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Doctor Strange is a 2016 superhero film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo, and Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer. The movie is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. The film follows the journey of Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon, who after a car accident, loses the ability to use his hands. He travels to Kamar-Taj in search of a cure to his injuries, but soon discovers that the location is a mystical space where The Ancient One, played by Tilda Swinton, teaches people about the mysteries of the multiverse.

After some initial reluctance, Strange begins learning about the mystical arts under the guidance of The Ancient One, and alongside Mordo and Wong, portrayed by Benedict Wong. However, their learning is cut short by the villainous Kaecilius, played by Mads Mikkelsen, who seeks to destroy the world with the power of the Dark Dimension.

As a character, Strange is initially unsympathetic, and his arrogance and selfishness make him a difficult protagonist to root for. Nevertheless, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role with enough charm and charisma to make the character likeable by the end of the film. Additionally, the supporting cast is strong, with Ejiofor providing solid support as Mordo, who becomes a critical part of the film's story. Rachel McAdams, as Palmer, provides a compassionate and grounded character to counterbalance the often fantastical elements of the story.

Overall, the film stands out not just for its excellent visual effects and action sequences but also for its intriguing universe-building. The world of Doctor Strange, with its focus on mysticism, is a departure from the typical superhero fare, and the film does an excellent job of introducing audiences to this new corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film's visual effects are some of its strongest elements, with brilliant colors and spellbinding visuals that make the mystical world of Doctor Strange come alive. The scenes set in the Dark Dimension, for example, are awe-inspiring, with vibrant and otherworldly color schemes that truly transport the audience into another dimension.

Furthermore, the fight scenes in the movie are both creative and thrilling. The use of magic allows for a wide variety of combat styles, each with its signature visual effects. In one such sequence, Strange battles Kaecilius on the side of a building, manipulating the cityscape to gain a tactical advantage. These scenes are well choreographed and visually stunning, making Doctor Strange one of the most visually enjoyable Marvel movies to date.

Another strength of the film is its humor. The film is infused with a sense of humor that keeps the movie from taking itself too seriously. The humor tends to come from Strange's interactions with the other characters, making Strange a more likable character in the process.

The downside of the film is its pacing. The first act is slow-moving, and the narrative only picks up once Strange begins his training in the art of magic. Additionally, while the action sequences are well-choreographed and visually stunning, they do tend to drag on a bit too long, and the final confrontation with Kaecilius feels a bit underwhelming.

In conclusion, Doctor Strange is a visually stunning and narratively intriguing superhero film that manages to set itself apart from the rest of the genre. The film's cast is excellent, with Benedict Cumberbatch delivering a memorable performance as the titular Doctor Strange. The movie's strengths lie in its visual spectacle and world-building, which make for a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. Despite some pacing issues, Doctor Strange is an enjoyable addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a promising start to the character's journey.

Doctor Strange is a 2016 action movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 72.