Doctor Strange

I find Benedict Cumberbatch to be strangely appealing so when I heard that he had been cast in the title role of the forthcoming adaptation of Doctor Strange I couldn't wait to see it.  Ironically, I didn't have a chance to see it until last night but it was worth the wait.  Dr. Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a gifted but arrogant neurosurgeon.  The nerves in his hands are damaged beyond repair after he is involved in a horrific car crash and, when Western medicine fails him, he turns to Eastern mysticism to heal himself.  He begins training with the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and learns how to manipulate the astral plane.  He must eventually set aside his desire to heal himself in order to battle a former disciple, Keacillus (Mads Mikkelsen), who has stolen a forbidden ritual for immortality.  I loved this movie!  The special effects are incredible because manipulating the astral plane involves some trippy visuals but the story is also very compelling because it involves Dr. Strange's journey to self-discovery not just to power.  Cumberbatch is a brilliant actor and he is perfect as the thinking man's superhero (his portrayal reminded me a bit of Sherlock, which I love).  I also loved Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo, a disciple who becomes disillusioned with Strange's use of power as the movie progresses (stay for an end-of-credits scene setting him up as the villian in the next movie), and Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer, Strange's colleague and former lover.  I think this movie is thoroughly entertaining and those who are experiencing superhero fatigue may find this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be refreshingly different.  I highly recommend it!

Note:  This movie is quite funny and two scenes made me laugh out loud.  The first is when Mordo shows Strange to his quarters at Kamar-Taj and hands him a slip of paper.  Strange asks if it is his mantra and Mordo says it is the wi-fi password.  The second is when Strange refers to Wong (Benedict Wong) as Beyonce because he only has one name and then we hear Wong listening to "Single Ladies."