Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Xochitl Gomez, Benedict Wong
Doctor Strange is more compelling as a supporting character in the Marvel Universe. He has been the star of two movies which are by far the weakest of the Marvel films. It isn't Benedict Cumberbatch's fault. He is doing his best with what he's given, but the Doctor Strange character is meh. The entire multiverse idea is wearing thin too. It seems to exist just so characters from Marvel's past can make cameos and elicit applause from a grateful audience. I won't spoil which ones show up, not that they add much to the mix anyway.
Wanda's (Olsen) story arc picks up from the conclusion of the show's inaugural season. Her children died and she is under the black spell which causes her to wreak havoc trying to locate a universe in which she can be reunited with her children. After Doctor Strange attends the wedding of his unrequited love Christine (McAdams), a large octopus is chasing teenage girl America Chavez (Gomez), who is also a girl showing up in Strange's dreams at night. America informs Strange that this wasn't a dream, but another universe. America is able to hop from universe to universe, but isn't sure how to control it. Wanda, aka her evil incarnation Scarlet Witch, is looking to capture America and harness her power. Strange and Wong (Wong) are here to stop Scarlet from succeeding.
What follows is CGI madness within the multiverse of madness, which is to be expected in a Marvel film. However, the plot can't keep up and the characters are threatened to be engulfed by the sheer mass of action. Director Raimi is of course no stranger to the Marvel world. He directed Spider-Man as well as parts two and three before there was even such a thing as Marvel Studios. Those films found a way to establish their people without having them overrun by the visual effects.
Doctor Strange will undoubtedly return, but I'd prefer to see him in a supporting role. He filled that slot nicely in Spider Man: No Way Home, but as the lead, he just can't carry the day.
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