Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

This new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now playing in theaters nationwide.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 6 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

It’s been a minute, so it’s time for another Marvel movie, right? As much as I love Marvel, I’m sad to say I’m getting a bit bored.

Dr. Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens the doorway to the multiverse, including alternate versions of himself, whose threat to humanity is too great for the combined forces of Strange, Wong, and Wanda Maximoff.

The film is directed by Sam Raimi and written by Michael Waldron.

THINGS I LIKED:

Benedict Cumberbatch gives it his all and pulls it off. We get to know Doctor Strange a little bit more and even care about him a little bit more.
It’s nice to see Elizabeth Olsen’s Marvel character get a lot of screen time. She flew to London to film this movie just two days after finishing work on WandaVision in 2021.
The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and other awesome people that I don’t want to tell you about because this is a spoiler-free review!
It’s always fun to see Bruce Campbell. He’s such a crowd-pleaser. Keep watching during the rolling credits to see another clip that features him.
Lots of humor.
There are some big spoiler cameos and moments in the movie. Don’t worry, I won’t say who and what they are!
Entertaining gadgets and powers.
Most of the special effects are very good; however, a few of them look pretty lame. We have gotten so spoiled with amazing FX, right?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

As much as I love Marvel and the MCU, I have to admit that I’m losing interest. Because of the multiverse and endless possibilities, it’s hard to be worried if anyone dies because I know they can easily reappear.
While the most recent Spiderman movie NO WAY HOME was a huge hit, this version of the multiverse took itself very seriously and was much darker. It’s actually listed under the genre of horror, the first MCU film to do so.
Despite China’s financial interest in Hollywood, this is the 5th MCU movie in a row to be denied a release in China. The trailer for the movie is the first MCU trailer to be given a rating of 15 in English, which is an American equivalent of R. But wait, there’s more…because lesbian parents are shown, the film was also denied a release in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Kuwait.
The plot is all over the place and confusing. This is one of those movies where you need to watch it a second time to understand everything that’s going on. I doubt I’ll see it again though. I’m sad to say I got bored with the frenzied action.
There are so many new characters that we don’t have time to get to know them or care about them.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Lesbian parents
As a mom, I appreciate Doctor Strange’s softening of profanity in humorous ways.
Lots of superhero violence and destruction.
There are some scary images that might frighten young children.

THEMES:

Multiverse
Choices and consequences
Teamwork
Being your best self
Motherhood
Humanity
Sacrifice
Fear

FUNNY LINES:

* “I could do this all day.” – Captain Carter

INTERESTING LINES:

“Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn’t mean they are lost forever.” – (secret cameo actor)
“I remain grateful about this universe, even with its tribulations.” – Wong (Benedict Wong)
“It doesn’t matter about all the other Stephens. He’s not like them.” – America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez)
“The darkhold exacts a heavy toll.” – Sinister Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)
“I love you. I love you in every universe.” – Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)