Doctor Strange: 10 Reasons It's Awesome

The MCU just got weirder.

Doctor Strange Benedict Cumberbatch
Disney

Though it doesn't arrive on a tidal wave of hype like this past summer's Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange is no doubt a pivotal, risky entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it seeks to introduce magic and multiverses to the franchise.

While it may not be a straight-up classic on the level of The Avengers or Civil War, it is nevertheless a highly entertaining superhero flick that provides compelling solutions to a number of the series' most complained-about elements, even if it doesn't venture too far beyond the established formula.

It ticks a lot of boxes as far as sheer enjoyment factor goes, but takes it further by refusing to pander or patronise audiences, as has been a problem in previous MCU films. If nothing else, it opens an exciting new chapter for Marvel moving forward.

Here are 10 spoiler-free reasons Doctor Strange is awesome...

10. It's The MCU's Best Looking Film

Doctor Strange Benedict Cumberbatch
Marvel Studios

Rest assured that if there's one MCU movie you absolutely should see in IMAX 3D, it's definitely this one. Doctor Strange is easily the most visually imaginative and straight-up best-looking film in the franchise to date.

While numerous MCU movies have suffered from a distinctly flat, TV-esque aesthetic (especially Ant-Man and The Avengers), this actually feels every bit its $165 million blockbuster.

The nature of the narrative, spanning time and universes, allows director Scott Derrickson to throw a litany of eyeball-meltingly gorgeous, trippy visuals at the screen, clearly inspired as they are by the works of surreal artist M.C. Escher.

In short, it's as close to cramming The Matrix and Inception into the MCU as these movies are ever likely to get. If you loved the subatomic scene from Ant-Man, you will absolutely love the audacious style here.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.