A Worthy Debut For The Sorcerer Supreme | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Worthy Debut For The Sorcerer Supreme

"Doctor Strange" proves to be as much a character study as it is visually appealing.

11
A Worthy Debut For The Sorcerer Supreme
Screen Rant

The new movieDoctor Strange is a strange beast indeed, with one part a less-than-typical origin story, and the other, a mesmerizing display of special effects unlike anything Marvel has shown us before. As far as the visuals and the adaptation of Stephen Strange's origin story are concerned, the comic's original creator, Steve Ditko, should be proud.

Although at times the movie drags on, the slow development is necessary to establish Stephen Strange as a character. We don't quite get the Sorcerer Supreme we are expecting from the comics, but instead, we get a Doctor Strange that is still learning to use his newfound mystical powers. This is a welcome change of pace because it's believable in his character arc that he wouldn't instantly be an expert at magic. In fact, for most of the film, he relies sometimes on physical confrontation, as opposed to magic, because he is not quite as adept as the enemies he faces.

The classic Marvel wit is present in this movie as much as any other, but with dripping sarcasm and outspoken hubris stemming from Strange's personality and Benedict Cumberbatch's delivery of the character.

The leap from comic to film is seamless, and the translation of magic and the mystical arts is an especially fascinating introduction.

One gripe I have with the film is it gives little opportunity for anyone other than Strange to develop. You definitely get an emotional arc from Strange, but the others are left by the wayside as side characters, offering little more to the overall plot than that (aside from Tilda Swinton's standout moments as the Ancient One).

Another issue I had was Kaecilius (played by Mads Mikkelsen) was little more than a one-off villain who didn't really get his day in the sun, despite an interesting mid-movie monologue about the ethics of immortality and death, which had Strange questioning his own ethical approach to the mystic arts and beyond. Mikkelsen was later cast aside for an introductory encounter with Dormammu, a long-speculated villain for this film, considering his decorated comic book origin as a Strange villain.

Kaecilius' lack of worthwhile involvement brings to mind another issue: the pacing, which could have easily benefited from a mere fifteen to twenty minutes extra run-time. A final confrontation with Kaecilius was necessary for this film to feel conclusive in that clash of wills. Instead, the last 20 minutes of the film are spent haphazardly rushing into the ending, which, in all honesty, made the film feel like a poor editing job during its final minutes.

Despite these minor qualms, Doctor Strange's strength is found in the individual narrative and character arc of Stephen Strange himself, as well as the aforementioned special effects, which are used to represent the mystical arts and recreate locations ripped straight out of the comics.

With all that said, the performances are solid from every single member of the cast, with very little to complain about. The cinematography is fresh and psychedelic, and the plot is a plunge into unfamiliar territory for many moviegoers. This serves to give the film appeal, rather than polarize the common viewer. As a comic book enthusiast myself, there is little plot-wise to surprise me, but recognizing this film's achievement as a comic adaptation and a very good movie through fresh eyes, earns it my praise.

Overall, I would rate this film an 8/10, as it is a rock-solid adaptation coupled with inventive special effects work and a surprisingly unfamiliar story for many.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

5070
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

119346
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Bucket List To Live In The Now

Find excitement in your life and start exploring wherever you are right here, right now.

1223
mu bucket list

I was sitting at my cubicle, now that I am an adult, looking at the rain pouring down on the windowsill, bumming on life, wishing for the rain to just stop for a full day.

There are moments where we count down the hours until work is over and how many more days till the weekend, and this many weeks until something exciting. Or something like that? Well, I was bumming because my next day off from work is not until Memorial Day weekend, which is not until the end of May. And since this is my first year out of college being a “real person,” I am totally missing the winter, spring and summer breaks. I am sure all of us have felt this way even if just for a hot minute…

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Ways To Survive Finals As Told By Leslie Knope

Because you know you're going to be stressed out, and Leslie knows exactly how to survive.

879
Everything hurts and I'm dying

So finals are on their way. That's right everybody, finals are about to start.

But hey, don't panic. Start getting your affairs in order and prepare for a week of hell. Here's a few things Leslie Knope wants you to do to make your finals week just a little bit less stressful:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Signs You Go To Kent State

You know you're a true Kent Stater when...

935
Kent State University
Great Value Colleges

If you go to or went to Kent State, then more than likely you have done or will do some of these things.

1. You’ve slipped and fallen on the ice at least once.

The winters at Kent are brutal, and while the heated sidewalks and some great snow boots are always a help, there’s no chance you won’t bust it on the ice at least once in your four plus years at school.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments