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