies to date. 4/4

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