MOVIE REVIEW By Lucas Allen: Latest ‘Dr. Strange’ is out there, in a good way

Since 2016’s “Doctor Strange,” the Sorcerer Supreme has fought Thanos, saved half the universe, and helped Spider-Man battle a multiverse of villains. Now comes “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which not only follows up those previous MCU films, but also follow the events of the hit Disney+ series “Wandavision.” Sam Raimi directs for the first time since 2013’s “Oz the Great and Powerful,” bringing his signature multi-genre style having previously made his original Spider-Man and Evil Dead trilogies. The movie is also written by Michael Waldron, who also wrote another Disney+ series “Loki.”
Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is trying to pick up the pieces post-Endgame, while the title of Sorcerer Supreme is currently held by his friend Wong (Benedict Wong). While attending the wedding of his ex-girlfriend Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), the city is attacked by a giant one-eyed octopus-like demon, and it’s going after a teenage girl named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). It turns out she’s being sought after by evil forces because of her ability to travel through different alternate realities. But to Strange’s shock, the real evil force behind it is Wanda Maximoff (aka the Scarlet Witch) (Elizabeth Olsen), who wants the young girl’s power to try to reunite with her lost twin sons.
Afterwards, Wanda’s attack on the Supreme temple launches Strange and America through the multiverse before landing in one universe where Strange died in battle. Soon enough, they’re both captured by Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and taken to the Illuminati that consists of different characters from other universes. Strange is put on trial for opening a rift in the multiverse that could destroy all universes. It’s not long before he makes his escape as he tries to find a way to stop Wanda and prevent the multiverse from getting destroyed.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is certainly a hard act to follow, but Raimi and his crew proved to be up for the challenge of adding more to the multiverse fun. This time around, this movie offers more variations of already established characters including Strange as both a bad guy and an undead zombie. Not to mention, the scene with the Illuminati gives fans some surprising cameos of its own including Patrick Stewart’s eighth big screen appearance as Professor Xavier from Fox’s X-Men franchise. Like before with No Way Home, these cameos help pay respect to Marvel’s past as well as the future of the MCU.
Besides the visual splendor and the action, Raimi returns to his horror roots with his Evil Dead-esque style filled with scary monsters, cackling demons, and some frightening imagery. Be forewarned, this is not one of those blockbusters to take your younger ones to when its scary images could be too traumatizing for them. The movie also wonderfully deals with loss and grief for both Strange and Wanda and how they both contrast with each other over such themes. While it’s still the scariest Marvel movie ever made, it handles character drama much more effectively than your typical DC film.
Once again, Cumberbatch fits nicely in the mystical cloak with both arrogant charm and handsome charisma. His scenes with other returning actors McAdams, Wong and Ejiofor help to bring streamlined continuity to these films. Much like in her show, Olsen continues to evolve her character’s darker side with overwhelming emotion and powerful anger. Like any other Raimi film, this one features a cameo from the legendary Bruce Campbell in one of the film’s most hilarious scenes.
In some way, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is more out there than the first film and that’s pretty much a good thing. Marvel Studios isn’t afraid to make some risky choices in producing their films and shows, and the rewards from fans certainly shows. There’s no doubt that the Marvel train is not going to stop rolling along.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence, frightening images, and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)