I watched Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and I didn’t like it. 2.5/5
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the highly anticipated sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange, promised to delve deeper into the mystical realms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and explore the concept of the multiverse. Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme, the film had immense potential to deliver a mind-bending and visually stunning experience. However, while Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has its moments, it ultimately falls short due to convoluted storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and missed opportunities.
The film begins shortly after the events of Avengers: Endgame, as Doctor Strange continues to protect the Earth from mystical threats. However, an unexpected danger arises when a sinister force threatens to unleash chaos through the multiverse. Doctor Strange, alongside Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and a new ally named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), must navigate the treacherous realms of the multiverse and confront their own inner demons.
One of the major issues with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is its convoluted storytelling. The film tries to tackle multiple narrative threads, including Strange’s personal journey, the exploration of the multiverse, and the resolution of Wanda Maximoff’s character arc. However, these elements feel disjointed and fail to come together in a cohesive manner. The plot twists and turns, often sacrificing clarity and emotional resonance for the sake of spectacle. As a result, the film becomes convoluted and overwhelming, leaving viewers struggling to fully engage with the story.
Despite the talent of the cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch’s strong portrayal of Doctor Strange, the characters in the film are underdeveloped. Wanda Maximoff, a key character in the story, receives limited screen time and lacks the depth necessary to fully explore her potential. Additionally, the new character of America Chavez feels underutilized, with her presence serving more as a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character. The lack of character development hampers the emotional impact of the film and prevents viewers from fully investing in the journey of the protagonists.
Visually, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness shines with its stunning and mind-bending visual effects. The film showcases intricate magical battles and breathtaking dimensions that push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Sam Raimi’s direction brings his signature style to the film, infusing it with a dark and eerie atmosphere. However, the impressive visuals can only carry the film so far, and they often feel like a distraction from the shortcomings of the narrative.
The film also suffers from missed opportunities. While the concept of the multiverse holds immense potential for exploration, it is not fully realized in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The exploration of different dimensions feels rushed and superficial, leaving viewers craving more depth and exploration. The film hints at intriguing possibilities but fails to fully capitalize on them, resulting in a missed chance to delve into the full richness of the multiverse concept.
In conclusion, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness receives a 2.5/5 rating due to its convoluted storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and missed opportunities. While the film showcases impressive visual effects and Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a solid performance, it falls short of its potential. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness struggles to find a cohesive narrative, leaving viewers confused and emotionally detached. With a more focused and tightly woven story, the film could have been a thrilling exploration of the mystical corners of the MCU. Unfortunately, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity in the ever-expanding Marvel universe.