Movie Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the biggest and most influential entertainment franchises today. Their last big release, Spider-man: No Way Home, was a massive critical and commercial success. Doctor Strange, who played a pivotal role in that movie, takes the plot forward in their latest outing, Doctor Strange in Multiverse of Madness. Technically a sequel to the first Doctor Strange movie and Spider-man: No Way Home, and part of Phase Four of the MCU, this movie is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man Trilogy, Evil Dead franchise, Drag Me to Hell) from a script written by Michael Waldron (Rick and Morty, Loki) and stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez and Benedict Wong in the lead roles.

The concept of the multiverse was first introduced in the MCU with a passing mention of it by the Ancient One in the first Doctor Strange movie. With fantastical concepts like branching timelines, alternate dimensions, multiple existential planes and the multiverse coming into play as important plot points in the MCU, Marvel (should consider renaming the MCU to the MCM - Marvel Cinematic Multiverse) is taking a deep dive into science fiction as well as fantasy.

The multiverse, as the name suggests, is an idea, the essence of which lies in the suggestion that there is not just one universe, but an infinite number of universes, containing different versions of the same people existing throughout these universes. The idea was used to great benefit in Spider-Man: No Way Home to provide moviegoers with an experience never before seen in the history of cinema with the actors and characters from previous Spider-Man movies not just making an appearance, but also playing important roles in the progression of the story.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits the ground running, with a high stakes chase and battle right off the bat. We are introduced to America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who has the ability to jump between universes. Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Wong (Benedict Wong) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) are then tagged along in a high stakes romp throughout the multiverse. That is all I can say about the movie without entering spoiler territory, and I believe this is the right way anyone should watch this movie for the full fat experience. Also, WandaVision must be watched for the same, with What If..? and Loki being optional. However, those who do so, do receive a nice payoff.

The movie has a well defined story and almost all plot points are addressed. More than being a grand cinematic adventure, there is intense, intimate emotional drama at play here, which is a nice touch. It does hit you in the feels.

Sam Raimi returns to directing a superhero film, and a Marvel film after a long time, and yes, while a MCU tentpole film, this movie has enough of the director's signature visual style, slapstick humor and just a touch of camp that makes it a different but also kind of the same MCU film. There are a few sequences that are scary enough to justify the claim that this is the MCU's first outing with horror. There is some scary imagery and a few ideas that could be nightmare inducing for children. The PG-13 rating is well deserved.

All the main cast members deliver compelling performances. But, Elizabeth Olsen and Benedict Cumberbatch were superlative in the lead roles. Xochitl Gomez is very likeable, as are Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor. As expected, there are a number of cameos which are a hoot.

Keeping with tradition as is from Marvel and Disney, the technical aspects of the film are top-notch and the film is a visual and CGI treat. Cinematography (John Mathieson), Editing (Bob Murawski, Tia Nolan) and Production Design (Charles Wood) are all up to par with the industry standard. There are a few standout sequences with the multiversal hop being my favorite. Music is handled by Danny Elfman, replacing Michael Giacchino this time around and while there is no memorable signature motif, they do some incredible things with music and sound in this movie that will blow your mind.

Coming to drawbacks, nothing in particular pulled me out of my investment with the characters and the story. However, I did feel that the pacing was a bit too fast. As mentioned earlier, the movie hits the ground running and goes by at a clip. There are a few breathing spaces, and this was where we connected with the characters more. However, a few more could have done wonders and made the experience much more wholesome.

In summation, I went to the theatre primarily as a fan for a fun cinematic experience and boy does this deliver. It has got action, drama, comedy, visual flair, a bit of horror, the MCU blueprint with a Sam Raimi touch. It has got great performances and also functions as a character study for the lead characters. However, as I left the theatre, I did have the feeling that this could have been much more than what we have got. Did it leave me satisfied? Yes. Did it leave me excited? I'm not sure. I would not have minded a bit more of the 'madness'.

Rating: 4/5

Movie Review: Black Panther

Origin of a superhero. Rise of a king.

Marvel has been on a roll. They have consistently delivered on the superhero movie front and have constantly upped the ante when it comes to making superhero movies entertaining. Their latest outing, touted as the first major superhero movie featuring a cast that predominantly comprises of african-american performers is not just another good superhero movie, but is being touted as a turning point in the history of cinema. And for good reason.

Black Panther's history as being conceived at a time when racism was at its epitome makes him one of the most interesting characters in terms of fictional and non-fictional history. Named after the political revolutionary black party that is said to have made the biggest influence in history, and being published around the time, the comic features a black superhero who also happens to be king of an extremely secretive african nation with access to technology more advanced than others but keeps it hidden for their own protection, appearing as a third world nation to the rest of the world. He is ruler, protector, judge and executioner - the Black Panther.

The movie stays faithful to the comic's roots, but takes liberties to keep up with the times. Also completely reimagined is the villain, who will be detailed upon in this review.

An origin story, Black Panther follows the treaded path of a man becoming a superhero. But that is all that is similar to the rest of the origin stories. Black Panther is a superhero movie. But more than that, it is a coming of age film, a political thriller, an action movie, a family drama all rolled into one sleek shiny panther like package.

The film is set in Wakanda, a fictional African nation that has thrived on it's supply of Vibranium (the fictional metal that Captain America's shield is made of), unknown to the world and appearing to them as a third world nation. The king has died in a terrorist attack (Captain America: Civil War) and it is now up to the Prince T'Challa, played by an impeccable Chadwick Boseman, to step up to the throne and become King and also claim the mantle of Black Panther, protector of Wakanda. But the path to the throne, although straight, is one that is strewn with rocks and thorns. One of those is the international smuggler Ulysses Klaue (played delightfully by the master class Andy Serkis) who happens to be the only outsider that has seen Wakanda. He happens to be a threat and a well placed plot device to further the narrative, leading to our hero's true challenger and the movie's villain, Killmonger. And what a villain he is.... Killmonger happens to be the best part of a really good movie. Finally, we have a supervillain who breaks the mould and happens to be the best written character in the film. You end up rooting for him, and it is made easier with an incredibly charismatic performance by Michael B. Jordan. Evil and likable at the same time, this villain has a beautiful reason to drive his fury and his wrath on Wakanda. He is a revolutionary, radicalized by the hardships faced by his kith and kin outside Wakanda while those protected inside the nation are thriving. Wakanda has the means and the power, but still won't do anything about it. And this is one of the motivations this guy has to take over the throne.

Wakanda's women are the strongest. The elite guard is an all female outfit - The Dora Milaje. Also, the women in T'Challa's life feature all incarnations of women in life, mother - The Queen (Angela Bassett), the sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), the lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), the friend Okoye (Danai Gurira). All these characters are protectors to our King, making for a refreshing abundance of strong female characters. Each of them are played on screen exceptionally well, but Letitia Wright takes the cake with her hip, cool portrayal of Shuri, the kid sister who loves her big brother and has more of a playful relationship with the king rather than respectful which makes for some of the funniest moments in the movie.

The rest of the cast have done justice to their roles. Watch out for M'Baku and his quip that evokes the most laughter at one of the most sombre moments in the movie.

Cinematography, Editing and production design are top notch as with all modern superhero movies. But the standout technical feature is the music composed by Ludwig Göransson. The score is hip, evocative, epic and the best feature is its callback to the ethnic roots of African music. It is truly a masterpiece.

Ryan Coogler has my vote as one of the best new directors on the block. His previous outings, Fruitvale Station and Creed, were very intimate films and he has brought that aspect to the superhero movie genre. Hats off to him and here's to more.

Essentially, Black Panther is quite simply one of the best superhero movies that has come out in recent times. What makes it all the more significant is that it is a movie that celebrates and shines in ethnic pride. And that, in today's scenario where intolerance is on the rise makes for extremely compelling social commentary.

Verdict: 5/5