DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS - Review

Sam Raimi's latest film is not only a step up in quality from the original, but its eccentric camerawork and horror elements easily make it one of Marvel's most distinct films. Despite some of its forced introduction of characters and stereotypical moments that take away from its frightful tone. There's no denying that there's so much to appreciate from its creative choices to Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch never being better than they are here.

Still Courtesy - Marvel Studios

The film follows Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange (portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch) as he encounters a young girl named America Chavez with the power of traveling from one multiverse to another. He seeks the help of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen) to help bring Chavez back to her universe only to realize that her intentions are not what he expected.

The concept of the multiverse isn't something new to the Marvel universe with films like Spider-Man: No Way Home already utilizing it. But not only do the creative visuals and worlds that this sequel explores makes it something that delivers on the"Multiverse of Madness" part of its title. The inclusion of Sam Raimi as a director and his demented style found in his Evil Dead and Spider-Man trilogies is clearly integrated here. As a result, the unique manner in which sequences are executed from its excessive use of dissolve transitions and shifting oblique shots turns it into an exception from how most Marvel films are directed. That along with its tone of horror and a large amount of shocking on-screen carnage make it an installment that's worth praising for feeling so different from what you typically expect. While its story structure consists of the following familiar tropes that can be found in other Marvel films. The raw and visually stunning way in which Raimi helms this film is what truly makes it a more memorable experience. Being able to recall a scene from a Marvel film just from its practical visual presentation is something that occurs pretty infrequently. Therefore, praise must be given to Kevin Feige for letting Sam Raimi and the film's team bring his frightful vision to life.

At the same time, the engagement also comes from following the most essential characters which are Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch. Both characters seem to be dealing with the same conflict of questioning their contentment and wanting to be with the people they love. But both of them having a drastic contrast for how they react to that desire is what brings more meaning to the film's story as they evolve with each of their encounters. The horrifying manner in which Scarlet Witch is portrayed not only feels justified based on what the character has dealt with. But her being overpowered and how well Elizabeth Olsen plays her make her seem like a genuinely convincing threat. Even though Doctor Strange has plenty to do and overcome like with his ex-girlfriend Christine portrayed by Rachel McAdams. It really is Olsen who is the stand-out character that showcases a wide range of emotions along with her development that makes her truly feel like a fully realized character.

The creative and bold choices that the film takes seem like they feel earned until they don't. What I’m referring to are elements that the film includes, primarily in the second act, that don’t feel like they add anything to the overall story. These are referring to characters that come and go without making any kind of an impact which makes their presence not only feel wasted but unnecessary. But it’s not just the new characters that get this kind of treatment. But outside of Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch, the writers not giving any of the other side characters a natural or significant ark is what prevents their presence from standing out. This includes the character America Chavez whose ark feels less like it was developed through a progression of events and rather as something sudden and rushed.

With a tighter screenplay that eliminated the characters who lack leaving an impact that instead provided significant growth to more of the side characters. This film could have been close to some of the best films that Marvel has produced thus far. The unique approach to helming this film already has made it one of their more daring films. This is saying a lot considering Marvel’s track record with their directors fighting over creative differences. Regardless, it’s great to see Marvel integrate the style of someone like Sam Raimi with one of their films that ends up benefiting its quality and memorability.

Verdict

7/10

Still Courtesy - Marvel Studios