christian movie review doctor strange

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (Christian Movie Review)

Final Verdict: A unique horror vibe and some innovative visuals are not enough to elevate it above the lowest tier of the crowded MCU.

About The Film

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a lot. Director Sam Raimi seems to pull ideas from all across the comic book multiverse and squeeze them into his movie. At times, it really works. Often it does not. But at all times, it gives viewers a lot to take in and process.  

Despite frequent promises to the contrary, every MCU entry has essentially felt like the same movie with the thinnest coat of “genre” paint to distinguish them. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the first one that legitimately feels wholly unique. It’s still weighed down by the burden of tying into (or setting up) a half dozen other movies or Disney+ shows, but it has a clear and fresh identity. In fact, only those necessary connections to the larger MCU keep it from becoming a full fledge horror film. I wouldn’t be surprised if it lands somewhere in Star Wars: The Last Jedi territory, with some fans lavishly praising it for its bold and unique choices, and others disliking it for feeling out of place in the established series.    

Tonally, this movie is intense and probably not suitable for all young viewers. My 7-year-old boys have seen many of the Marvel films but won’t be watching this one just yet. This is the closest to an R-rated Marvel movie there is, with a dark, creepy, and violent aesthetic and tone (see “Content to Consider” below). It is continually interesting, but not always very “fun.” The patented Marvel quips and humor is largely absent, particularly after the first act. There is some darker, macabre humor that is amusing due to the grotesque nature of the situations, but far from the laugh out loud humor found in a Thor or Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

Christian audiences should also be aware that the film is filled with magic and witchcraft. Doctor Strange is a sorcerer, and Scarlet Witch is obviously a witch. The mystical elements should be unsurprising to anyone who watched Doctor Strange (2016) or any other MCU film featuring the title character, but this film ramps it up to eleven. For example, in one scene the souls of the damned come from hell to attack a sorcerer engaged in a ritual that takes place in a creepy room filled with lit candles, as he tries to take possession of a reanimated corpse to fight a witch who is conducting spells on an altar covered with pentagram-like symbols and runes. It’s a lot. I don’t want to go into a discussion of magic and witchcraft here. Personally, I am generally comfortable with such material in fantastical stories (for reasons I’ve described elsewhere), but I also know that many Christians will find the material alarming. If that is you, then this might be a good MCU to sit out. For the most part, the witchcraft is treated as an evil, although that line gets blurred in the third act.

The multiverse as a concept is a mixed bag. It results in some of the film’s best moments, but is also responsible for many of its biggest problems. In one delightful scene, the characters fall through a sequence of increasingly bizarre universes, which is a captivating and immersive visual.

On the other hand, the multiverse also removes most of the movie’s stakes or emotional connections. This is most evident with the introduction of The Illuminati, a super-group filled with surprising twists on familiar characters and glorious cameos from recognizable actors/actresses. Comic book fans might rejoice at the “visual candy” and lore. After the initial sugar rush wore off, however, I quickly realized that I simply didn’t care about these characters. Not only because they were undeveloped and largely irrelevant to the plot, but also because they weren’t from our universe. A lengthy fight scene featuring the group is thus reduced to empty CGI spectacle, devoid of any emotional weight. The more the movie gets carried away by the theoretical “what if” thought experiments of the multiverse, and pulled away from the development of its main characters, the more inconsequential it becomes.

In the end, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a complicated and likely divisive film. It’s not a disastrous movie, but it is a largely hollow one and a lower tier MCU movie. I appreciate that it took some bold swings to shake up the tired Marvel template but was disappointed with where some of those choices led. Like the characters falling through the many multiverse universes, there are some really good moments and scenes, but they just don’t add up into a cohesive or meaningful story.

For Consideration

Profanity: A handful of minor profanities (a—, sh—, G— D—, etc.).

Sexuality: A main character is shown to have two moms. The same-sex parents are referenced several other times throughout the film.

Violence: This is easily the most violent MCU movie yet. Sometimes shockingly so. One character has his brains blown out (he is wearing a head covering so you don’t see actual brains). Another character is cut in half (more implied than shown), Characters are burnt alive. The villain ends up covered in blood after a battle.

Engage the Film

Happiness & contentment.

 “Are you happy?” This simple but probing question bookends the movie. While the multiverse concept has some significant shortcomings on a narrative level, it works well on a thematic level. In the film, dreams are windows into our alternative lives in the multiverse. The multiverse is potent metaphor for imagining other possible lives with a less painful past and more joyful future. 

Doctor Strange begins the film by wrestling with the difficult decisions he has made (ala Avengers: Infinity War ), and relationships lost along the way due to his choices or character flaws. Similarly, the villain is driven by and consumed by grief. A repeated visual motif symbolizes her fractured self, such as blood running diagonally across her face, or seeing her broken reflection in a shattered mirror. The movie is about overcoming these longings or regrets and embracing the life they have before them. As one character says, “Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn’t mean they are lost forever.”

The movie brought to mind 1 Timothy 6:6-12: “ But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  8  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  9  Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

Only pain and suffering—for us and for others—comes from fixating on “what ifs” and a hypothetical life. Happiness comes from contentment in the life we have been given. The message is best summarized in a speech at the end of the film, where a character admits to wondering whether other versions of himself in the multiverse are happier than he is, but that he has learned to be content with the life he has been given, tribulations and all.

Daniel holds a PhD in "Christianity and the Arts" from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author/co-author of multiple books and he speaks in churches and schools across the country on the topics of Christian worldview, apologetics, creative writing, and the Arts.

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I think a lot of the film’s ideas would be lost on a devout christian. It is an exploration of the implications of the age of aquarius on the (very unsubtle) metaphor of a character called america who no longer dreams.

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Doctor Strange

Reviewed by: Jessica D. Lovett CONTRIBUTOR

self-centeredness

arrogance and pride, compared to humility

dealing with personal tragedy

magic and magicians in the Bible

sorcery in the Bible

enchantments

alternate dimension

Can mysticism lead to God? Answer

Why I stopped following Buddha and started following Jesus Christ? Answer

Ten Questions I’d Ask If I Could Interview Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Today

personal story: Jesus Christ 2, Buddha 0

Propelled by selfish ambition to discover the power of witchcraft and sorcery in order to participate in a spiritually based faction wrought with strife

Sequel: “ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ” (2022)

M arvel’s newest comic book based film, “Doctor Strange” is the most visually stunning, creative film set in the Avengers universe, so far. Where the Avengers movies take you flying by buildings and careening over fiery explosions, “Doctor Strange” takes you through rainbow-tinted alternative dimensions in time and space and racing madly over folding scenery as it collapses around you! It is a psychedelic, extremely witty, fairy tale completely unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, though it does have a kind of Harry Potter slash Matrix vibe.

It also turns the whole superhero idea on its head, equating the power of magic with something to be attained as one gains a higher personal spirituality. For example, more difficult spells are mastered as one reaches higher levels of spiritual enlightenment. Michael Giacchino’s (composer for “Star Trek Beyond,” “Ratatouille,” “Up,” “Jurassic World”) sweeping, breathtaking score is the perfect backdrop for the impossible sights of the film. With so many films being predictable, plot-driven or remakes of very familiar tales, “Doctor Strange” certainly takes many flights of fancy that one cannot anticipate beforehand, which in itself is a treat.

Doctor Stephen Strange ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) is a gifted neurosurgeon who seems to have all the worldly trappings of success: a penthouse apartment, fancy sports car, patients begging to be seen by him, and respected speaking engagements. His world is anchored by the dexterity and control of his hands and his renowned skill in surgery. In a car accident on the way to one of his speaking engagements, his hands are injured beyond repair, and it is all he can do after much therapy to write his name in the shaky handwriting of a 5-year-old. Seeing his existence as shattered and hopeless , he pours his remaining fortune into finding a cure for his hands in order to regain his career.

Stumbling into the story of someone in similar situation who was healed beyond predictions after going to a mysterious sanctuary in the Himalayas, he buys a one-way ticket there with his last cent. There he meets The Ancient One ( Tilda Swinton ) who ushers her new pupil into the world of spiritual warfare and the power of the mind over matter.

A much more multifaceted and deep plot than previous Marvel films, “Doctor Strange” explores many different ideas about life and the struggle that all have for inner peace. The film makes the audience come to terms with what moral or societal rules they would deem acceptable to break in order to save others’ lives. Also, exploring the themes of mind-over-matter, the validity of achievement out of hubris vs. humility , atheism vs. religion, career as idolatry, the role of a physician in the lives of patients, single universe vs. multiverse, and personal loyalty, this film turns over many philosophical themes that simply do not fit in other comic book superhero films that are have more science-based plots than does the mystical, seeking story of Dr. Stephen Strange.

Adam Frank , astrophysicist at the University of Rochester who served as a consultant for the film, explained the rift like this:

“People often want to talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and science, but here’s a place where really, what we’re looking at is the Marvel Cinematic Universe and philosophy. The real question here is the mind-body problem, which goes back to Plato and Aristotle, but really to Descartes. What is the relationship between [the] mind—not just our thinking, but our subjective experience of the world—and matter? Many people in science will come at a reductionist perspective—that you are nothing more than your neurons, and your neurons are nothing more than quarks, so that the fundamental objects and their rules determine everything that happens on larger structures. But a nonreductionist perspective says no, there’s actually something more going on there—that mind experience cannot be reduced just to gears in your head; there is some way in which there’s something fundamental going on about the universe at the level of experience that has to be included in the counts of atoms. That’s the way we talked about this; that’s the way in for “Doctor Strange.”

Marvel films have always had a profound respect for science and what they have done with “Doctor Strange” is take a very brilliant, scientific character who has built his entire life on the knowledge and boundaries that his science-based education has given him and put him in a compromising situation that forces him to explore the limitless spiritual side of the world that he has never given any regard whatsoever to before. That being said, it has more than its fair share of controversial material that is sure to offend those sensitive to signs of the occult .

“Occult” can be defined by “supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.” There is no masking the fact that a black-and-white thinking, logical doctor is led into a fantastical world of “occultism” and that, by default, creates lots of gray areas in his newly reforming points of view about the universe. He experiences spiritual journeys though different kaleidoscope-like places that he finds difficult to fathom. In short, the word that most critics are commonly using to describe this movie is “trippy.” It is that! Mixing up essences of several world religions, “Doctor Strange” has many uses of symbolism and fictitious emblems of opposing spiritual groups to give its story gravitas, but I am honestly not schooled enough in these things to tell if any of the symbols are actually made up for the comic only or are “real” occult images.

Obviously, different groups being assigned a symbol to identify its henchmen and whatnot does not make that symbol inherently evil. However, like many films before it, “Doctor Strange” does use its beguiling imagery to make witchcraft and the occult look powerful, appealing, and to seem like a positive thing to pursue. As Christians, we are called to heed Galatians 5:20 and run from all forms of witchcraft , sorcery , selfish ambition, factions, and strife. Put in a Galatians 5:20 frame, “Doctor Strange” is a film about being propelled by “selfish ambition” to discover the power of “witchcraft” and “sorcery” in order to participate in a spiritually based “faction” wrought with “strife.” I would highly recommend not bringing teens or those who are in the process of incubating young, still-forming, worldviews to the film.

The film is surprisingly low in sexuality, with just a mild cheek-kiss scene, one mention of the term “sleeping together,” and little nudity. There are many gruesome images surrounding Doctor Strange’s surgeries—his own and his patients’. He is seen with extensive injuries and metal pins in his strung-up bloodied hands. Also, there are several violent fight scenes with swordplay, a character being strung up by magical whips, fist fights, and bloody stabbings. In one scene, Doctor Strange is killed and revived in several different violent ways by a demonic warlord of another dimension. There is no smoking or drug use, but, by overturned wine bottles, it is inferred at one point that a character has been drinking. Due to the traumatic images, I would not personally recommend it for children.

While faith Jesus Christ lifts your spirit by setting you free from the binding power of sin and giving you hope in Him, the “dark arts” secretly chain you to its rule with promises of hope and power that are propelled only by selfishness and pride and are truly rooted in the influence of evil. Though the dialog is flawlessly written, and the special effects are jaw-dropping, this very dividing, controversial film is not for everyone , and I encourage you to carefully consider before viewing it.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Mild—OMG (2), “h*ll” (1), “a**hole” (2), “a**” (1), s-words (2) / Sex/Nudity: Mild—passionate kiss, references to being lovers, shirtless man

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Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

NEW YORK (CNS) — The award for the most appropriate film title of 2022 goes to “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Disney). Truly, this is a maddening, multidimensional, decidedly strange, yet typically “Marvel”-ous movie based on the comic book series.

Taken at face value, this is your basic popcorn film, designed as grand escapist entertainment. Director Sam Raimi, who helmed the popular Spider-Man film trilogy starring Tobey Maguire, checks all the requisite boxes as the action unfolds at a furious pace with eye-popping special effects. Parents are advised that the violence, though stylized, is intense and sometimes gory, and the language occasionally salty, meaning younger Marvel fans should stick to the comics.

Viewers unfamiliar with the Marvel canon and the interconnectivity of characters and plots will be hopelessly lost as the story, written by Michael Waldron, skips across said multiverse, alternative realities featuring familiar faces (and a boatload of cameos from previous Marvel films).

For the uninitiated, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), introduced in the eponymous 2016 film, is a neurosurgeon turned grand wizard, having been trained in the dark arts and the manipulation of the astral plane by the supreme sorcerer (and sidekick) Wong (Benedict Wong).

When we last saw the good doctor, he helped Peter Parker (Tom Holland) open the door to another dimension in the recent blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

Old habits die hard, as quickly revealed in “Multiverse of Madness.” But first there is a wedding: Strange’s ex-fiancee, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), is getting hitched. The former lovers pledge mutual respect and happiness before a gigantic octopus descends, a la King Kong, on Manhattan.

Ah, but this is no ordinary cephalopod. It’s from another universe, and before it is vanquished by Strange and Wong, disgorges a hostage: a young woman named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). She has a special gift: the ability to travel at will through the multiverse. That means all the baddies are after her, including versions of Strange in other dimensions.

Among these is a familiar face: Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), also known as the Scarlet Witch. She intends on using Chavez to take her power and travel to another universe where she can, surprisingly, live out her life as a single mother to two moppets, Billy (Julian Hilliard) and Tommy (Jeff Klyne).

But Marvel films are rarely so pro-family, and the wicked witch’s dream would wreak havoc across all universes. A titanic battle ensues halfway across the world between the forces of good (Strange) and evil (Maximoff), with Chavez as the prize.

Needless to say, the unexpected occurs, portals are opened and doppelgangers appear in droves. Strange comes face-to-face with a group of superheroes called the Illuminati, who may or may not be the next generation of Avengers.

“Multiverse of Madness” is awash in silliness and mumbo-jumbo, mixing sorcery, the occult and religious imagery. Sensible viewers will not take this seriously, but impressionable ones may need guidance that this is all harmless make-believe.

The film contains pervasive occult dialogue and action, some stylized violence, fleeting gory images and a handful of crude and profane terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

McAleer is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.

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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

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.

Dove Review

The desire to be happy isn’t wrong, but what is allowed in our search for happiness? Are there limits? Wanda Maximoff, now fully realizing her Scarlet Witch persona, has suffered great loss through her childhood and her arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now that she’s become ultra-powerful, she decides to do use her abilities to find her kids somewhere in the multiverse.

Dr. Stephen Strange wrestles with the same issue. After a prologue where a Dr. Strange from another universe is willing to sacrifice a teen girl, America Chavez, for what is “good,” the movie cuts to the Dr. Strange from our universe getting ready for Christine’s wedding, the woman he loves but a relationship he has sacrificed for the greater good and Christine’s protection.

America Chavez has a unique superpower – she can move freely between dimensions. However, she can’t control the power. Our Dr. Strange gets involved to protect her from the Scarlet Witch, who hopes to take America’s power, kill the girl, and use that power to find a dimension where her magical kids (from the Disney+ show, WandaVision) actually exist and live with them.

The movie is a scary and violent ride through different worlds, complete with great cameos from the MCU. Viewers would appreciate seeing WandaVision, the first Dr. Strange, and the major Marvel movies to understand the plot. The excellent special effects are amazing eye candy and help tell the story well. Dr. Strange struggles with the same theme of sacrificing for what is right rather than what makes him happy.

While the foul language is less than most of the former MCU movies, and there aren’t any problems with nudity or sex, the violence is more brutal and bloodier than any of the others before it, flirting with an R rating. The death count is intense and gruesome for PG13. Dr. Strange is a sorcerer, so the high levels of spell casting are expected, but it becomes darker with the manipulation of outright evil magic through the Darkhold, the Book of the Damned, even by Dr. Strange. The film is more of a horror movie, including raising the dead, murder, zombies, occultist symbols, and souls from hell.

The Dove Take

To its credit, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness shows the importance of choosing what is right for others over ourselves through great writing and mind-bending action, but the level of occult symbols and horror movie violence will be a concern to parents.

Dove Rating Details

Dr. Strange tries to protect America, even teach and empower her instead of use her. Wanda realizes her evil by the end and tries to make it right.

Sh*t and @ss

Gruesome deaths of heroes, monster violence removing an eyeball, zombie and horror-type elements, violence toward a mother in front of children

Casting spells, more dark horror elements, raising the dead, using the souls of the damned, using “evil” magic books, America has two moms.

More Information

Film information, dove content.

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05. Christian Critique of Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (Review, Discussion, Critique)

Show Notes ⧐

Listen now!

Terms to know, new testament.

Original Word:  θαυμάζω Part of Speech:  Verb Transliteration:  thaumazó Phonetic Spelling:  (thou-mad’-zo) Definition:  to marvel, wonder Usage:  (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire.

• properly, wonder at, be amazed (marvel), i.e. astonished out of one’s senses ;
• awestruck , “wondering very greatly” (Souter); to cause “wonder; . . .
• to  regard  with amazement, and with a suggestion of  beginning to speculate  on the matter” ( WS , 225).

Fine-tuning by Stephen Meyer: (Christian view)

https://inference-review.com/letter/on-fine-tuning-and-design

Fine-tuned Universe Illusion: (secular view)

https://phys.org/news/2022-02-fine-tuned-universe-illusion.amp

Bible Hub : use this resource site to discover the original Greek and Hebrew for the words in the Bible.

PrayerMate App : this is a fantastic app to keep yourself organized and faithful in prayer, and it also has free downloadable devotionals.

Various Quotes from the Movie

• “Dreams are windows into the lives of our multiverse selves.”
• You created them… That’s what every mother does
• Wanda, your children aren’t real. You created them with magic. – Doctor Strange
• That’s what every mother does. – Wanda quotes from Multiverse of Madness
• I’m not a monster, Stephen. I’m a mother. – Wanda quotes from Multiverse of Madness
• Charles Xavier says, “Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn’t mean they are lost forever.”
• summary of scene: When America realizes that she cannot defeat the Scarlet Witch in terms of power , she simply says “I can’t beat you, so I’ll give you what you want” and sends her to another universe where an Alternate Wanda and her children are enjoying television. The children are scared of her presence and begin calling her names, to the point of throwing objects at her until she curses at them. She insists on being their mother, even overpowering the Alternate Wanda in terms of power.
• The realization of her children being scared of her presence breaks the Scarlet Witch, with Alternate Wanda coming up to her and telling her, “Know that they’ll be loved.” This seems to snap Scarlet Witch back to reality, realizing that while she herself cannot be with children to call her own, her love for them must be how other Wandas feel towards their own children. Perhaps even more, considering that these Alternate Wandas actually spent years raising these children. It’s with this realization that Scarlet Witch retreats and ends her rampage.”
• Darkhold Strange possessing Strange, this could also refer to Strange finally unlocking the Third Eye of Agamotto. Regardless, defining happiness is a key theme of the film – with both Wanda and Strange coming to terms whether happiness is a “perfect” state of reality in the multiverse or a state of being they should come to accept.
• More complicated than being chased by Wanda across the multiverse?
• Dream walking
• You break the rules and become the hero. I do it I become the enemy. That doesn’t seem fair. -Scarlet Witch quotes Multiverse of Madness
• This isn’t a tomb. It’s a throne. -Wanda
• I love you in every universe. -Stephen

Discussion of Multiverse & String Theory

Krauss suggests that the multiverse serves better as an explanation than any appeal to design. The idea of a multiverse requires both many universes and various mechanisms for producing them. The first is necessary to improve the odds of generating a life-friendly universe; and the second is necessary to produce them. Different universe-generating mechanisms are at work in different cosmological models. Inflationary cosmology assumes that an inflaton field caused the expansion of the universe.7 As the inflaton field expands, the field’s energy sporadically decays, giving rise to lower-energy bubble universes. These, in turn, decay to lower energy states as the original inflaton field continues to expand. Since new bubble universes expand more slowly than the bubbles that contain them, collisions rarely, if ever, happen. A multiverse of causally isolated nested bubble universes is the result.

In string theoretic models, the roughly 10500 to 101,000 solutions to the string theoretic equations correspond to specific vacua, each corresponding, in turn, to a separate universe with different laws and constants of physics.

Both inflationary cosmology and string theory require universe-generating mechanisms that themselves require fine-tuning. It would seem that fine-tuning, like certain dental drills, goes all the way down.

This Episode has been brought to you by…2 Thessalonians 1:10

“he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed.”.

Please share your comments below…

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4 Things You Should Know about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

• Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
• Updated May 06, 2022

Stephen Strange is an eccentric, middle-aged superhero who is doing his best to move on from a series of life-altering events.

First, he was nearly killed in a car wreck. Then, the woman he loved – Christine – married someone else. And lately, he has been troubled by a series of realistic nightmares in which he’s the bad guy.

Unfortunately for Dr. Strange, though, things are about to get worse.

It all starts when a young woman who calls herself “America Chavez” appears in his life, claiming to be from another universe. She even claims his nightmares are a glimpse of reality from that other universe – and that dozens and dozens of such universes comprise this so-called “multiverse.” Even crazier: She says there are multiple “Dr. Stranges” in the multiverse. She also offers proof, showing Strange a bloody corpse from another universe that, indeed, looks just like him.

America is being chased through the multiverse by a demonic-like being – a being that can destroy Earth and everything we know.

Can Dr. Strange save us?

It’s all part of the new Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (PG-13), starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange/Dr. Strange, Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, Benedict Wong as Wong, and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff.

Here are four things you should know:

Warning: spoilers ahead!

Photo courtesy: ©Disney, used with permission

1. It’s the Sequel to the 2016 Blockbuster

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Dr. Strange is Earth’s protector against supernatural threats from other worlds and dimensions.

2. It Spotlights Dreams, Multiverses and Alternate Realities

In this newest Doctor Strange movie, every individual has alter egos that exist in other universes – alter egos that you occasionally glimpse within your dreams. That frightening dream from the other night? That was a peek at your other self. So was that embarrassing dream and even that boring one.

The film picks up where Disney Plus’ WandaVision left off, with Wanda Maximoff diving into dark magic by using the so-called Darkhold book (also called the “Book of the Damned”) to search for a way to reunite with her twins, Billy and Tommy. (In case you forgot, she used magic in WandaVision  to create the twins and to bring her husband, Vision, back to life so they could live in a magical, idyllic world. In the real world, they don’t exist.)

In Doctor Strange 2 , Wanda’s use of dark power leads her to America Chavez, who (apparently) was born with the power to traverse the multiverse – a power that others, including Dr. Strange and Wanda, don’t possess. Wanda’s goal is to steal Chavez’s power and find a universe where her make-believe family does exist.

Wanda chases America through multiple universes while Dr. Strange and his sorcerer companion, Wong, try to protect her.

Although the multiverse-centered plot gets confusing at times, it’s also – at times – entertaining. Dr. Strange learns that food is free in most universes, unlike on Earth. He also learns that red lights mean “go” – not “stop” – and that cities are covered with vegetation, not concrete.

Of course, Doctor Strange 2 is filled with sorcery, magic (both good and bad) and spells. If that troubles you, then you better skip it.

3. It’s all about Loneliness, Temptation and Regret

Don’t let the special effects, one-on-one battles and alien monsters fool you. Doctor Strange 2  is really about temptation, regret and the God-given desire for a family. (Even though, mind you, God doesn’t get verbal credit.)

Wanda, too, is living with regret – although it’s far more tragic. That’s because in Avengers: Infinity War, she had killed her love interest, Vision, in order to obtain the so-called Mind Stone and save the universe from Thanos (who wanted the stone). Ever since Vision’s death, Wanda has been tempted to use her sorcery powers to bring Vision back to life. In WandaVision and now in Doctor Strange 2 , she turns to dark magic in a Faustian-type bargain to create a family. Strange, too, is tempted to turn to evil in order to be married to Christine.

The film is only the latest major movie with a plot focused on multiverses and alternative realities – storylines that underscore our God-given desire to live forever. Of course, that’s possible through Christ. It’s even possible to obtain the joy and peace Wanda and others are chasing – without inventing an alternate reality.

That’s worth discussing over coffee.

4. It’s Part-Superhero Movie, Part-Horror Film

This isn’t a typical Marvel film. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness  includes several scenes that were seemingly borrowed from a horror flick – and that, no doubt, would give some children nightmares. In one scene, Wanda (also known as the Scarlet Witch) walks slowly toward her victim, with dried blood covering half her face. (It’s reminiscent of the 1976 film Carrie .) In another scene, Dr. Strange uses his powers to give life to a zombie-looking corpse, who then performs magic with demons flying all around. (The zombie is missing part of his face.) The phrase “go back to Hell ” is said once – and it matches the on-screen imagery.

We see one person die by being “melted.” We see another person die by having his neck snapped. Still, another person dies by being sliced in half. (We see the blood on the weapon.) Several times in the film, we see people with white demonic-like eyes. The film also contains some coarse language (much of it said by Dr. Strange – details below).

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness  has a mind-bending plot – but too few uplifting moments. The final scenes are particularly dark. For young children, it may be too much.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language. Language details: a-- (3), s--t (2), d--n (1), h-ll (5), GD (1).

Entertainment rating:  3 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating:  2 out of 5 stars.  

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

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Movie Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

• Vincent Gaine
• Movie Reviews
• 25 responses
• --> November 4, 2016

The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a curious film of links. There are links between its world and the wider MCU. The central premise depends on links between different dimensions, from which sorcerers draw and utilize mystical energy. And it manages the tricky task of forging links between magic and science, an expository device that could easily be clunky and unconvincing.

In each case, the links are effective and add heft to the drama. The links between Doctor Strange and other events within the MCU are clear without being over-determined: Stark Tower appears in aerial shots of New York, the Avengers are mentioned in dialogue and there is one delightful cameo. This restraint and focus on the current text allows the world of Doctor Strange to be convincingly fleshed out, which is necessary as it requires a lot of world-building. Director Scott Derrickson (“ Sinister ”) establishes this world from the opening set piece, which introduces the hidden power struggles of various sorcerers and their remarkable abilities. It is an attention-grabbing sequence with some genuinely jaw-dropping moments that establishes the rules and draws the viewer in. Nor does Derrickson stop there, as the rest of the film progresses with similar confidence and aplomb. Key to this is the convincing and effective scientific explanation for magic, as explained by supreme sorcerer the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton, “ We Need to Talk About Kevin ”) to the desperate, but skeptical, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, “ The Imitation Game ”). The premise is straightforward enough to support the narrative, but requires a leap of faith both on the part of Strange and the viewer, and this ensures that the internal conflict is as prominent as the external one.

The external conflicts themselves are truly dazzling, as Derrickson and his director of photography Ben Davis’ fluid camerawork make the film feel like “ Inception ” crossed with “The Matrix,” enhanced with “Harry Potter” and then amped up to “Are You Nuts?!” This mobile aesthetic mirrors the shifting reality of the film world, creating a genuinely thrilling and at times trippy experience. Rather than a multitude of flashing lights and pyrotechnics, the film’s visual display is more a matter of fracturing and indeed fractal displays. Flashy magical effects largely appear as portals in space and circles and spheres around hands and arms, while around the sorcerers, buildings fold in upon themselves, centers of gravity rotate and objects assumed to be solid rearrange and reconfigure.

Within this shifting yet never chaotic environment, a varied group of characters are brought to life by a fine cast of largely British actors. Cumberbatch is excellent in the title role, an arrogant, self-righteous, narcissistic neurosurgeon whose world collapses after an accident robs him of his digits’ dexterity. Strange’s journey is therefore one of both self-healing and self-discovery, as he learns humility as well as the possibilities beyond his own perceptions. Once again, the viewer is treated to this journey of discovery as well, such as when the Ancient One first introduces Strange to the wider dimensions. But Strange proves to have additional layers, especially in a crucial scene when he performs an act that he finds abhorrent. Strange also maintains a sense of humor throughout proceedings, the script by Derrickson along with Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill allowing many witty zingers and jokes both verbal and physical (including some great moments involving an opinionated item of clothing).

A further source of wit is the Ancient One, about whom there has been some controversy over the character being whitewashed. It is worth considering, however, that an Asian mystic character might have been a target for accusations of stereotyping. Swinton’s character is explained as Celtic and one in a long line of supreme sorcerers, her power and seniority not linked directly to her race. Swinton plays this role of wisdom, immense power and knowledge with the right balance of gravity and levity, so the viewer — much like Strange — believes in her even if we don’t entirely trust her. Filling out the cast further are Chiwetel Ejiofor (“ The Martian ”) as Mordo and Benedict Wong (“ Prometheus ”) as Wong, experienced wizards who both have important lessons to teach Strange. Pleasingly, this racially diverse cast do not fall into a crass organization of white leader with black and Asian sidekicks, as several sequences feature these various wizards fighting side by side as equals, even if Strange gets to hog the climax.

Marvel has a history of constructing convincingly flawed and troubled heroes but under-serving the villains, who, with the exception of Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in “ Thor ,” “ The Avengers ” and “ Thor: The Dark World ” and the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) in “ Captain America: The First Avenger ,” are generally forgettable. Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen, “ Men & Chicken ”), however, is a great combination of ambition, fanatical belief and betrayal. Every time Kaecilius comes on screen, his presence is mesmerizing, both in terms of his magical abilities and his commanding demeanor. In a central scene, he ensnares Strange with melodious words, the camera resting on his face while tears run down his cheeks, such is his passion. Small wonder that his zealots follow him with such devotion, or that Strange questions what he has been told.

The only significant fly in this magical ointment is Rachel McAdams (“ Spotlight ”) as Strange’s former lover Christine Palmer. It’s not McAdams’ fault — she imbues every scene that she is in with pathos and compassion, but the script doesn’t give her enough to be beyond something Strange has left behind. There are a couple of scenes between them that give the film a touch of melancholia, but the character is ultimately undernourished and either needed to be further developed or left out entirely. That said, in one bravura sequence Palmer does serve as an anchor for the audience, while a truly bizarre contest rages around her on another plane of existence.

Overall though, the confident world-building, strong storytelling, winning wit and stunning visuals link together to form an engaging and enthralling film. Marvel have long combined the superhero genre with others, whether it be superhero/heist film in “ Ant-Man ,” superhero/period war film in “Captain America: The First Avenger” or superhero/space opera in “ Guardians of the Galaxy .” Doctor Strange is superhero plus magical fantasy, and for the MCU to take this new direction with only passing links to what has come before displays the studio’s confidence in its product. Such confidence is warranted as, after the somewhat bloated “ Captain America: Civil War ”, Doctor Strange reminds us of the focus that Marvel can bring to the table, with a gorgeously realized, skillfully plotted and thoroughly spellbinding adventure.

Tagged: comic book adaptation , doctor , magic , superhero , superheroes

Dr. Vincent M. Gaine is a film and television researcher. His first book, Existentialism and Social Engagement in the Films of Michael Mann was published by Palgrave MacMillan in 2011. His work on film and media has been published in Cinema Journal and The Journal of Technology , Theology and Religion , as well as edited collections including The 21st Century Superhero and The Directory of World Cinema .

Movie Review: It Lives Inside (2023) Movie Review: The Inhabitant (2022) Movie Review: The Man from Rome (2022) Movie Review: The Breach (2022) Movie Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) Movie Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) Movie Review: The Batman (2022)

'Movie Review: Doctor Strange (2016)' have 25 comments

November 4, 2016 @ 1:20 pm UncannyDanny

I love Marvel movies. They just get how to do it right.

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November 4, 2016 @ 1:39 pm innext

Super warpy visuals and ethos… It was like watching an LSD trip unfold in front of you.

November 4, 2016 @ 1:45 pm nipple wax

Personally after Thor I think Dr. Strange is the weakest of the Marvel movies. The effects are top notch but beyond the eye candy, the story is rushed, and the character is superficial.

November 4, 2016 @ 2:12 pm Ombre

If MC Escher made a movie this would be it.

November 4, 2016 @ 2:22 pm Andrew Ellis

Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tilda Swinton was perfect. I agree Rachel McAdams doesn’t do much but even she did a great job. I disagree with Mads Mikkelsen’s villain Kaecilius being good though. Other than a simplistic explanation scene and a few fight sequences he is not a factor.

November 4, 2016 @ 2:51 pm soldiersledgehammer

With the Time Stone introduced here that leaves only the Soul Stone left of the Infinity Stones to be found?

Reality Stone – Thor Dark World Space Stone – Avengers Mind Stone – Avengers Age of Ultron Power Stone – Guardians of the Galaxy Time Stone – Dr. Strange

November 4, 2016 @ 4:59 pm toodles

Soul Stone will make its debut in Thor: Ragnarok next year and if I remember correctly, the Space Stone first made its appearance in Captain America First Avenger. Gauntlet comes in Infinity War.

November 4, 2016 @ 3:18 pm CONverse

It’s a safe Marvel movie, not the best, not the worst. It does have the best win against an undefeatable foe though. Unexpectedly brilliant.

November 4, 2016 @ 3:36 pm Jack

I really enjoyed this movie. It was a nice change of pace from ‘normal’ superhero flicks.

November 4, 2016 @ 3:40 pm Kearsey

EEK, a 5/5? Your fanboyism is showing! Aside from exceptional visuals it’s the same tiring application of the Marvel formula…it doesn’t deserve greater than 3/5. Sorry.

November 5, 2016 @ 12:03 am azuchini

Mama always said, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

November 4, 2016 @ 4:31 pm even a farmer

Don’t text and drive kiddies and don’t be an asshole. Two important life lessons of Dr. Strange.

November 4, 2016 @ 5:17 pm poi

I loved it. I can’t wait to see how he integrates into the Avengers!

November 4, 2016 @ 5:32 pm yourfriendkyle

Big fan of the Sorcerer Supreme overall. Some of the coincidentals like his ability to progress so quickly just because of a photographic memory and being able to waltz into an emergency room and have life performing surgeries performed with an immediate recovery without anyone asking questions were tough to swallow though.

November 4, 2016 @ 6:06 pm Giantgirdle

Great movie. I recommend seeing it at an IMAX and in 3D too.

November 4, 2016 @ 7:15 pm numer0

Every review I’ve read say good things about this……….I’m ready for my experience tomorrow!

November 4, 2016 @ 7:41 pm rickybenny

My only complaint to an otherwise excellent movie is casting a white woman as the ancient one. As good as Tilda Swinton is- and she is that good -the role should not have been altered to cater to the Chinese market.

November 4, 2016 @ 10:27 pm c.rang

So you are upset that an Asian role was given to a Caucasian but don’t have a problem that the male role was changed to a woman? Any opinion on Mordo? The white nobleman from the comics is now black. What I’m pointing out is the hypocrisy of it all. They’re fictional roles that can be cast in a million ways. If you really cared about equality you’d be questioning why poor black people in Flint Michigan are still drinking lead polluted water.

November 5, 2016 @ 6:32 am titleless

The Chinese market is second only to the US and to leave access to a $7bn market on the table is laughable. You say it yourself Tilda Swinton is great in the role; so really the only people who would raise a stink are those armchair SJW on twitter/facebook who ‘care’ only so long as all they can safely do so from behind their keyboard.

November 5, 2016 @ 9:25 pm Michele Crewes

The movie isn’t trying to make a societal impact so just enjoy it.

November 4, 2016 @ 8:24 pm count toucan

R * E * S * P * E * C * T *** M * A * R * V * E * L

November 4, 2016 @ 9:55 pm Jay McPhee

You’ve summed up the movie and Marvel’s approach perfectly Vincent.

November 5, 2016 @ 11:11 am moorpark

Entertaining as all getout. Looks great, sounds great. Great acting, great directing. Surprises at every turn.

November 5, 2016 @ 1:17 pm Christian

In the mirror dimension the environment constantly folded in onto itself and in Hong Kong they fought forward as time moved backwards – I don’t know how they kept it all together but those main fights were easily the most creative I’ve ever seen.

November 9, 2016 @ 8:16 am AC

Marvels most intellectual and entertaining, I loved every moment of it.

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Why One Christian Film Critic Is Slamming Marvel's Doctor Strange

While most comic fans and critics who've seen Marvel's Doctor Strange in advanced screenings seem to not only appreciate, but also enjoy, the film that Scott Derrickson has put together, there are still those who aren't buying what the MCU is selling. Predictably, one such nay-sayer is a Christian film critic, a man by the name of Dr. Ted Baehr, who believes that Benedict Cumberbatch 's introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe will also serve as an introduction to something else entirely: a life in the black arts of the occult!

Dr. Baehr and the organization he chairs, the Christian Film & Television Commission, issued a press release today that denounces the Marvel Studios film for the following reasons, complete with corresponding Bible verses:

[Doctor Strange is] a dangerous introduction to demonic occult deception. ... The Bible clearly warns against the kind of occult practices and sorcery the hero in this movie learns to do, in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 and Galatians 5:20. Also in the movie, the hero's New Age, occult guru teaches there may be no afterlife, that death is truly the end, and that this is a good thing.

As far as the Bible verses go, Doctor Strange would definitely be in trouble, as Deuteronomy pretty much states no witches or wizards, whatsoever. As for the specifics set by Galatians, "idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, and divisions," are all considered "works of the flesh." Considering that covers basically the entire film's plotline, that just sinks the film into further hot water with practicing Christians who strictly abide by such guidelines. Though, looking at the coverage for Scott Derrickson's previous films through the Christian film watchdogs at MovieGuide, this is almost par for the course.

With the obvious exception of The Exorcism of Emily Rose , which only scored a rating of "-1, Caution" on MovieGuide's scale of appropriateness, Sinister , as well as Doctor Strange , have both ranked in with the lowest rating of "-4, Abhorrent" on that same scale. While that's not a completely glowing recommendation for Derrickson's work from the site, it's amazing that the site would think of Sinister or even Doctor Strange as such vehemently objectionable material.

With the former basically punishing its protagonist for digging too deep into his investigation of the occult, and the latter depicting a hero who learns humility through sacrifice, one would think that these values would hold up with Christian viewers. However, rules are rules, and considering the occult is a big part of Derrickson's resume, his latest film must look like the latest in a line of abhorrent product. Which is a shame, because with the right framing and discussion, Doctor Strange could be an excellent parable of good moral fiber.

Thankfully, you'll have the chance to see for yourself tomorrow, as Doctor Strange will debut in early screenings as early as tomorrow night.

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REVIEW: Is 'Doctor Strange' OK for kids? (And how scary & violent is it?)

CHICAGO (Christian Examiner) – Perhaps you thought that the Avengers – that's Iron Man, Captain America and their friends – were more than enough to protect Planet Earth. If so, you would be wrong.

That's because – as we learn in the new movie Doctor Strange  (PG-13) – the Avengers only protect Earth from physical threats. Superhero sorcerers protect us from mystical threats that originate from other dimensions and universes. Yes, there are multiple realities and multiple universes in the world of Marvel's latest movie, which easily lives up to its "strange" title.

The "Dr. Strange" is Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who is known as much for his ego as for his world-renowned skill. His life takes a turn during a horrific car crash in which he loses full movement of his hands, and, desperate to regain his career, he travels to Nepal to find the person he was told healed a paraplegic. Strange believes he is looking for a traditional doctor, but he instead discovers a group of sorcerers who are led by a thin, bald woman known as the Ancient One. It is there that he himself becomes a sorcerer, learning to teleport from one location to another and even travel from one universe to the next time. He also figures out how to reverse time.

Strange becomes Earth's protector against the bad sorcerer Kaecilius, who wants to destroy our planet and discover the power to have eternal life.

The Marvel superhero films have been wildly popular among children, who likely will be asking to go to this one, too. So, should mom and dad take them? Let's find out.

Warning: spoilers ahead

Yes, the core of Doctor Strange  is Eastern Mysticism combined with magic and science fiction – not the stuff of a Christian worldview – but it also makes a few points that parents may want to piggyback. When Strange tells the Ancient One that "there is no such thing as spirit" and "we are made of matter and nothing more," she retorts that there is a spiritual dimension, and then she proves it to him. Sure, it's merely a science fiction critique of secular humanism, but I'll take it.

The film's villains come to Earth wanting to learn how "we can all live forever," and while they never find Billy Graham or a Bible, their longing for something that actually does exist in the real world could open up conversations about eternal matters. (The Ancient One, in case you're wondering, dies.)

It also is nice to see Dr. Strange's self-centeredness challenged – and him overcome it.

In spite of its emphasis on spirits and the non-material, there is no God in Doctor Strange  – only multiple universes with dueling sorcerers. That's not unlike other superhero films, but its inclusion of Eastern mysticism may make some families uneasy. The sorcerers have the power to separate their spirit from their body and float through the air.

It is a very violent film, with multiple fight scenes and a few bloody moments. The car crash is somewhat gruesome, as we see Dr. Strange's bloodied face. During a fight, he gets stabbed in the chest. The film has a few surgery scenes, as well.

It is light on language with about 10 coarse words (details below) and has no sexuality. (The closest we get to sexuality is the phrase "sleep together" during a conversation.)

I have seen most of the Marvel films and enjoyed the majority of them more than I did Doctor Strange . At times, it was just downright weird, leaving me wondering: Maybe this  is what it was like to be on LSD at Woodstock. It's not a bad movie, but it's certainly no Iron Man.

The Verdict: Family-Friendly?

My oldest children are eight and four, and I would not take them to see Doctor Strange . It is too violent and (at times) too scary. For teens, this one is far cleaner than most PG-13 movies out there.

Discussion Questions for Families

What was your reaction to Dr. Strange's statement that "life without my work" is not worth living? How would you respond to someone who said "we are made of matter and nothing more"? Did any biblical stories come to mind when the film's villains said they were chasing after eternal life and wanted to "live forever"? Who is protecting our world from spiritual dangers? What was your reaction to the Ancient One declaring that "death is what gives live meaning"?

Doctor Strange is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence.

Entertainment rating: 3 out of 5  stars. Family-friendly rating:  3 out of 5 stars.

Language: s--- (3), a—(3), he—(3), OMG (3).

Michael Foust has covered the film industry for more than a decade and is the father of four small children. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelFoust , or on his website: MichaelFoust.com

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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Where to watch.

Watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with a subscription on Disney+, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What to Know

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness labors under the weight of the sprawling MCU, but Sam Raimi's distinctive direction casts an entertaining spell.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness delivers all the action and visual excitement you want in a Marvel movie while taking the franchise in a much darker direction.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Doctor Stephen Strange

Elizabeth Olsen

Wanda Maximoff

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Baron Mordo

Rachel McAdams

Dr. Christine Palmer

Benedict Wong

Movie Clips

More like this, related movie news.

DOCTOR STRANGE

"how to kill, steal and destroy".

What You Need To Know:

(OOO, FRFRFR, L, VVV, A, MMM) Extreme occult worldview with extreme, false propaganda where an egotistical, humanist doctor has to learn to be a sorcerer to restore his body, with nominalistic ontology, circular reasoning, depressing dead end world where death is the end, powerful demonic characters, sorcery, occult spells, and evil artifacts promoted; two profanities and seven obscenities; extreme violence, first with bloody operations, next with the battle of sorcerers stabbing and cutting heads off, sorcerers chopping body parts, inflicting torture and pain, and ultimately with the devil Dormammu trying every possible literal way to kill Dr. Strange; no sex, but some mild kissing; no explicit nudity; light alcohol use, use of magic potions; no smoking or illegal drugs; and, extremely explicit descriptions of occult spells and very well thought out descriptions of magical devices.

More Detail:

DOCTOR STRANGE is a well-crafted, but propagandistic and abhorrent promotion of extreme occult Hinduism. Having grown up in the occult, it is interesting to note that many of the major secret teachings of the occult find their way into this movie.

Dr. Strange is an arrogant neurosurgeon in New York City, who tackles the most difficult operations. He’s abusive to almost everyone, including the woman doctor who loves him. After finishing a nearly impossible operation, he is racing his sports car to go to an event to give a lecture when he crashes. He wakes up to find out that his hands have 11 pins in them after hours of operation and have lost their nerves and fine motor control. In other words, he can no longer be a surgeon.

Stephen Strange searches for a solution to his physical problem. Eventually, he finds a man who recovered from his extreme paralysis by going to an occult Hindu ashram in Katmandu. When Strange gets to the ashram, he mocks the woman who is known as the “Ancient One” sorcerer. She kicks him out, and he has to become humble before he can become a student of magical arts.

Dr. Strange learns one of her students, Kaecilius, joined the dark side and stole a very potent incantation from one of the guarded, locked occult books. To steal it, Kaecilius had to cut off the head of the librarian.

Dr. Strange advances rapidly and learns he has to choose between being a doctor and being a warrior sorcerer. He says he took an oath to save life, not to harm it. Now, however, he has to kill, steal and break the laws of nature to protect it.

Strange finds out there are three special sanctums around the world, New York, Hong Kong and London, that keep the world from being invaded by the Devil. When these are destroyed by Kaecilius, Dr. Strange must confront the devil Dormammu. He travels the astral universes to find and bargain with the Dormammu. His only weapons are his ability to put time into an endless loop, which wears the Dormammu down.

After several battles with Kaecilius, one of which ends the life of the Ancient One, Dr. Strange chooses to be a warrior sorcerer. The Ancient One posits that death is the end.

Ultimately, the plot of DOCTOR STRANGE peters out when the only solution to the plot problem is looping time. The weakness in the story is inadvertently expressed by Dr. Strange when he says he took an oath to save lives but not kill them but now, as a sorcerer, he’s killing people. The other weakness is when the Ancient of Days says death is truly the end and that this is a good thing.

The good news, however, is that death isn’t the end and you don’t have to kill to triumph. Jesus says in John 10:10 that “the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy” but that Jesus came to set us free and give us “abundant life.” Thus, God loves us so much that he teaches us to love one another and gives us the free gift of eternal salvation.

To sustain this movie’s miserable occult worldview, the multiverses of time and space have to be subject to mind control, not subject to the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God. Having grown up in the occult and gone to India to visit the international convention of Hindu yogis, I find that the enormity of the task of controlling multiverses and playing God is ultimately depressing and self-destructive. That is why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is such Good News. With the Gospel, we don’t have to play God, and we can love one another.

The acting in DOCTOR STRANGE is good. The music is superb. The direction is strong. However, the plot is worrisome and frightening. There’s a lot of extreme violence, but no sex, nudity or other semantic content problems.

What makes the movie really abhorrent is the boldness with which it presents occultism as the answer to everyone’s problems and tempts those in the audience who think they’re chosen to follow an occult path. All of this occultism is made more potent with lots of humor and very good dialogue. Eventually, the answer to DR. STRANGE is choose this day whom you’re going to serve: Love that sets you free in the person of Jesus Christ; or, magical arts that stroke your ego into a solipsistic prison.

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• DVD & Streaming

Doctor Strange

• Action/Adventure , Drama , Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Content Caution

In Theaters

• November 4, 2016
• Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo; Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer; Benedict Wong as Wong; Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius; Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One

Home Release Date

• February 28, 2017
• Scott Derrickson

Distributor

Positive Elements   |   Spiritual Elements   |   Sexual & Romantic Content   |   Violent Content   |   Crude or Profane Language   |   Drug & Alcohol Content   |   Other Noteworthy Elements   | Conclusion

Movie Review

You know what they say: When life gives you lemons, conjure an interdimensional portal and chuck those lemons right through it.

Well, all right, maybe that’s not a common saying; not this side of Kathmandu, anyway. And it took Dr. Stephen Strange—a recognized master at interdimensional portal creation—some time to embrace its essence.

Before he started wearing a semi-autonomous cape, Dr. Strange wore surgical scrubs. He was a medical doctor, and a dandy one at that. Blessed with a photographic memory and gifted with a set of preternaturally steady hands, Strange could fix all manner of brain and spine ailments better than anyone else in the world. People marveled at his skill even as they tired of his preening arrogance. And few could argue with his spotless success rate—even as he refused to take cases that might blemish it.

But you know what they say: Pride comes before a horrific car crash in your Lamborghini. And so it is with Strange. On a dark, rainy night, on his way to accept more applause at a black-tie gala, his sports car flies off the road, flips through the air and crashes. When he comes to, Strange finds his stitched, swollen hands are held together by wire and pins. Eleven steel rods have been inserted under the skin in an effort to stabilize their structure.

Yes, he kept his hands. But he lost their magic. They’ll never work their medical wizardry again.

That’s unacceptable to Strange. He tries every option available through Western medicine. And when that doesn’t work, he turns his eyes toward the rising sun. He learns of a man who suffered a severed spinal cord injury and somehow learned to walk again. That man suggests that Strange should travel to Nepal and seek Kamar-Taj: The folks there are pretty good with lost causes.

Desperate, Strange heads to Nepal, discovers Kamar-Taj and meets the Ancient One—a bald-headed woman who looks surprisingly spry, given her name and all. She admits to helping the man. “He couldn’t walk,” she says. “I convinced him he could.” She shows him diagrams showing chakras—supposed energy points in the human body connected with yoga, meditation and Eastern mysticism. Have you seen anything like this? the Ancient One asks.

“In gift shops,” Strange sniffs. Inside, he’s as crushed as his damaged hands. He was looking for a miracle cure. Instead, he finds a rinky-dink New Age commune peddling feeble-minded hokum.

Suddenly, the Ancient One knocks Strange out of his body and sends him hurtling through unimagined realms, galaxies and dimensions. He flies through the universe and finds another and another. He spins through time and matter—soaked in color, drenched in image, places pregnant with beauty and horror.

And then, just as suddenly, he’s back, with the Ancient One gently looking at him.

“Have you seen that before in a gift shop?” she asks.

Well, you know what they say: You can’t judge a book by its cover.

(Well, except for those books locked in chains in the Kamar-Taj library with strange, glowing symbols on their jackets that we’ve not yet gotten to in this review. Yeah, those books you can judge.)

Positive Elements

Dr. Strange may be a great surgeon when the movie begins, but he’s also a big, smirking jerk. He’s reckless, selfish and often tries to embarrass less-talented doctors when he can.

When Strange invites ex-girlfriend Christine to a speaking engagement, he suggests such outings were always fun for the both of them. “They weren’t about us,” Christine says with a smile. “They were about you. Everything’s about you.”

But once he starts hanging out with the Ancient One, Strange begins to see the world in a different way—and not just because it’s constantly twisting into a Picasso painting.

The Ancient One heads a powerful, secret organization tasked with protecting the world from magical, mystical attacks. She tells Strange that while the Avengers safeguard the planet from physical danger, the group she’s a part of is all about spiritual threats. To be a part of the organization requires courage and a willingness to sacrifice your all for others. And she encourages Strange to become one of them.

“It’s not about you,” she says flatly. And eventually, Strange sees that she’s right.

The Ancient One drops wisdom elsewhere, too. Mordo, another of the Ancient One’s star pupils, says that he’s managed to conquer his demons during his stay in Kamar-Taj. The Ancient One corrects him: “We never lose our demons,” she says. “We only learn to live above them.”

Spiritual Elements

When the Ancient One tells Strange that the secret to healing his hands is getting in touch with his spiritual side, Strange pushes back hard. “There is no such thing as spirit!” he bellows. “We are matter and nothing more!” He soon sees otherwise.

Doctor Strange is a deeply spiritual movie, predicated on there being a reality unseen and untouched by science. But everything here is also blanketed by vague Eastern mysticism, magic and the occult.

There’s an effort to make the magic here sound vaguely naturalistic. The Ancient One says that she and her acolytes pull energy from the “multiverse” (an infinite number of universes) to do their thing—comparing it to, say, a mystical, computer-like operating system that works on nature, not silicon circuits. No one prays to any foreign gods here or conjures any actual demons (unlike what apparently sometimes happened in Marvel’s Doctor Strange comic books).

But these energy manipulations are still called “spells,” and their practitioners are called sorcerers. Indeed, the Ancient One is known as the Supreme Sorcerer, a title that’s been passed down for generations. Arcane ceremonies are written in ancient tomes and loaded with mysterious symbols—all trappings of what we cinematically understand as sorcery. And when Kaecilius, the movie’s villain, and his “zealots” try to open a portal (in a Christian church) between our universe and the hellish Dark Dimension ruled by a being known as Dormammu, the ceremony is filled with magical chants as if calling forth a dark, demonic entity.

The library of Kamar-Taj is filled with works of grim arcana: One book Strange studies is the Key of Solomon , a grimoire used centuries ago to allegedly cast spells and call forth dark powers. (Many of the glowing energy signs conjured by the Ancient One and others resemble pentacles published in such books.) Staves, capes and other objects can, we’re told, be imbued with their own magic. Strange and others can also exit their physical bodies and wander around the astral plane.

Kamar-Taj feels a bit like I’d imagine a Buddhist monastery would, full of robes and Nepalese trappings. Some of its teachings have a tang of Taoism—such as when the Ancient One tells Strange that when in a river one should not fight the current but submit to it instead, figuring out ways to channel its natural power.

Before reaching Kamar-Taj, Strange wanders around Kathmandu, running his hands over Buddhist prayer wheels and seeing signs for “Holy Tours.” We see diagrams depicting chakras. Christine refers to Kamar-Taj as a “cult.” When Strange tells her it’s not, she tells him that that’s just what a cultist would say.

Sexual & Romantic Content

Strange asks Christine if she and another doctor are “sleeping together.” (They’re not.) The two talk about their own former relationship occasionally, with Strange insisting they were “barely lovers.” He later kisses her cheek.

Violent Content

A man is suspended by ropes of energy, groaning in pain. Kaecilius lops off his head. (Audiences see the act only as an indistinct shadow.) People die after falling from great heights. (We see their bodies lying lifeless on the pavement below). People are stabbed with semi-transparent blades of energy and presumably crushed by unfolding, moving buildings. Part of Hong Kong is destroyed: Many are presumably killed, buried in rubble or victims of some of the car crashes we see.

Hands and feet fly during frequent fights. Strange and Mordo spar, catching each other in various holds. Strange is attacked by would-be muggers who punch and kick him until Mordo arrives and fights them off. Strange and a zealot fight in their astral forms, Strange nearly dying in the process. When Christine uses electrical paddles to zap Strange’s physical body back to life, the charge hurts his astral opponent. Strange asks Christine to give him another zap: The subsequent electricity kills his astral foe. (It’s the only person that Strange kills in the movie, and it impacts him deeply. He expresses a disgust for killing, even as Mordo insists that it’s the only way to deal with these evildoers.)

Strange’s car crash is jarring and violent, and we see his hands impact the dashboard. We later see him rushed to surgery, his face bloodied and one eye swollen shut. When he awakens after the operation, he doesn’t look much better … and his stitched hands look horribly swollen and mangled. Operations feature bloody gauze and painstakingly stitched stitches.

[ Spoiler Warning ] Strange is killed several times in a potentially never-ending time loop (a clever way to keep Dormammu from destroying the Earth). He’s blasted, vaporized and impaled several times on screen, each time returning to demand a bargain from Dormammu. “You can’t win,” Dormammu tells him. “No,” Strange admits. “But I can lose. Again. And again. And again.”

Crude or Profane Language

Three s-words, a couple of uses each of “a–hole” and “h—.

Drug & Alcohol Content

After the Ancient One sends Strange on his introductory journey to spiritual parts unknown—the scene mentioned in the introduction—Strange immediately asks whether there was something in his tea. We see a character quickly drain a large mug of beer.

Other Noteworthy Elements

Strange frequently stretches or breaks the rules he’s supposed to be submitting to, from stealing books from the Kamar-Taj library to bending the laws of time and nature. He manipulates time to save innocent civilians and to prevent a massive cataclysm, but a cohort tells Strange that breaking those laws will have consequences. “The bill comes due,” he says. “Always.”

Doctor Strange features something called the “mirror dimension.” In this dimension (which you’re familiar with if you’ve seen the trailer), sorcerers can bend reality with impunity: Buildings fold in on each other and the world becomes a gigantic M.C. Escher picture.

And in a way, the movie itself exists in a fold-’em-up mirror dimension of its own.

Look at, say, the first fold, and Doctor Strange feels a lot like most other movies that take place in the Marvel cinematic universe. In terms of its problematic content, it might even be a tad better than most. It doesn’t feature the sometimes grim violence of a Captain America movie or the frenetic destruction of an Avengers flick. (Indeed, it’s interesting that it’s most spectacular action sequence features buildings being pushed back together , not being pulled asunder.) There’s very little sexuality to speak of. Language is relatively restrained.

But fold it in on itself again, and you see that Doctor Strange is not like anything else in Marvel’s stable up to this point, what with its overt mysticism and surrealism. I’ve mentioned Picasso and Escher already in this movie, so let me throw out one more artist for you: This feels like a Marvel movie tossed in a painting by Salvador Dali, melting watches and all.

Let that fold again, and we see that there’s a lot to be cautious of. Sure, the content is minimal, but Doctor Strange’ s occultish trappings—absolutely inescapable elements of the Marvel character—are everywhere . And unlike a lot of other fantasy stories where magic plays a key role (like, say, Lord of the Rings or even Harry Potter ) , Doctor Strange’ s magic points real-world viewers in some potentially dangerous directions, spiritually speaking.

But then the story folds once more, and we see that underneath these ever-present occult elements, there are some curiously Christian themes in play, too. Consider that our good doctor doesn’t start off being so good in the beginning: He’s a selfish sinner—an atheist who believes that this material world offers the only meaning and happiness possible. Then he gets a glimpse of possibilities beyond scientific comprehension, beauties and mysteries that he can only unlock through submission to something greater than himself. He’s asked to die to the person he was and become something better. He’s asked to sacrifice his own whims and wishes for something higher. Thus, in Doctor Strange , we hear the echo of many a Christian testimony, and we see a hint of Jesus’ own sacrifice for us.

Aesthetically, Doctor Strange is a good movie, one of the strongest in the Marvel canon thus far. But is it a good movie? A movie suitable for you or your family? That depends on where you see the fold.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness .

Doctor Stephen Strange ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) and his story continues in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness . Though the sequel travels across the multiverse with Wanda Maximoff ( Elizabeth Olsen ), it continues to build upon what was introduced in the first Doctor Strange from 2016. Both of Stephen’s rivals, Mordo ( Chiwetel Ejiofor ) and Dr. West ( Michael Stuhlbarg ), are back, as well as his former lover, Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer.

More often than not, Marvel tends to drop the ball with their heroes and their love interests. It’s treated as background information, showcasing that the hero is desirable. Such was the case in the first Doctor Strange movie, except he doesn’t get the girl, and he still doesn’t in this movie. Instead of pushing this story beat to the side, the sequel goes out of its way to make this lost relationship between Stephen and Christine an emotional throughline, weaving their love for each other in ways that lets them grow and eventually move on. Doctor Strange 2 may travel to different corners of the multiverse, but Stephen’s connection to Christine grounds the madness.

One of the weaker elements of the first Doctor Strange movie is Stephen’s relationship with Christine. As an ER doctor at the same hospital, she trusts his expertise as a surgeon to help with her patients; but on a personal-level, her previous relationship with him inspired her not to date her coworkers, a policy she calls the “Strange policy.” While she tries to support him after he loses his ability to use his hands, he lashes out and pushes her away; this communicates to the audience that he viewed his relationship with her as insignificant. Bear in mind, they weren’t even seeing each other at the time; she cared about him enough to be a person he needed.

When he’s training to become a master of the mystic arts, there are slight hints to his feelings towards her when he looks at the watch she gave him, now broken; it’s actually one of the last of his possessions that he fights off thugs in order to protect it. Later when he’s attacked and dying, he portals to his former hospital and finds her. While she treats his wounds, Strange apologizes for his past behavior. They later have a tender moment after the Ancient One ( Tilda Swinton ) dies, and they say goodbye. As the first Doctor Strange movie ends, Stephen puts on the broken watch from Christine; inscribed on the back reads this message from her, “Time will tell how much I love you.” However, time is not in Christine’s favor as she remains unmentioned for the rest of the Infinity Saga. It would seem she would fade into the background as just another unimportant MCU love interest.

It’s not until the What If…? series that Christine makes a profound comeback in an alternate universe. In Episode 4, “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?” it’s Christine who dies in the car accident that injures 616-Strange’s hands, which motivates him to study the mystic arts and try to prevent her death. His refusal to accept her death as an absolute point in time leads him down a dark path. Strange Supreme destroys his own universe, along with Christine. With Cumberbatch and McAdams voicing the animated versions of their characters, there’s an extra layer of angst and sorrow, fighting for what could’ve been. It also teases that there’s more to this dynamic than was previously acknowledged in the movies.

This brings us to Multiverse of Madness . At the beginning of the movie, Doctor Strange attends Christine’s wedding. What seemed to brush off his cloak in the first Doctor Strange movie now weighs him down in regret. Before the ceremony, Dr. West reminds him that he didn’t get the girl, twisting the knife on an already tough day. Even Wong ( Benedict Wong ) is shocked that he actually went to the wedding, knowing how crushing it was for him. Around every turn he can’t help getting another reminder that he and Christine aren’t together. He looks at her and there’s heartbreak in his eyes. When Strange and Christine talk at the reception, she asks him if he’s happy. He lies and says that he is. Strange does profess that he regrets that they weren’t able to work it out, but doesn't yet have the courage to tell Christine that he loves her. He’s not ready to face that reality, which thankfully for him, Gargantos’ attack in New York lets him avoid it for a bit longer.

This reluctance to let Christine go is symbolized in the watch. As a gift from Christine, the watch has sentimental value, representing her and his connection to her. Christine’s message of love to him is hidden from the world; touching his skin, it’s a reflection of how he doesn’t share his feelings with others but cares for certain people, namely Christine, very deeply. When the watch is broken in the first Doctor Strange movie, time stops moving forward; it’s left in the same moment in time when he was a broken man at the end of his rope and he still had a chance with Christine. He leaves it broken as a tether to reality, a reminder of who he was and the life that he could’ve had. Now that Christine has moved on, the broken watch is a symbol of his current arrested development.

Unfortunately for him, Doctor Strange is doomed to strike out with Christine Palmer in every universe, a fact that follows him throughout the movie. Doctor Strange is doomed to strike out with Christine Palmer in every universe, a fact that follows him throughout the movie. During his trip with America Chavez ( Xochitl Gomez ) across the multiverse, they encounter a machine that lets them look back on memories. Of all the memories for it to retrieve for Stephen, it pulls up his memory of Christine giving him the watch. It’s treated like an Inside Out core memory for Stephen– something he cherishes but doesn’t share with the world, because sharing it would mean he’d have to admit it’s not there anymore. America reveals to Strange that her Doctor Strange also messed things up with Christine, citing that he blew it. Stephen’s frustration rises and his sorrow is just under the surface.

This comes to a head when Strange and America are captured by Mordo and taken to Earth-838’s Illuminati to face punishment for his threats to the multiverse. When he awakes in a cell, he comes face-to-face with the 838-version of Christine, a lead scientist at the Baxter Foundation. He’s disappointed to find out that not only this universe’s Strange and Christine couldn’t make it work, but also that 838-Strange died, and she attended the funeral. Upon learning the truth about 838-Strange’s death, Stephen had only one question in mind– did 838-Christine know the truth? It’s apparent that he cares more about her knowing than anything else that’s happening at that moment.

Not only does Stephen wear his heart on his sleeve for Christine in the larger plot story, it’s also in the small moments of Multiverse of Madness that reflect the love Stephen and Christine have for each other. While Strange faces the Illuminati, 838-Christine fixes his Cloak of Levitation. When he’s running away from Scarlet Witch with Christine and America, he’s seen looking over at Christine first, making sure she’s ok and steadying her after she jumps into an alternate universe. On the larger plot side, 838-Stange used the watch Christine gave him as the key to unlock the door where the Book of Vishanti was being kept. In every universe, Stephen treasures this watch, connecting this watch like a key to his heart. Later, he relies on Christine to protect his body as he dreamwalks to face Scarlet Witch back on his Earth. Strange trusts every Christine more than anyone in the multiverse.

With every visit to a new earth in the multiverse, Strange is trying to find a version of himself where he and Christine make their relationship work. He travels to one last Earth with 838-Christine after Scarlet Witch captures America and destroys the Book of Vishanti. It’s here he meets Evil Strange at his manor and offers him a sobering look at himself. Evil Strange taunts him with the same question his Christine asked him at the beginning of the movie— “Are you happy, Stephen?” Evil Strange is the amalgamation of his avoidance, attempting to gain the power of the multiverse and everything he wants, including Christine; he tries to trade the Darkhold for 838-Christine. The most toxic version of Doctor Strange is his most fearful self; from his fear it turned himself into his own type of monster. Strange’s encounter with Evil Strange wakes himself up to see that he can’t have it all. He can’t avoid reality and his heartbreak; despite his love for Christine, Strange has to face the facts and let her go.

In addition to Multiverse of Madness giving emotional weight to Stephen and Christine’s relationship, the movie also gets the character of Christine Palmer right. Rachel McAdams is routinely underrated for her comedic chops, but she’s also a fine action star– remember when she played Irene Adler in the Guy Ritchie -directed Sherlock Holmes movies? Here in the Doctor Strange sequel, she’s more than the love interest serving Stephen’s emotional growth. Christine acts with her own agency, moving forward in her life by marrying someone else. 838-Christine offers her intellect as part of the Baxter Foundation; she even fights off demons on her own while protecting Strange’s body as he dreamwalks. McAdams pulls double duty for bringing action and empathy to her performance.

Christine Palmer knows who Stephen Strange is. For better or worse, he has to be the one with the knife in his hand. Whether for his ego or for the fate of the world (or both), he will always be the one to make the tough calls. It’s a trait that Christine respects him for and loves him enough to know this type of relationship isn’t meant to be. Christine doesn’t want to be the reason why Strange can’t face his fears and move forward like she has, nor does she want to hold him back from being the hero the multiverse needs.

In every universe, Stephen Strange loves Christine Palmer. As a master of the mystic arts and a defender against Thanos, he gained the world and lost the girl. He regrets messing up his relationship with her every single day. After the Darkhold is destroyed, and he waits to return to his universe, he finally tells a version of Christine what he's never said out loud– he loves her, and he gets scared to let anyone close to him. Cumberbatch really brings out Strange’s vulnerability here; Stephen never likes to admit he’s bad at anything, especially something this personal. This confession finally releases him from the prison he’s kept himself in, and 838-Christine gives him the courage to face a life without her in his universe.

Not all love stories have happy endings, but this one is not without hope. Instead of holding on to the past, Strange finally fixes his broken watch, representing him letting go of the past and accepting reality. It’s a reminder to him that just because he and Christine didn’t work out that he can’t let someone else in and find love again. Though they are apart, they will always love each other. Stephen and Christine have impacted each other across all universes, and now they get the chance to be better for it. What started as a mediocre love interest has transformed into a story of love lost, regret, and the way forward.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now streaming on Disney+ for no extra cost.

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• Movie Features

Doctor Strange

On the surface, “Doctor Strange” pushes the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a bold new direction. By eschewing the usual stories of technologically-gifted playboys and noble super soldiers for a world ruled by magic, “Doctor Strange” feels fresh. It crackles with energy, moving from one plot point to the next, not wasting any moment. This was also the first time I ever noticed the musical score on my first viewing of a Marvel film—it doesn’t create an iconic theme for its hero but imbues the film with the appropriate mood. The visuals are electrifying and CGI is used very well to build a world far different than anything else we’ve seen in superhero adaptations recently. But for all of its wondrous world-building and trippy effects, “Doctor Strange” isn’t the evolutionary step forward for Marvel that it needs to be storytelling-wise. Underneath all of its improvements, the core narrative is something we’ve seen countless times.

Doctor Stephen Strange ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) is a genius, rich neurosurgeon with an ego that could rival Tony Stark’s. He moves through the world with little regard for the people around him. After being distracted looking at medical documents while driving (he may be smart but his ego makes him think he’s invulnerable), Strange gets into a brutal car accident that wrecks his hands. His scarred, trembling hands are a constant reminder of the man he once was and never will be again. This doesn’t make Strange rethink the way he lives. Instead, as one surgery after another fails, he becomes crueler and more withdrawn, even lashing out at ex-lover/co-worker Christine Palmer ( Rachel McAdams ), who is the last person on whom he can depend; his world of medicine and science has failed him. But after receiving a tip from Jonathon Pangborn (a charismatic, underutilized Benjamin Bratt ), Strange finds himself under the tutelage of The Ancient One ( Tilda Swinton ) in Nepal, who opens him up to worlds he never believed existed. The visual landscape of their first encounter is the film at its most daring. We’re privy to worlds full of neon purples, cerulean blues and blood reds. We watch Strange become enveloped by hundreds of hands as if out of a nightmare. He bounces between dimensions that resemble the dark beauty of outer space to those that are a kaleidoscope of colors. Even a man as arrogant as Strange can’t deny what he’s been shown.

Strange may be a character that hews too close to the model of rich, egotistical white men with which superhero films are obsessed. But the film had the opportunity to do something different, by showing the interior of a character forced to rethink everything he knows and the nature of reality itself. Instead, “Doctor Strange” falls into some significant narrative mistakes.

One of the most glaring sins of “Doctor Strange” is how quickly Strange masters magic. There isn’t much tension in his arc. While he struggles briefly at first to keep up with other students The Ancient One has taken under her care, he’s soon stealing sacred books out from under Wong ( Benedict Wong ), the sharp-eyed master who protects the texts at The Ancient One’s behest. Strange plays by his own rules, growing far beyond the skills of those around him. He even goes as far as bending time, secretly reading from forbidden texts and wielding the Eye of Agamotto. When Karl Mordo ( Chiwetel Ejiofor ) remarks that Strange seems destined for this, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Of course he was. 

In effect, Strange is proven right. Who cares about rules and breaking the laws of nature when you’re actually right, and in turn you save the world? Strange never grows much as a character since he proves to be right about far too much, justifying his ego and rank arrogance. Cumberbatch is having considerable fun with the role (although he brings nothing unexpected) but he can’t distract from how nothing in Strange’s story feels earned. You also can’t ignore that “Doctor Strange” is essentially the story of a white man who travels to an “exotic” land, whose culture and people he doesn’t respect let alone know the language of. Yet somehow he just happens to realize he’s a natural at magic and gets good enough to beat practitioners who have been doing this for years.

In this way, “Doctor Strange” reveals the precarious place in which superhero films find themselves. Director Scott Derrickson and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige have repeatedly defended this movie’s controversial casting. They’re very aware of the increasing expectation of audiences. But it isn’t enough to cast actors like Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor in supporting roles, you have to give them something interesting to do. And as fun and light as “Doctor Strange” is, it is impossible to ignore the problems inherent in casting Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One.

Swinton inhabits the sorceress with her trademark oddity and cutting humor. It takes only a careful tilt of her head or blithe remark to Strange to believe this woman has lived for hundreds of years. In many ways, Swinton’s presence seems to be from another film entirely—one that would truly embrace the weirdness of the premise beyond some trippy visual effects.

Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill have spoken at length about the decision to cast Swinton in a role that was originally a Tibetan man in the comics. They feared casting an Asian man or even woman would mean the character would fall into well-worn stereotypes. So, they whitewashed the role. If the only way you can bypass these issues is to whitewash the part (yet keep the Asian setting and vague mysticism), the problem isn’t the character, it’s your lack of imagination as a creator. The filmmakers behind “Doctor Strange” may be well-intentioned but that doesn’t soften the racism threading the movie. Despite the desire to be inventive, “Doctor Strange” unfortunately repeats many of the mistakes of its predecessors beyond uncomfortable racial politics.

There are many great actors that color the film’s margins, but “Doctor Strange” doesn’t make the best use of them. Rachel McAdams plays one of the most poorly written superhero love interests I think I’ve ever seen. She has a warm, flirtatious energy that is a welcome addition to the movie. But she isn’t a person so much as a convenient prop forgotten about for long stretches until Strange needs her.

“Doctor Strange'”s worst sin in terms of casting comes in its villain. At this point, has any major franchise wasted as many great actors in thinly-written villain roles as the MCU? Mads Mikkelsen is an amazing actor who often creates an alluring mix of darkness, pathos and passion. His unsettling screen presence is perfect for this kind of story. But Kaecilius, a former pupil of The Ancient One, has such muddled motivations and little interiority that Mikkelsen is surprisingly forgettable. Strange’s battle with him ultimately comes down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Strange doesn’t care about being a hero. The juxtaposition between Kaecilius and Strange is one of the more ill-thought out central conflicts from a blockbuster in a long time. They aren’t battling because of opposing ideologies or deep emotional history. They’re simply an inconvenience to each other. If anything, Mordo’s obsession with order would make him a more compelling foil for Kaecilius.

Undoubtedly, the best aspect of the film is its rich visuals. From costume design to CGI to its framing, “Doctor Strange” is a visual feast in ways superhero films rarely are. In the Mirror Dimension, in which the magic of the characters won’t affect people in the real world, the characters cut loose showing off the extent of their abilities. Buildings break apart, fold into each other, reform in ways reminiscent of “ Inception .” Almost every scene bursts with color—crimson, marigold, neon purples, inky blacks. “Doctor Strange” at times takes on the language of video games in ways I’ve never seen before, with its characters being dwarfed by grand, collapsing buildings. The laws of physics are inconsequential here. And after a while the Mirror Dimension feels claustrophobic, a problem that ultimately comes down to the world-building. We get mere sketches of how any of this works. Sure, it’s thrilling to watch. But without understanding the impact of the magic in the Mirror Dimension or the ripple effect of playing with laws of physics it’s hard to feel thrilled, scared or awed after a while. In the end, the beauty and visual effects of “Doctor Strange” are frustratingly weightless.

Even with these considerable faults “Doctor Strange” can also be charming. It’s a spry film brimming with great details, striking imagery and joy. It pushes the MCU into a fascinating world full of magic and villains that exists beyond our understanding of time and reality—maybe next time they’ll do something interesting when they get there.

Angelica Jade Bastien

Angelica Jade Bastién is a Chicago based critic and essayist. She’s written for the New York  Times, Vulture, The Atlantic, and The Village Voice.

• Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange / Doctor Strange
• Benedict Wong as Wong
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Karl Mordo
• Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One
• Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius
• Benjamin Bratt as Jonathan Pangborn
• Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Nicodemus West

Cinematographer

• C. Robert Cargill
• Jon Spaihts
• Scott Derrickson
• Michael Giacchino
• Sabrina Plisco
• Wyatt Smith

Writer (comic book)

• Steve Ditko

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Doctor strange.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 41 Reviews
• Kids Say 181 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Mysticism, humor, and action surround unique Marvel hero.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Doctor Strange is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but focuses on sorcery rather than more traditional superhero powers. At the start, the main character (Benedict Cumberbatch) is arrogant and selfish, but he slowly learns humility: to better himself and to think of others…

Why Age 12+?

Lots of mass destruction of buildings and property. A beheading (no gore shown).

One "s--t," plus a couple uses of "a--hole," "ass," and "hell."

Two characters have had an intimate relationship, and they talk comfortably toge

A character buys Kettle chips from a vending machine; sign for Yakult drinkable

Any Positive Content?

The ultimate lesson is one of humility -- i.e. "It's not about you." Arrogance a

As Marvel heroes go, Doctor Strange is closer to Tony Stark/Iron Man than he is

Violence & Scariness

Lots of mass destruction of buildings and property. A beheading (no gore shown). Frequent martial arts fighting, with some "magical" weapons (swords and whips made of light). Scenes on an operating table, with some bloody parts shown. Bloody scratches on the main character's face. Brutal car crash (character was texting while driving), with bloody hands and face. A terrible fall from a height, crashing through glass. Arguing. Some scary sequences (a brief nightmarish "journey" with grabbing hands).

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Two characters have had an intimate relationship, and they talk comfortably together. Mention of "sleeping together."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

A character buys Kettle chips from a vending machine; sign for Yakult drinkable yogurt. This is also part of the Marvel franchise, which has vast quantities of tie-in merchandise.

Positive Messages

The ultimate lesson is one of humility -- i.e. "It's not about you." Arrogance and selfishness are limited, unfulfilling paths; learning to better yourself and following a path that isn't always easy provide greater rewards. Perseverance pays off. But rather than fight against a current, it can sometimes be better to surrender and use the current's power to your benefit. Argues that sometimes breaking the rules a little is necessary to get a job done. (And don't text and drive!)

Positive Role Models

As Marvel heroes go, Doctor Strange is closer to Tony Stark/Iron Man than he is to Steve Rogers/Captain America. He starts the story as arrogant and afraid but slowly learns humility -- to see a greater good outside his own wants and needs. He enters the battle even though he doesn't want to and even though he hasn't yet mastered his powers.

Parents need to know that Doctor Strange is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but focuses on sorcery rather than more traditional superhero powers. At the start, the main character ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) is arrogant and selfish, but he slowly learns humility: to better himself and to think of others. Frequent comic book-style action violence includes large-scale destruction, a brutal car crash (the result of texting and driving), bloody wounds and scenes at an operating table, and a terrible fall from a height, crashing through glass. There's also martial arts fighting, fighting with "magical" weapons, a beheading, and other brief, scary stuff. A couple is said to have been in a relationship, and there's a mention of "sleeping together." Language includes one "s--t," two uses of "a--hole" and an "ass." The doctor is an unusual, but very entertaining, member of the superhero club, and the movie's mystical elements provide food for thought as well as fun. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (41)
• Kids say (181)

Based on 41 parent reviews

Sorcery and black magic

Not a kids movie, too much blood and disturbing imagery, what's the story.

In DOCTOR STRANGE, the title character ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) is a skilled surgeon who's both successful and arrogant. After crashing his sports car, he finds that his hands are useless, and medical science can't restore them. But he hears of a man who was able to walk again after a spinal injury and seeks the source of this rumor, an Ancient One ( Tilda Swinton ) in Kathmandu, Nepal. At first the doctor mocks the Ancient One's claims that healing his spirit can heal his body, but he finds her powers genuine and begs to be taught. His training goes better than expected: It even appears that Doctor Strange might be a natural-born sorcerer. But a villain, Kaecilius ( Mads Mikkelsen ), has stolen pages from one of the Ancient One's spell books and intends to use them to bring a dark dimension to Earth. Has Strange learned enough to stop this evil from happening?

Is It Any Good?

Marvel's 14th Cinematic Universe movie has all the usual action and explosions, but it also has a different type of main character -- one who's magical and appealingly flawed but willing to change. Chiefly known as a horror director, helmer Scott Derrickson unexpectedly adds plenty of playfulness and humor to a story that could have been steeped in self-serious exoticism and mysticism. It helps that Cumberbatch and Swinton, as well as Benedict Wong as the keeper of the spellbook library, bring so much personality to their roles.

Most of Doctor Strange 's seriousness is a burden carried by Chiwetel Ejiofor 's Mordo character, but comic fans will at least know the reason why. Unfortunately, the best character moments tend to cool down and fizzle out during the big action sequences. But some of those scenes, which have beautiful "folding" effects as the sorcerers change the environment around them, are quite impressive, especially as Strange learns his powers. As the movie's climax arrives, the action becomes bigger and less involving. Still, it's thrilling to see Strange embrace his inner spirit, finding power by going with the current, instead of against it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Doctor Strange 's violence . How does it compare to what you've seen in other Marvel movies? Is there a difference in the impact of hand-to-hand combat and catastrophic, buildings-collapsing type of explosions?

As the movie begins, how is the doctor selfish and arrogant? How does he learn to change these things? How does he demonstrate humility and perseverance ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Why do you think the Marvel comics have turned into such well-received movies? How does Doctor Strange fit in? How is he different?

What lessons does Doctor Strange learn from the Ancient One? Could you apply any of these lessons to your own life?

How does the movie address texting and driving ? Do the consequences seem realistic?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 4, 2016
• On DVD or streaming : February 28, 2017
• Cast : Benedict Cumberbatch , Rachel McAdams , Tilda Swinton
• Director : Scott Derrickson
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
• Character Strengths : Humility , Perseverance
• Run time : 115 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence
• Award : Common Sense Selection
• Last updated : July 21, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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