Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

UK Release Date: 6 May 2022

Certification: 12A

Director: Sam Raimi

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Xochitl Gomez, Rachel McAdams, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong

Rating: 59%

Beware - there are some strange spoilers below.

Review:

I think where the movie fell flat for me was the lack of direction. It's a bit of a mess. The whole plot is essentially Wanda going on a killing spree because her made up children don't exist. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness isn't a sequel to Doctor Strange and it isn't a full exploration of the multiverse either (only choosing to delve into three different universes). So what actually is it? I still don't really know. Sam Raimi wasn't a great appointment in my opinion, it really feels like one of his movies, he just chucks ideas onto the screen. 

For me, each time Benedict Cumberbatch appears as Doctor Strange, his performance improves. He embodies the arrogance but also caring nature of the character. Plus, I think he had to play five different versions of himself so that's an achievement in itself. However, it's Elizabeth Olsen who really steals the show as the Scarlet Witch. I believe it was a lazy decision to make her a villain because that's where she started in the MCU, essentially meaning that there had been no progress with the character in seven years. But it was still a powerhouse performance. She just absolutely bosses every single minute of screen time displaying determination, causing chaos and establishing herself as the most powerful character in the MCU. Xochitl Gomez was a welcome addition. Surprisingly, she was one of the best parts of the film. She added a sense of exuberance and I would love to see her again in the future of the MCU. Rachel McAdams saw herself elevated to a more significant role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. And Benedict Wong is always brilliant as Wong - He's really come into his own since becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. 

It was also very cool to see the Illuminati, especially John Krasinski as Mr Fantastic. However, it can't be a one time thing. He needs to be Reed Richards in Fantastic Four. Preferably with Emily Blunt as Invisible Woman as well. 

The MCU needs to realise that they don't need to make everything CGI. Villains like Loki, Erik Killmonger and the Winter Soldier have all been excellent but there's been a recent tendency to make everything a faceless monster. There are some interesting Doctor Strange villains that haven't yet been explored fully such as Baron Mordo and Nightmare. And in my opinion that was a better option than going for unnecessary CGI. 

On top of that Sam Raimi delivers quite possibly the worst ending in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He kills off a beloved character that will undoubtedly end up coming back at some point in the future. He gives Doctor Strange three eyes. And puts some god awful post credit scenes on the screen - that in all honesty, you're better off missing.  

Overall, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a disappointing entry into the MCU. It had so much potential but the actual film itself wasn't nearly as good as the premise promised.