Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness: Non-Spoiler Review

Going Camp

The saving grace of its almost self-aware lack of plot effort was that, thanks to Sam Raimi’s vision and intention no doubt, the film was incredibly camp. You can get away with a loose plot when you know the movie knows what it is, and with several moments so laughably ridiculous as those in this Dr. Strange offering, there’s no avoiding that the film is high camp.

Now camp is not for everyone, not by a long shot, and that’s why I think the best parts of the film will also be the bits that some people hate the most. It may be because of the type of person I am that this played well with me: I’m the chronically online, Spiderman 2-enjoyer, comic-clueless type. Several YouTube/online personalities were present at the press screening, namely 2010s’ man of the hour TomSka and multi-talented writer and filmmaker Hazel Hayes, all of whom seemed to agree that the absurd, unexpectedly comic-book-y style was the major selling point for them.

Choices with not only the visual style but also certain plot points resulted in a film that is simultaneously high-stakes and occasionally brutal, whilst also being comical. Whilst these parts earned cheers from some viewers, there was also a lot of eye-rolling and, “really?”s, and, “Are you serious?”es. If you go in with an open mind and prepare yourself for some totally rogue happenings then you’ll have the best experience.