Elevator Pitch
Dr Stephen Strange is an arrogant New York neurosurgeon who, examining an X-Ray photo while driving (serves him right, you might say), has an accident which makes him unable to continue with his work. In his search for a cure he ends up in Nepal being tutored in the magic arts by the “Ancient One”. At the same time a previous student, Kaecilius is using what he has learned to remove the earth’s protection from the Dark Dimension. Strange must forget about his personal aspirations and use his new powers to protect the world.
Content
Many scenes of conflict between the villain and the Ancient One, and later Dr Strange, usually involving changes to our perception of reality. Buildings fold over, the combantants move about on the folds, sideways, upside down and more, to the point that running does not seem worthwhile. Nepal features particularly the Ancient One’s compound Kamar-Taj. There is also time spent in surgery both by, and on, the doctor, and conflict in the alternative dimension. There is no nudity, sex, drinking or drug taking and limited violence, if you discount the magic.
| A View | I have some antipathy towards films involving magic, basically because it usually works as required by the plot rather than following any basic principals. Doctor Strange is no exception, with people waving their hands about all the time, achieving a whole variety of results. But this outing was well liked by both the critics and the general public, so what do I know? But probably if you can’t watch it in 3D, don’t bother. | ||
| Duration | 1h 55m | Rating (UK) | 12A |
| Source of story | Marvel comic stories by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. | ||
| Director | Scott Derrickson | ||
| Writers/Script | Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill | ||
| Starring | Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Meera Syal, | ||
| Additional Info | There is a whole story about the development of this film starting back in the 1980s as studios have picked up the character and discarded him for one reason or another. It would make a book. | ||
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