While superhero movies are extremely popular, they have introduced a theory known as "superhero fatigue", which describes audiences being exhausted from seeing formulaic save-the-world scenarios in which the hero faces impossible odds yet manages to win through some deus ex machina or plot device. With the release of Marvel's Doctor Strange, the same formula is repeated, but Doctor Strange is composed so well that the story seems fresh and unique. Doctor Strange is, in my opinion, by far one of the best movies made by Marvel Studios.

Doctor Strange's main marketing tool is its visual effects. That's not to say its other aspects aren't great, but the magic spells cast as well as the multitude of worlds seen in the movie are mind-bending. Taken straight from the pages of the comic books, the psychedelic scenes are something new and exciting to the grounded universe that previous Marvel movies have offered.

Doctor Strange himself is a departure from other heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While his arrogant cocky attitude is similar to that of Iron Man's, he goes down a different path. His friend Mordo also has a complex character arc, leaving much to be desired for the sequel. The villain, Kaecilius, has his motives explained, but it would have been better if he had more character development or backstory. Other characters, such as Doctor Strange's love interest, Christine Palmer, and his mentor, the Ancient One, are used sparingly so that they fit within the story without distracting from the central story line.

The story itself plays out like a stereotypical origin story. Humor is sprinkled in, though many times the jokes fall flat. The beginning is also very clunky and takes a long time to reach the conflict. Despite these setbacks, the plot is still very strong and convincing. Instead of another explosion-filled battle at the end, Marvel tries something different, which helps make the story seem more unique.

Doctor Strange is an overall improvement on past movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by adding the new element of magic while also setting up future events to come.