You think a sentient cloak landingpratfalls is enough to keep audiences entertained these days? No.We expect certain things from our multimillion-dollar wizard movies, and we expect our demands to be met.
We want cameos from characters that 20 years ago would have required footnotes to recognize, before having a brain waterlogged with intellectual property became rad.
We wantthe vengeful souls of the undead, dripping in the ebony glazeof damnation,to be rendered in stunning CGI.
We want, most of all, spinoff plotlines about omnipotent witches with PTSD, so Twitter can use themfor girlboss memes.
Well, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is selling, and we're buying.The latest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is out in theaters this weekend. It isa breathtakingly weird piece of pop cinema that ranks among the best — and scariest — modern super-capers.
"Multiverse of Madness" picks up where a few previous MCU projects left off— "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Loki," the "Avengers" sagaand the first "Doctor Strange" all feed threads into this yarn. The most essentialis "WandaVision," the early pandemic TV mini series that focused on Elizabeth Olsen's spell-slinging Wanda Maximoff. Even with some narrative prestidigitation to recap the show, that's the real prerequisiteto this film's plot, which moves at a mystical Mach 5.
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We find Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)in "Multiverse of Madness" as a hero with regrets, actively trying to convince himself he's happy amidsacrifices. (And some of 'em were unforced errors.) During the wedding party of lost love Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams, who doesn't need to be here, but it's nice that she is), a tentacled monster wreaks havoc on New York. Its target: a mysterious-but-plucky teen named America Chavez (a thoroughly winning Xochitl Gomez).
America has an uncontrollable ability to port through the multiverse. And, real talk, there are a lot of people who would want to take out a mortgage in a better 'verse, free from their woes. (Without spoiling much, just remember that Wanda, now powered by dark magic, has a lot of woes.) With the help of heroic partner Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange takes America under his protective wing (cloak?) on a death-defying trip through alternate realities, with the fate of the entire multiverse at stake.
You may gather that this is the most Marvel-y movie possible. There's a reliance on a shared continuity across a couple dozen films and TV shows, and you're not exactly penalized for having some comic book trivia locked away, too. This being a multiverse tale, Doctor Strange encounters a few things, and people, that you've seen before— it's just that you'd never expect to see them here.
But trust, true believer, "Multiverse of Madness" is also the least typical caper in a franchise that hasa house style as recognizableas Abercrombie & Fitch's. Give it up for horror-schlock auteur Sam Raimi, who does the impossible and makes a corporate-owned cash cow look like something he furiously scrawled into his dream journal.
Raimi made his name directing the "Evil Dead" franchise and even put down the cement for the MCU with the Tobey Maguire-starring "Spider-Man" flicks of the 2000s. In "Multiverse of Madness," he's directed a real scream: The camera snakes through the air to terrorize; thevisual perspectives bend this way and that;and power-mad malefactorsspillthrough puddles and burst through smoke to kill you dead.
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Those are all Raimi visual signatures, but it's his sense of humor that cuts through both the gloss and the ghoulishness. It would be a shame to divulge Strange's day-saving final gambit. Know that it's perhaps the most joyous, perverse, creative concept you've seen in a comic book movie, a B-movie horror homage brought to you byunfettered imagination.
Plus, "Multiverse of Madness" just feels kind. Things can hurtso much these days. Our heroes never lose compassion, even when things get morally complex for a superhero movie.If you could grab onto a bit of magic and walk through a window into a universe where things were much brighter, would you? Be mindful— the real horrors, as a certain sorcerer could tell you, tend to follow you.
Grade: A-
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen,Xochitl Gomez, Benedict Wong
Director: Sam Raimi
Rated: PG-13 frightening images, action, intense sequences of violence, some language
Running time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Watch: In theaters
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of cinematic universes, particularly the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I have an extensive knowledge of the intricate web of interconnected stories, characters, and themes that define these blockbuster franchises. My insights are not just based on casual observation but are deeply rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the source material, production processes, and the evolution of cinematic storytelling.
Now, diving into the article discussing "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," it's evident that the author is well-versed in the MCU and possesses a keen understanding of its nuances. The article touches upon several key concepts and references that contribute to the overall richness of the narrative:
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Multiverse Continuity: The article emphasizes the importance of continuity across multiple MCU projects, including "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Loki," the "Avengers" saga, and the first "Doctor Strange." This interconnected storytelling approach is a hallmark of the MCU, creating a cohesive universe that rewards fans for their knowledge.
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WandaVision as a Prerequisite: The article highlights "WandaVision" as a crucial prerequisite to understanding the plot of "Multiverse of Madness." This TV mini-series, focusing on Wanda Maximoff's magical abilities, plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for the events in the new Doctor Strange film.
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Character Development: The piece provides insights into the character arc of Dr. Stephen Strange in the film, describing him as a hero with regrets and sacrifices, actively trying to find happiness amidst challenges. The article also mentions the presence of beloved characters like Wong and Christine Palmer.
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Introduction of America Chavez: The article introduces a new character, America Chavez, with a unique ability to traverse the multiverse. This character becomes a central figure in the movie, and the article wisely avoids spoilers while hinting at the challenges faced by Wanda, now powered by dark magic.
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Directorial Influence of Sam Raimi: The article acknowledges the impact of director Sam Raimi, known for his work on the "Evil Dead" franchise and the Tobey Maguire-starring "Spider-Man" films. Raimi's signature visual style, blending horror elements with humor, is recognized as a significant factor in the film's success.
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Genre Fusion: The article praises "Multiverse of Madness" for its blend of horror and superhero genres, making it a unique and standout entry in the MCU. The mention of Raimi's ability to infuse humor into the film's darker elements adds depth to the discussion.
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Creative Storytelling: The article commends the film for its joyous, perverse, and creative concept in the final gambit, describing it as a B-movie horror homage. This underlines the film's commitment to pushing creative boundaries within the superhero genre.
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Compassionate Heroes: A notable point in the article is the acknowledgment that, despite the complexities of the narrative, the characters in "Multiverse of Madness" maintain their compassion. This adds a layer of humanity to the superhero genre, emphasizing the enduring appeal of these characters.
In conclusion, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" appears to meet the expectations of MCU fans with its intricate storytelling, character development, and a directorial approach that combines familiar elements with refreshing creativity. The article effectively captures the essence of what makes this film a noteworthy addition to the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe.
