Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

 

Let’s start with a little bookkeeping as it were.  I don’t know about other countries, but here in the US do yourself a favor and make sure you’re in your seat and settled down by the time the trailers start (never ceases to amaze me the number of people that miss the trailers coming in late).  Why? Going by Cinemark’s showings, trust me.  You DON’T want to miss the exclusive first look on the big screen of Top Gun Maverick.  My need for speed watching it took every ounce of restraint I could muster not to scream with excitement and stay in my seat.  So glad I’ve already got my ticket.  Second, in addition to many of the trailers you can currently see on my page we get to see the official first trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water.  Not a great deal of info in terms of story, but visually it looks stunning.  

Moving on.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness doesn’t mess around.  You’re thrown into the story as soon as the Marvel open finishes playing.  So it’s an immediate snap to attention with the who, what, where, and whys of the film.  A bit of a shock, but thankfully so.  Given the magnitude of what the film is supposed to do both in and of itself as well as the MCU overall, I’ve been anxious about the mere two-hour and six-minute running time.  It seems like a short time to accomplish its goals and also be entertaining.  I admit sitting in the theater, DSitMoM  feels longer than a couple of hours.   Happily in this case that’s a good thing.  The film felt neither rushed nor lagged.  

Good pacing throughout. 

Lots of action-packed moments from start to finish expertly interwoven with character development and exposition keeps the film moving and engaging.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also does something that Marvel does best.  Bringing back actors/characters from previous outings (love seeing not only primaries but also second and even third tier folks return) for continuity but also in new and exciting ways as well. Plus bringing in new characters that serve/enrich the story and get to shine even if they don’t last long. I do feel a bit short changed on Xochitl Gomez’s American Chavez character/back story although I’m sure moving forward that will be rectified. And of course there are also others that I’m excited will no doubt be seen again as well. Again, an impressive balancing act of making sure characters film don’t come off as throwaways and nothing more.

Another thumbs up for rewarding those of us that are current in our Marvel viewings without making the inaccessible to those that aren’t.  So yes, if you’ve seen WandaVision, What If..., Loki, and Spider-Man: No Way Home in addition to the Phase I - III Marvel films, you’re definitely going to be rewarded.  If you haven’t, why not?  Seriously, why?  But still, no worries, you won’t be left in the dark.

Speaking of dark, for those that feel Marvel films aren’t dark enough, here ya go.  Having Sam Raimi as director pays off in my book.  Marvel has done a wonderful job letting its films/shows have their own individual style, tone, and “feel”.  One of the strongest aspects in their productions.  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness definitely feels like a Sam Raimi production and has its own unique flavor. Heavy on the horror and easily one of the most violent of the MCU films, it’s The Evil Dead meets Doctor Strange, and it works.  While this won’t play for some, meaning Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness won’t necessarily be a fan favorite, I’m glad to say I was one of the many in the theater cheering, ooohing, aaaahing, and ewwwwing.  

Dark, creepy, and fun with a superhero twist!

Not surprisingly fantastic visual effects, wonderful acting, terrific Danny Elfman score, a nice smattering of humor.  There’s a ton of stuff to unpack in this film so I’m sure that future repeat viewings as well as time to “sit” with the film will color my perceptions, but as of now Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness does an amazing job thrilling, entertaining, and packs an emotional punch I found lacking in Spider-Man: No Way Home for instance.  

Sam Raimi and company hit their mark.

It’s a 9.5 from me.

And yes, there are two credit scenes in the film.  For those with small bladders or didn’t pace yourself for the trailers and credits, hold it long enough to see the first scene at least.