If you’ve been reading this site with any regularity over the last few months, then you wouldn’t need the Eye of Agamotto to know that our levels of anticipation for Doctor Strange is at an all-time high. The latest entry in Marvel’s ever-more sprawling and diverse cinematic universe looks like nothing else the comic book studio has put forward before.
Besides for Micheal Giacchino’s magical sounding music score – a breath of fresh air in Marvel’s usual bland soundscape – it seems that director Scott Derrickson has crafted a psychedelic visual spectacle true to the comic book’s roots, anchored by the incredible thespian talents of Benedict Cumberbatch and co. And that assessment is not just what I’m hoping to see, but rather what’s been said by the press who were lucky enough to attend the movie’s very first screening Los Angeles and New York last night.
While the embargo for full reviews is only up on Sunday, several of the folks in attendance took to Twitter to share their initial thoughts, and thus far it’s looking really positive. The movie doesn’t appear to be kicking the likes of Captain America: Winter Soldier, The Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy off the top of the Marvel heap, as it does succumb to some now almost traditional Marvel flaws, but this still sounds like one hell of a good time that deserves to be experienced on the biggest and best screen around.
DOCTOR STRANGE is unlike any previous Marvel movie and that’s why I love Marvel. They keep pushing boundaries and make it look easy.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 20, 2016
not going to say DOCTOR STRANGE is the best Marvel movie. It’s not. But it’s an awesome Doctor Strange movie with visuals that will floor u.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 20, 2016
DOCTOR STRANGE has two after the credits scenes like most Marvel movies. They both set up future things…trying to stay spoiler free.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 20, 2016
Visuals in DOCTOR STRANGE are fantastic. Actually worth seeing in 3D. Cumberbatch is great as the Sorcerer Supreme.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 20, 2016
Cumberbatch owns Doctor Strange, the movie is funnier than I was expecting, a throwback to a pre-MCU Iron Man-like standalone story.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) October 20, 2016
DOCTOR STRANGE magic makes HARRY POTTER's look like parlour tricks. Dark & spooky psychedelic horrors, abracadabra wowie zowie. Loved it
— Josh L. Dickey (@JLDlite) October 20, 2016
Best of all, DOCTOR STRANGE's characters are as multi-dimensional as they can be. Their setups & payoffs are dazzling sleights of hand
— Josh L. Dickey (@JLDlite) October 20, 2016
also, DOCTOR STRANGE is something i never thought i’d see: a Marvel movie with a good original score. what a time to be alive.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) October 20, 2016
I liked DOCTOR STRANGE. The most self-contained Marvel movie in a long time. Fun visuals. Almost felt like a reboot of the first IRON MAN.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) October 20, 2016
In that it feels obvious that asshole yet charming Stephen Strange is here to eventually take the place of asshole yet charming Tony Stark.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) October 20, 2016
Strange and Stark are *almost* the same character. Makes sense now they'd hire big star Cumberbatch to phase in while Downey phases out.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) October 20, 2016
Yea I loved DOCTOR STRANGE. Y'all are not prepared for how trippy and psychedelic it is.
— Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) October 20, 2016
MCU is opened up in new and exciting ways. Give Tilda a chance guys (don't @ me).
— Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) October 20, 2016
FYI I think Michael Giacchino is the new John Williams. Again don't @me.
— Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) October 20, 2016
The action in #DoctorStrange is some of the craziest, most enjoyable yet. Definitely adds a new color to Marvel's ever-expanding crayon box.
— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) October 20, 2016
Prepare to dig #DoctorStrange! Not the strongest script, but it legitimately adds new colors to the MCU, and the action is beautiful & crazy
— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) October 20, 2016
Even beyond its insane visuals (cool stuff like you've never seen before), #DoctorStrange is tons of fun. A bit formulaic, but very solid.
— Ben Pearson (@benpears) October 20, 2016
#DoctorStrange is a Stan Lee/Steve Ditko creation given beautiful life by the imagination of @scottderrickson & VFX sorcery of @stefceretti!
— Sean Gerber (@MrSeanGerber) October 20, 2016
#DoctorStrange is definitely Marvel's strangest movie to date, but it's weird & wild in all the best ways. Incredible imagery, heady story
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) October 20, 2016
The action sequences in #DoctorStrange are unlike anything Marvel's done. There are so ferociously loopy, frenetic & nerdy, I adore them.
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) October 20, 2016
DOCTOR STRANGE is guilty of *all* the usual Marvel movie problems, but Tilda & some VERY trippy visuals make it a spectacle worth savoring.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) October 20, 2016
I wouldn't put #DoctorStrange in Marvel's top five but it's an entertaining movie with big ideas, gorgeous CGI and unique action sequences.
— William Bibbiani (@WilliamBibbiani) October 20, 2016
I saw Dr Strange. It is better than I could have ever hoped for. Among the very best Marvel films. It dazzles and entertains throughout.
— Jeff Cannata (@jeffcannata) October 20, 2016
Remember when The Mateix made you rethink what was possible in an action sequence? Dr Strange does that 4 or 5 times.
— Jeff Cannata (@jeffcannata) October 20, 2016
#DrStrange was so much better than I thought it would be. Incredible performances by Tilda and Benedict. Yaaaas @Marvel
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) October 20, 2016
I should add that Mads Mikkelsen is great too. Another win for Marvel #DoctorStrange https://t.co/QFmnU26ew8
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) October 20, 2016
#DoctorStrange is a stunning visual achievement. A welcome blast of weirdness that opens up the MCU. Super dug it. Maybe best viewed on ???
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) October 20, 2016
Anybody got a good deal on some shrooms?!
Doctor Strange also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen, Michael Stuhlbarg, Scott Adkins and Amy Landecker. Derrickson (Sinister) directs off a script from Jon Spaihts (Prometheus). It is scheduled for release on November 4, 2016. Here’s the full Doctor Strange synopsis:
From Marvel comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Last Updated: October 20, 2016
RinceThis
October 20, 2016 at 13:40
So much excite!
Lourens Corleone
October 20, 2016 at 13:41
Don’t talk crazy, Kervyn. You’re my shrooms guy!
RinceThis
October 20, 2016 at 13:44
Haha!