Dr. Strange
 |
| Pic by |
Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill, Steve Ditko (comics).
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Stephen Strange), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordor), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), Benedict Wong (Wong), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), and Benjamin Bratt as Jonathon Pangborn.
Opening sequence:
Collecting comics back in the 1990's was a great time, the creative juices flowed with the many creators, and visions that was out on the shelves. The great Todd McFarlane released his Spider-man book, Hard Boiled written by Frank Miller and the wonderful art by Geoff Darrow. Terminator: Burning Earth written by Ron Fortier and drawn by Alez Ross. The Punisher War journal # 14 Carl Potts as the iconic writer, and David Ross as the artist. And the iconic Jim lee as the artist on the covers. Daredevil #1 written by Kevin Smith, and Joe Quesada as the ongoing artist at the time. X-Men #1 another re-boot, but this time Chris Claremont at the helm made this re-boot a super hit. Superman #75 mass fans of the comic lined up for the death of the iconic hero. Spawn #1 comes along and stuns the world of comics with Todd McFarlane at the driver seat. The New Mutants #87 a first appearance of a character that would eventually shock the comic universe, Cable a character that is loved even today. Youngblood #1 the very first book published under the image comic banner.
These books are just some of the 1990's rise, it was not so much to do with character development, but changes in Marvel that ripped a part the very fabric of what is loved and hated.
Take the creative team of Todd Mcfarlane, Jim Lee, just to name a few; these guys left Marvel and Image comics was born. Pretty big event, because the fans that loved McFarlane, and Lee eventually crossed over to Image, i was one of them. Image was the change that comics at the time needed, a new dynamic, a road that was the unknown. Eventually more artists, writers crossed over to the side of imagination. Marvel had standards that Lee, McFarlane did not agree with, their creative visions were only limited to what the writer, editor wanted. The collaboration process was never really there; If you look at the early Mcfarlane work on the Hulk for example, his art was awesome, but it was limited, he couldn't use his full potential. The basic understanding of a comic book is simple, the artist works with the writer, both creating a vision that would lead to what we know as a comic book. The editor finds the problems, edits words, even things that are not part of the universe, or parameters of Marvel. Basically they're the boss, and no matter what happens, it's their call, like it or not. But, without these guys and their drive for change, maybe things would be very different now. Marvel wouldn't challenge, change, drive the artists, writers to find new, unique creations.
Review:
The film opens with a man, attending, sorting some mystical books in a library. There are many, chained up, only magic can open the books. As the man continues his duties, a portal opens, and Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his Zealot's appear with him. The Zealot's make a whip out of nowhere, mystical flame appears to engulf it. Catching the book keeper's wrists, ankles. Suddenly he is lifted above the floor, arms and legs outward, the whips of flame holding him up. The Zealot team keeps him at bay, while their master tends to one particular book; he rips the page from the book. Kaecilious turns to the book keeper, staring at him. Suddenly he unsheathes his mystic blades and takes off his arms, killing the book keeper. The men disappear, running towards a portal they created, disappearing one by one.
Zealot team follows their master, but unknown to them, someone else follows behind. the fragment of reality changes, as the buildings collide, walls invert, everything changes. A green cloaked figured appears behind Kaecilious and his team. The cloaked one creates these circular mystic shields that protects against attack, and defends. The two battle, reality changing as they kick, guard, the two blades collide with the mystic shield, each bouncing off. The Zealot team go in for the kill, but the cloaked figure manages to separate them. Buildings once again move, as if each were breaking, fragments collide, constructing, running, an exchange of kicks, and defensive postures. The characters battle, each knowing where to go, the environment around them continue to change. The movements end, as the blade of Kaecilious hit's the monk's shield, his movement is quick enough to create a portal beneath him, an exit for him and his Zealots.
Marvel did a wonderful job, once again in making a film that would be very difficult to translate on screen. The concept alone is difficult as it is, but yet the team behind the film made it happen. Another huge gamble, Dr. Strange a film that takes us to a very unique place. The vast world expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe opening with this film. Guardians of the Galaxy was just the beginning, but it gave us a glimpse. This film added the fun, magic of the expanded universe. This film was a great addition to the MCU; Magic that i truly can't wait for on screen. Endless stories can now come from the MCU, and how cool is that, a unique, fresh wave of stories that are waiting to be translated to film. Glad this movie was made, it was like seeing the Terminator for the first time; A hard core film that hits audiences pretty hard, in a good way. Marvel movies as of right now has elevated to a higher plane, and not because of special effects, or choreographed scenes, but the unique stores that are put into play. The production alone to make this film is high risk, because of the content, but somehow Marvel yet again was able to break the realm of reality and create a universe, yes i said it, universe that makes up what we love about Marvel.
Benedict Cumberbatch did a wonderful job as Dr. Stephen Strange a well orchestrated neurosurgeon that becomes something greater than himself. His presence on film is remarkable, annoying, and yet likeable. Plays the character on target, an all around jerk that has an inflated ego. His performance, and connection with all the other characters in the film are perfect, he really is the Marvel character of characters.
Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), Benedict Wong (Wong), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), and Benjamin Bratt as Jonathon Pangborn. These actors did one hell of a job, they made extreme efforts that paid off, it showed in their performances. From the villain down to the basic Jonathon Pangborn, which his story alone made the film, not going into deep detail, but it was done well. Perfect connection that made the movie better, at least to me it did.
The infinity stone was mentioned in this film, in fact it was used, which was really cool. Not to spoil the film's story, but i really loved the way the writers connected everything. If you're a fan like me, you already know of the other stones of power. Guardian of the Galaxy, Avengers, Dr. Strange, to name some films. The infinity stones have attracted a powerful creature, alien known as Thanos (Josh Brolin). A mega bad guy who cares about nothing except of his attraction to Death herself. The fact that the end game is Thanos is awesome, and that's coming from a fan. Marvel has constructed, a universe that everyone loves, no matter who you like, or dislike, there is someone in the MCU that is loved by the audience. I went off in many directions in this review, because the film goes off in many directions, it captures our senses like walking in a meadow, trapping the view, feeling the sun hitting your skin. The imagery is all there, and it better explains the magic of this film. Everything is connected, and i guess that's what i love the most about these films, they all somehow connect to the endgame, which is Thanos and the infinity stones.
Dr. Strange is a film you have to open your mind to, and not in a negative way, but the way you perceive things. Perception is the key here, and when everything is finished, you'll end up smiling from cheek to cheek. This film is elevated to another plane, it takes you off world. From great acting to funny scenes, and one great story that will make you feel like you've accomplished something. The magic is translated to perfection, nothing looks cheesy or fake, it looks so fresh and clean. The film does it all, never boring, flows well with the action and story. Remember keep an open mind and you'll love this film. Why? because if the magic thing bothers you, then this film is not for you. To me this film if worth the 3D price, and even IMAX. So check it out and hopefully i didn't reveal to much, or spoil it for you.
Comments