Reviewing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: A Rush of Blood to the Head
By: albert Wambura
Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2022
The much-awaited sequel to 2016’s blockbuster Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrived to much fanfare, at least locally. Thousands of fans streamed in to the Anga Cinemas at Diamond Plaza II, the Parklands venue.
The air was thick with anticipation. Eager fans posed with the movie pop-up banner while snacking on samosas and after the showing, it was clear that was not the only serving on offer.
As a movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stands alone. Forming part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) phase four, it is certainly darker than what we have come to expect from Marvel productions. And for a movie dealing heavily in magic and spells, otherworldly creatures and cross-dimensional travel, this is what you would expect. The director Sam Raimi (who established Marvel as a veritable entertainment brand with the original Spiderman trilogy) is at his artistic best with the engrossing storytelling and striking visuals. The word psychedelic often comes to mind as one analyses the movie.
Elizabeth Olsen put in more than a fantastic performance. Her depiction of the seemingly all-powerful Scarlet Witch was both awe-striking and heartfelt, with her motivations being relatable and though out.
The evergreen Benedict Cumberbatch blew us away, surprise surprise! The man has the potential to make any character look as timeless as they are elegant, and he brings that same suaveness to Dr Strange. He wears the character like he wears the Cloak of Levitation: to perfection. In this installation he holds the hand of mysterious inter-dimensional traveller America Chavez, and manages to keep audience engrossed.
The movie’s tone was predominantly dark, so fans expecting Disneyland levels of happiness and bright colours are in for a shock.
From a universe where we’re all paint to one where the green light stops traffic, this flick offers 2 hours of ultimate highs and macabre lows. Couple that with cameos of some of Marvel’s popular properties and you have a must-watch on your hands.
