A poster for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is shown. The film, while an entertaining and emotional watch, sets up the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a questionable future. Image fair use of Marvel Studios
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is a fast-paced film with dynamic visuals and plot, but takes a step back in character development from previous Marvel movies.
Marvel fans have eagerly awaited the release of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” after it was pushed back almost a year, from May 7, 2021 to May 6, as a result of the pandemic.
The movie picks up where it left off with its titular character, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), who was last seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” released on Dec. 17, 2021, and with Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who was last seen in the finale of WandaVision on March 5, 2021.
Dropping the viewer straight into the action, the movie’s incredibly dynamic visuals will quickly grab the viewer’s attention, and the fast-paced plot will keep them engaged for the rest of the 126 minute run-time.
Sam Raimi’s directing serves the story well, with his signature exaggerated style, using quick cuts and unique camera focuses to imitate the feel of comic books, shining through in the campy horror-esque scenes, helping “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” feel like more than just another cookie-cutter MCU movie.
Dropping the viewer straight into the action, the movie’s incredibly dynamic visuals will quickly grab the viewer’s attention, and the fast-paced plot will keep them engaged for the rest of the 126 minute run-time.
However, despite incredible acting jobs from the casts – especially Olsen and newcomer Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez – the film suffers from dissonant characterization and character development when compared with the characters’ roles in the MCU so far.
Those flaws are inflated by an inconsistent and forced plot, which drags the characters through contrived interactions and plot points. MCU fans who have become attached to certain beloved characters, such as Maximoff, may feel disappointed or betrayed by the direction the MCU has chosen to take them, with established character arcs either upended or stagnated.
Worse, throughout the movie, the MCU continues its trend of mishandling their female characters. Although they are some of the characters in the film with the most potential, they are relegated primarily to the roles of victims, villains and damsels in distress.
No MCU fan should miss “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which, despite its flaws, is one of the most entertaining in the franchise. However, those emotionally invested in the cinematic universe and in its characters should keep their expectations minimal.
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