Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Firstly, and foremost, this was undeniably a Sam Raimi film. All of Raimi's signature style and directorial flair were in full force, and that led to a MCU film that was surprisingly unique. No straight up horror, but a fantastical mix up of B-grade horror, some unexpected camp, un-quippy humour, and some very, very cool visuals. Benedict Cumberbatch has grown comfortably into his role as one of the elder statesman of the MCU and Elizabeth Olsen continues to shine as her character evolved and deepened. Although for Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch, her story here was ostensibly a continuation of her arc on WandaVision, and for fans, the payoff was worth it. 

As was for those who watched What If...?

Secondly, this was also a suprisingly short film, at just 126 minutes, this film had a straightforward narrative, and a tight and tidy storytelling. But also consequentially, there was not enough time to allow the emotional arcs for both Stephen and Wanda to develop fully. And without spoiling the film, the latter's arc really was the emotional driving force of the whole film, and although Olsen and Raimi managed to succinctly tell her story, and gave it a satisfying - albeit, predictable - ending, unlike WandaVision, there was just not enough time to allow the catharsis to sink in. 

In other words, no classic line equivalent to "But what is grief, if not love persevering".

Most fans may have been spoilt by Spider-Man: No Way Home which was only so beloved because it was pandering to the fans. From start to the end, that film was utterly almost all fan service. But the MCU has never really been about that, and Doctor Strange just reminded us of that again, i.e. that the MCU (and Kevin Feige) is here to tell a bigger story. Although the crash back to ground from that stratospheric reality can discombobulate most viewers, both fans and casual alike. 

However, Raimi's direction and Michael Waldron's screenplay (last of Loki) reminded us that what the MCU excelled in was using each film to tell a specific story but in a new visual style. In this case, what we have was essentially a story about letting go told in a B-grade, horror-drama style. It was about Strange letting go of Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams - getting a bit more to do here than just a pretty face) and Wanda letting go of her grief that was all-consuming her (WandaVision continuation here).

Benedict Wong continued to be a great supporting actor and addition to (almost) every MCU film. And that 2nd act revelation - priceless! Everybody there! Speechless (and lots of whooping)! Xochitl Gomez as new introduction America Chavez (aka Miss America) was a refreshing breath of youthful energy and spunk - a bit like Peter Parker to Cumberbatch's older, grouchier, Doctor Strange.

Like all MCU films, the cinematography, this time by John Mathieson, remained good but not spectacular. But at least this time, paired with Raimi, there were many stunning visuals. Seriously, that one black and white, wide-angle shot - gorgeously shot, proportioned and framed. The score was by Danny Elfman, and there were some inventive use of music. Although highlights were actually refrains of some scores from movies past. 

Of course, stay for both a mid-credit and post-credit scene. The latter was a very Raimi-esque wink, while the former definitely laid the scene for Doctor Strange 3.

In all, Doctor Strange was a very enjoyable watch with some very cool scenes and moments. A rather mature storytelling that had been simplified for mass consumption, and perhaps not as fun as the best of MCU films, but, otherwise, safely in the top half of the MCU canon.