What I’m watching: a fun, but sometimes scary MCU movieDate: 5/17/2022 In theaters: “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”
Back in the early to mid-1960s, DC Comics were at a creative nadir. A device the writers used at that time was to have “imaginary” stories, such as Lois Lane being the superhero and Clark Kent the mere mortal.
These stories were designed to try to provoke interest from readers without actually changing anything. They were pretty silly, to say the least. It’s little wonder the Marvel comics of the same era, with more realistic emotions and backstories, took off as they did.
In a way this movie, which presents the now almost over-used idea of multiple universes existing side-by-side, provides the filmmakers with a device similar to the “imaginary” DC stories of more than 50 years ago. Things can happen in an alternative universe that shouldn’t affect the narrative in “our” universe.
I will admit that based on the trailers for the film, I wasn’t looking forward to the multiverse concept. It looked a tad confusing and just too easy a plot device.
Under the direction of Sam Raimi, though, the multiverse concept worked well for me. Some writers have indicated that this film is best for audiences if they are familiar with the first Dr. Strange film, as well as the “WandaVision” TV series and the last Spider-Man film. I did not see the TV series nor the newest Spider-Man film, but I still got through this film all right.
By the way, it’s not a good move to link a theatrical film directly to the plotline of a TV series. Years ago, the “X-Files” movie tried that approach, and it was not successful.
Xochitl Gomez plays America Chavez, a teenage girl from another universe who has the power to go from universe to universe but can’t control the ability. She is being pursued by the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), the former Avenger who is now using her magical powers as a witch to try to find the universe where the family she imagined in the TV series is a reality. Under the influence of an evil mystic book, the Scarlet Witch is obsessed and empowered to make her dream true. Needless to say, she wants Chavez’s power to more easily find that universe.
When Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is accidentally transported to another universe with Chavez, he understands he has to seek additional help to stop the Scarlet Witch.
By the way, the Scarlet Witch uses magic, which is organic to her. Strange is a sorcerer who had to learn his spells, etc. I learn something every time I go to the movies.
It is while the film is set in a different universe that we realize this is a much harder edge Marvel film. The Scarlet Witch kills people. She murders them in hideous fashion without remorse. Raimi certainly knows how to put across a horror shock on film, and these scenes are completely effective. They also push the boundaries of the PG-13 rating.
Hey, I love Raimi’s work in horror (“The Evil Dead” series), but I’ve also enjoyed his non-horror work such “The Quick and the Dead” and “A Simple Plan.” He is no stranger to comic book movies, as he directed the three Toby Maguire Spider-Man movies, as well.
He presents this sometimes-complicated story well and visually, the film is a stunner, which reflects the great original Dr. Strange comic book that was drawn and largely written by Steve Ditko.
The performances are solid. I like that Cumberbatch’s Strange is still just a little arrogant, by the end he has learned a new humility. Olsen probably turned in her best performance as the Scarlet Witch, as the screenplay gives her plenty to do. As always, Benedict Wong as Strange’s mentor Wong is both funny and grounds the story.
Some of the situations and imagery here really dances on the edge of the PG-13 rating, and I would not bring a younger child to the film.
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