Doctor Strange

The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands with this dazzling, kaleidoscopic prelude set in a Nepalese monastery, where villainous Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) teleports into a guarded library, rips a page from an ancient tome, and departs through a weird portal into downtown London. Meanwhile, celebrated Manhattan neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) proves to be as narcissistic as he is gifted—and his unbridled arrogance causes a horrific automobile accident that leaves him with trembling hands, unable to use a scalpel. Desperate to regain his self-esteem, Dr. Strange turns to the mystic arts, seeking a spiritual miracle at Kamar-Taj in the mountains of Kathmandu, presided over by the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton)—a bald, ageless, androgynous-looking Celtic woman. “You wonder what I see in your future?” she asks. “Possibility.” Sure enough, aided by her assistants Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong), sardonic Strange turns out to be a quick learner, discovering how to connect with his astral body in preparation to battle evil Kaecilius and his elusive god Dormammu in the Dark Dimension. Created by Stan Lee and Dali-esque artist Steve Ditko, the character of Dr. Strange first appeared in 1963 as part of Strange Tales' Human Torch series. Writer-director Scott Derrickson's origin story is a hallucinogenic trip, with the fantasy/action amplified by a psychedelic CGI time-loop and spatial displacement in parallel universes. Unfortunately, Dr. Strange's love interest, fellow surgeon Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), has little to do, but otherwise this surreal film offers a fine introduction to a fascinating Marvel character. Recommended. [Note: Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Scott Derrickson, the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Across Space and Time” (14 min.), “Strange Company” (13 min.), “The Fabric of Reality” (13 min.), “The Score-Cerer Supreme” (10 min.), and “A Strange Transformation” (10 min.), deleted/extended scenes (8 min.), the “Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look” segment on upcoming films (8 min.), a “Team Thor Part 2” satirical short (5 min.), a gag reel (4 min.), trailers, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a welcome addition to the Marvel universe.] (S. Granger)