DOCTOR STRANGE
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Benedict Cumberbatch is exchanging those serious Oscar nominated roles like Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and the BBC's Sherlock for neurosurgeon turned sorcerer in Marvel's Doctor Strange.
This latest Marvel installment may be just what the franchise needs to reinvigorate itself. I spent a majority of this film with my mouth dropped from witnessing the most amazingly eye-twisting visual special effects I have ever seen. They were simply marvelous, yet mind-bending to watch.
Of course, I would be remiss in not addressing the controversy that has swirled around the casting of Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, a role depicted in the comic as one of Asian descent.
While the studio, the writers, director Scott Derrickson and even Swinton herself have spoken out about the upcoming changes in the film, it continues to be a topic of discussion among many.
In a recent interview with Out, the actress once again addresses the controversy surrounding her character and states that the Ancient One was never written as a Tibetan man, as portrayed in the comics.
“There is little for me to add except to say that anyone speaking up for a greater accuracy in the representation of the diversity of the world we live in has me right beside them,” she says. “As someone who has worked from the beginning as an artist within a queer aesthetic, the urgency of that voice is always going to be welcome.”
It goes without saying that clearly the Asian community is sick of exclusion, as are people of color, Latinos and Native Americans. Who can forget not too long ago the casting of Jennifer Lawrence as Catniss in The Hunger Games franchise, when in the book Catniss is Native American. One of these days, Hollywood will get it right.
Anywhoo, back to Doctor Strange. I loved it! The cinematic aesthetic is off the charts thanks to Ben Davis and Scott Derrickson. The action keeps you engaged to the point when the film is over...you are totally not ready for it to end.
Both McAdams and Cumberbatch reached into their lighter side to make Christine and Stephen engaging, charming and comedic without being over the top. It was wonderful to see Chiwetel Ejiofor cross over to the dark side (smelling a sequel) and watch him leap into his superhero lane making a departure from his more serious work as well. Controversy aside, Tilda Swinton is fantastic as The Ancient One. Kinda hate that she...oops don't want it spoil it for you guys:)
However, the real star of this film was the "cloak of levitation". It truly was a character all unto itself without skipping a beat.
Marvel really out did itself on this one. The credits for the digital crew and special effects listed at least more than 100 people for everything ranging from CGI to Sound. Bravo! Can't wait for the sequel!!
Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange opens in theaters Friday, November 4th!
Click HERE to watch the trailer
