Into the MCU: "Doctor Strange" (2016)

After taking my birthday off, I'm back with this week's installment of "Into the MCU". This week, we try to look past the mystical illusions of movie magic, and seek the deeper meanings of 2016's "Doctor Strange"...

Doctor Stephen Strange is a brilliant, but arrogant neurosurgeon. After a car accident jeopardizes his career, he seeks medical help. When modern science fails him, he turns to the realm of the miraculous. The realm of magic...

I must confess that I was really interested in seeing this movie. I was quite impressed with how the plot with the "villain" was actually, secondary to the plot line detailing Strange's growth as a character. But you don't really notice, and you don't mind. I was fascinated by what was happening, and how well they crafted the world of magic, and laid a solid foundation for how it fits into the MCU as a whole. While it fits into the MCU nicely, it also stood on it's own feet really well too.

The characters were really quite enjoyable too. From the Ancient One, to Kaecilius, from Strange to Dormammu, they were interesting, and even relatable- though I would like to learn more about Dormammu in future films if possible. Each character filled a purpose in the story- and as setup for future stories in the franchise. Very solid, fleshed out characters.

Of the MCU movies, I would have to say that "Doctor Strange" is the one with the MOST visual spectacle. The effects and CGI are simply amazing, and mind blowing in how surreal they got- while still maintaining some semblance of logic and believability. My two favorite scenes involve Strange fighting a follower of Dormammu as spirits, and his conversation with the Ancient One while watching slowed down lightning.

I'm going to have to say that of the MCU movies so far, "Doctor Strange" is one of the stronger ones- and one of my personal favorites. I very magical "Good".

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