Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the latest highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doctor Strange returns to save the multiverse in Multiverse of Madness
Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Doctor Stephen Strange to save the multiverse from destruction and chaos. Xochitl Gomez is introduced as the young, universe-hopping hero America Chavez, and Elizabeth Olsen returns as the tragic character of Wanda Maximoff. Written by Loki writer Michael Waldron and directed by the legendary Sam Raimi, Multiverse of Madness is unlike any other MCU project to date. The story takes place directly after Spider-Man: No Way Home and serves as a sequel to Doctor Strange (2016). After the “snap,” “blip,” time travel shenanigans, pocket dimensions, and magic spells, everything seems to finally be caving in around our heroes. The Multiverse is in some serious trouble.
The goriest, bloodiest, and most terrifying installment in the MCU
This film is the goriest, bloodiest, and most terrifying installment in the MCU so far. Given Sam Raimi’s body of work, I wasn’t surprised when I felt like I was in the middle of a horror movie. There were more than a few jump-scares and scenes that made me audibly gasp and turn away. The extent to which the film pushed its PG-13 rating was shocking. They went there. I appreciated the commitment to switching up the pre-existing formula that persisted within the MCU. This film was different from its predecessors, and it rolled with it.
Promising new additions and wonderful performances
Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez is a promising new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her interactions with Doctor Strange are genuinely heartwarming. Strange also continues to show his softer, more vulnerable side in the presence of his friends and acquaintances. Cumberbatch also impresses the audience by portraying variations of Doctor Strange in varying stages of their journeys. Wanda, on the other hand, is unhinged, having been corrupted by The Darkhold and her identity as The Scarlet Witch. After her phenomenal performance in WandaVision, I was excited to watch Elizabeth Olsen take Wanda/The Scarlet Witch to the next level. Without giving too much away, she delivered.
The pacing was a bit off, and the writing had a habit of being on the nose. Certain scenes went on for a few minutes too long or ran a few minutes too short. Certain music queues and choices felt out of place. However, I was entertained and had a good laugh throughout the film.
Needed more “madness”
I would have loved to see more madness in the Multiverse of Madness. I was surprised to find that there were fewer multiversal conflicts to deal with than I had originally thought going into this film. The story ended up being more contained. The teasers and trailers gave away many of the harder-hitting moments, cameos, and reveals. I wish the film did more to tie in previous installments of the MCU such as Loki. I genuinely expected more twists, surprises, and consequences stemming from the reality-bending mistakes in prior films and series.
A different direction for the MCU
The costumes, atmosphere, and set pieces were incredible. Every character stood out visually and I was immersed in this colorful, scary, and beautiful universe. This movie was by far the most visually daring in the MCU. They weren’t afraid to get downright disturbing and it was refreshing.
Overall, the film was tonally and structurally different from previous Marvel projects. It was a turn in a different yet interesting direction. I can’t wait to see more of what these characters and universes have to offer.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6th. You don’t want to miss it!
