Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness [DVD]

I've long been a loyal follower of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, enjoying nearly all of the films and the continuing story they've been weaving for over a decade now. I especially liked the MCU's debut film for Doctor Strange (no surprise there, since he's one of my favorite superheroes), and though he's made his share of appearances in the greater MCU, I couldn't wait to see another solo adventure with him and dive back into the utter insane-ness that was usually reserved for the comics. And in that aspect, this film didn't disappoint.The film quickly introduces us to America Chavez; a teenage girl with the ability to travel through the multiverse. Because of this, various malevolent forces seek to capture her and steal her power for their own gain. Her life as a runaway eventually lands her in the path of Doctor Strange, who makes it his mission to protect her, and seeks out Wanda Maximoff (aka Scarlet Witch) for extra guidance. But to his horror, it turns out Wanda is the one orchestrating the attacks on Chavez; believing she can harness the girl's power to find a reality where her children are still alive (at the cost of Chavez's life and breaking all sorts of natural laws). What then follows is a mad chase through the multiverse itself, as Doctor Strange must find a way to protect his young charge from Wanda's wrath, all while confronting alternate versions of himself and his friends, both good and bad. And in the end, everyone will learn the age old lesson of "there's no place like home".After over a decade of inactivity, director Sam Rami hasn't lost his touch. His creative style is all over this movie, from unique camera angles, to his love of classic horror. The visuals are outstanding, and it's clear some thought went into the designs of each universe, even if we only see them briefly. Within just a few lines of dialogue, you instantly get the backstory on each of the multiverse versions of these characters. (Anyone who watched other Marvel-focused films outside the MCU in the past are in for a treat.) I'm sure the writers had a heck of a time trying to keep all the various universes straight without confusing the audience, and they juggle everything perfectly. Benedict Cumberbatch especially does a fantastic job; pulling out all his acting chops to play over four alternate versions of Dr. Strange; each one clearly distinctive, even in the short time they're featured.America Chavez is a standout new superhero, and I really hope she reappears in the MCU, because she's a rather tragic character that I can't wait to learn more about. You instantly empathize with her and her struggle to control her powers and find her way home. And with the help of some new friends in the multiverse, she just may find the confidence to rise up and become the best version of herself. (No pun intended.) And while Wanda is the main antagonist this time around, you can completely understand why she's doing what she's doing, and Strange shows how caring of a person that he is in that he continuously sympathizes with her, even after all the chaos she brings.However, I can start to understand why some people are getting frustrated with the MCU, as it's exponentially turning into a soap opera, with each film becoming increasingly inaccessible for a general audience, as you have to keep up with every film, and now every Disney + show as well. Though I have yet to watch any of the Marvel TV series, there was enough inferred in the dialogue that I could still follow along easily enough. None the less, I suspect that had I watched the aforementioned shows (specifically "Wanda Vision" and "What If"), some scenes would've had more of an emotional impact on me.Never the less, this film does a great job of exploring themes of what counts as true happiness? Are you truly satisfied with where you are in life? Or do you wish things were different? And if your circumstances panned out differently, would your life be better? Or would it actually turn out worse than what you currently got? Perhaps instead of pondering all the "what ifs", we should instead just focus on improving the world we live in presently. And all of these lessons are wrapped up in an action/adventure/horror/superhero package.

In the first scene, we discover that when we dream we enter another universe. It is part of the multiverse. A girl (Xochitl Gomez) has the ability to jump universes and is being perused by Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen ) who wants the power so she can be with her children again. This leads to major fighting.There is no background to any character or plot. You can't start watching Marvel with this feature. This one ties into the Reset, Wandavision, and the last Spiderman. "Wandavison 2" would be more appropriate. Science fiction writers have grabbed on to the multiverse and it has become the latest fad. It shows a combination of laziness to create scripts within the confines of the story yet allows them to add creativity and change the original story. In another universe, Captain America is female and British. In addition to swapping up characters, Black Bolt (Anson Mount) is part of the Avengers or Illuminati as is Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) whom you thought you would never see in that role again. Reed Richards (John Krasinski) of the Fantastic Four is also there as they plug everything Marvel. Bruce Campbell has a cameo as a pizza vendor without a chainsaw. We are universe 616 in the scheme of things. And BTW Captain Marvel is a black female and Xochitl Gomez has two mommies. And what the heck was that at the end? Clearly, it will tie into a film down the line. So you must see this one if you want to watch the next one. 3 1/2 stars

Benedict Cumberbatch returns for another marvelous turn as Doctor Strange, sorcerer supreme. In this iteration, Doctor Strange faces an old ally turned deadly enemy. He is also dealing with the unexpected consequences of his earlier meddling with the boundaries of time and space.This is a good movie, with an emphasis on the scarier aspects of overlapping universes. At least one new Marvel character is introduced, and Doctor Strange will see plenty of old friends and old foes. The special effects are excellent, and the movie builds, with mounting horror, to a deadly climax.As another reviewer has noted, you really can't appreciate this movie without having seen the earlier Doctor Strange appearances in the Marvel universe. A pathway is also laid at the end to the next Doctor Strange movie. Well recommended to fans of the franchise.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a truly incredible film with masterful cinematography and minimal VFX hiccups, with a particular exception for Wong when he is in the grasp of Gargantos that wasn’t too great, but it’s hardly a negative. Sam Raimi at the helm of this film delivers beautifully on every front and in every way. His camera work at the scenes of the Assault of Kamar-Taj—especially the events after—and whenever Strange and America Chavez traverse the Multiverse are stunning.Elizabeth Olsen’s performance is unmistakably breathtaking, riveting, and in the best way possible, heartbreaking. She steals the show from the beginning and rightfully brings into question who’s movie this really is, irregardless of the title. I am beyond excited to see her performance delivered in 4K resolution here at home.Despite its clearly rapid pacing, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness brings about a grandiose continuation of the character arcs of Doctor Strange and The Scarlet Witch, and new beginnings for America Chavez. Aside from Infinity War, Endgame and other big ensemble movies, this has grown to become my favorite movie in the MCU.Needless to say, this product is worth it. Buy it, take it home, and witness the greatness of the Multiverse in Ultra HD.