After establishing its more recognised superheroes on the silver screen, Marvel has begun working on more obscure properties. First came Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) which brought characters such as a walking humanoid tree and a bounty-hunter raccoon to the limelight, followed by Ant-Man (2016) which introduced us to a superhero who can shrink down in size.

Both films were not based on traditional superhero properties, but paid off as they turned out to be highly memorable. Now Marvel has for us Doctor Strange, a film unlike any that the comic book company has produced, and a risk that pays off handsomely.

Doctor Strange is an excellent film full of dazzling special effects and reminiscent of films such as Inception (2010), except that it feels like it’s on acid. The colours here are as psychedelic as they come, and the special effects are a real trip. I haven’t ever done hallucinogens, but I imagine it is a lot like watching Doctor Strange. This is amusing and strangely authentic as any fan of the comic book will testify to. In fact, in 1971, Marvel readers jokingly accused the minds behind Doctor Strange of being high on magic mushrooms when they wrote the comic book.

The action sequences are particularly entertaining in the film, especially when involving battles of magic. They are so impressive that they overshadow most iconic fantasy films where magic is the selling attraction. Yes, this includes The Lord of the Rings trilogy and even the Harry Potter films. The action isn’t completely convincing, however, when special effects give way to martial arts.

Surprise, surprise! Marvel Studios casts another spell, this time with the magical superhero film Doctor Strange

The film also offers excellent characterisation matched by strong performances, especially for the titular character. Benedict Cumberbatch is Stephen Strange, an arrogant neurosurgeon with an English accent (what other types are there?), who suffers injury in both his hands after a car accident. Strange goes through several treatments to no avail, but although he is frustrated he does not lose hope. Finally, he meets a paraplegic who regained the use of his legs, and learns of a mystical place in Nepal where he can heal.

Upon arriving at Kamar-Taj he meets the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), a powerful Celtic mystic who reveals her power to Strange. Soon, she and her companion Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) begin training their new friend in the art of magic. At the same time they are wary, for Strange’s arrogance reminds them of Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a magic-wielding super villain hungry for more power. Soon a battle begins between the forces of good and evil, with Earth at risk from powerful entities from other dimensions.

Cumberbatch is particularly good in his role, especially with his experience of playing an intelligent and cocky character in BBC’s Sherlock. I also enjoyed how the film offered plenty of good humour that often lightened up the mood unexpectedly.

My only concern with Doctor Strange is its treatment of Asian characters. There are already very few good roles for Asian actors in Hollywood, without films switching roles meant for Asian characters to European. This is what this film did with the Ancient One’s character and that’s where Doctor Strange certainly loses some of its magic.

Rated PG-13 for action, violence and frightening images

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 13th, 2016