“Doctor Strange,” the newest edition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), tells the story of acclaimed and successful neurosurgeon Stephen Strange. Miraculously performing near impossible surgeries, he accrues much fame, arrogance and wealth throughout his life, until an accident causes irreparable damage to his hands. He becomes desperate to fully recover from his injuries.

The doctor’s efforts lead him to the temple of the Ancient One, who teaches him the ways of the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions. But Strange’s lessons are cut short when an evil sorcerer, Kaecillius, seeks to unite the world with the Dark Dimension. Now with little time to master his new found power, Dr. Strange is the only thing standing between the world’s destruction and its salvation.

Directing 4/5

Scott Derrickson was on familiar ground with “Doctor Strange” given his history within supernatural horror films. It’s interdimensional lore and “out there” setting fit in with Derrickson’s skills in the director’s chair.

Another point that was welcoming about “Doctor Strange” is that, like 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” it is a good entry point for newcomers to the MCU. The movie is able to carve its own name and be a standalone film by itself without beating the audience over the head with reminders that this movie connects to the other Marvel films. While there are a couple nods and Easter eggs that point to the connected universe, these clues are subtle and tactful.

Effects 5/5

The visual effects are a definite highlight of this film. Not only do they make every fight scene eye-popping with constantly moving scenery and gorgeously rendered magic effects, they also add to the story itself.

While many other movies use CGI and green screen to pad the action or to fill it with scenery sets designers can’t build, the effects in “Doctor Strange” add to the story and give the world of the movie a depth that makes it all the more engaging. This is definitely one to see in the theaters.

Writing 4/5

By now, the MCU has had six origin story films setting up individual heroes that make up a majority of the Avengers team. “Doctor Strange” is certainly the most mature and best written of them all. I would even go so far as to say it is the best Marvel movie so far.

The pacing of the plot was incredibly satisfying. We got to know Stephen Strange before the accident and continued to learn about him until the end of the film. While Kaecillius unfortunately fell into the growing pile of “one off” Marvel movie villains, there was a dramatic depth to him and his motivations that made him more memorable than other villains.

The Ancient One and Strange’s sidekick, Mordo, are complex characters that we continue to learn about as the film goes on, clearly showing maturity and depth to the characters and themes that I wish was in more Marvel films.

Just like the other movies in the Marvel franchise, there is a steady line of humor throughout the entire film. Unfortunately, most jokes are off-putting and disrupt the engagingly dramatic mood that was set up only moments before. While some do strike comedic gold, most of the quips and jokes feel forced and shoved in to keep up that Marvel brand of character banter that is in all their other films.

Acting 4/5

Just as Robert Downey Jr. is the face of Tony Stark, Benedict Cumberbatch fits perfectly as Doctor Stephen Strange. Cumberbatch brings a refined talent to the role that shows how much effort he is putting into the character, as well as how much fun he is having with his portrayal of The Sorcerer Supreme.

Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One is amazingly committed to the role and brings a seriousness and energy that is extremely engaging. Chiwetel Ejiofor keeps up just fine with Cumberbatch and Swinton. The trio gives a fine performance when on-screen together and Ejiofor and Cumberbatch make an excellent pair.

Mads Mikkelsen is dedicated as the ideal-driven Kaecillius. Mikkelsen’s conviction in the role and the character’s motivations make him a memorable villain.

Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer has decent interactions with Strange as his love interest, although the feelings between them are more evident and believable earlier in the film than later.

Overall

Though following the familiar origin story formula, “Doctor Strange” brings spectacular new sights and a much needed dramatic depth to the old recipe. With another new face joining the ever-growing ranks of the MCU, “Doctor Strange” is certainly a refreshing take on the comic book movie genre.

As with all Marvel movies, make sure to stay all the way until the end of the credits to see both extra scenes.