Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) - Movie Review

 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - A Messy, Strange, and Entertaining Sequel

Rating - 6/10

"Things just got out of hand."

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the more divisive entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and after watching it, I understand why. On the surface, it has all the makings of a major event film. You have Benedict Cumberbatch returning as Doctor Strange, Elizabeth Olsen stepping fully into the Scarlet Witch role, a multiverse concept that should feel limitless, and Sam Raimi in the director’s chair bringing his unique blend of horror and comic book flair. There are great pieces scattered throughout, but the end result is a messy ride that does not live up to its potential.

    Let’s start with the positives. Elizabeth Olsen absolutely shines here. Her performance is intense, emotional, and layered, making Wanda the strongest part of this movie by far. She manages to elevate material that could have easily fallen flat, and whenever she is on screen, the movie feels alive. Raimi’s horror influences also work really well, giving the film a darker and more creative tone than most Marvel projects. The action and special effects have their moments too, and it is fun to see Strange’s magic play out in inventive ways — although that bizarre third eye effect at the end feels out of place and unintentionally goofy.

    But the film falls short in several key areas. For a story built around the multiverse, it does not actually explore it in a meaningful way. The cameos that are meant to surprise fans are fine on paper, but they feel wasted in execution, quickly undercut and forgotten. The plot itself is scattered, never finding a rhythm, and at times it feels like it is trying to do too much without fully committing to any one idea. Some of the character decisions are controversial, leaving fans split on whether they worked or not.

    That is what makes Multiverse of Madness so frustrating. The potential here is enormous. Marvel had the chance to really dive into wild, creative, universe-bending storytelling, but instead it often plays it safe while only teasing the possibilities. The movie is fun in bursts, but it never comes together into something cohesive.

    Still, there are moments that stand out. Raimi’s style seeps through in the creepy imagery, unsettling camera work, and twisted sequences that feel straight out of his horror roots. Those touches give the film personality and make it stand apart from other MCU entries, even if the story cannot match the ambition.

    In the end, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is entertaining but uneven. It has flashes of brilliance and some strong performances, yet it gets weighed down by wasted opportunities and a messy narrative. It is a film that is fun to watch but easy to pick apart afterward.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Civil War (2024) - Movie Review

Image
Civil War - Another Gripping Alex Garland Film Rating - 7/10 “They’re not the good guys. We’re not the bad guys. We’re just trying to tell the story.”      Civil War is a gripping and unsettling film that imagines an America torn apart, not through some far fetched science fiction lens, but through the eyes of those trying to make sense of it, journalists on the frontlines. Directed by Alex Garland, this film does not hold your hand or over explain its world. Instead, it drops you into chaos and asks you to observe, to feel, and to interpret what you see. It is intense, grounded, and deeply uncomfortable in the best way possible.      The cast delivers sharp and believable performances that make the story feel almost too real. Kirsten Dunst gives one of her most grounded portrayals, showing both weariness and courage as a photojournalist who has seen too much. Her quiet strength contrasts beautifully with the reckless energy of her younger colleague, pla...
Read more

Drive-Away Dolls (2024) - Movie Review

Image
 Drive-Away Dolls - An Ethan Coen Miss Rating - 5/10 "Some trips just do not go the way you think they will."      Drive-Away Dolls tries to mix crime, comedy, and a road trip adventure, but it ends up feeling uneven and a little hollow. It has moments of charm, yet the story never fully delivers the excitement or emotional pull that it promises.      The plot follows two best friends, Jamie and Marian, who hit the road for a fresh start. What begins as a simple drive quickly turns chaotic when they cross paths with criminals and get tangled up in a mess they never asked for. The film plays with quirky humor and offbeat characters, but it struggles to keep a consistent tone from scene to scene.      The performances are solid. Margaret Qualley brings a playful energy with an accent you'll either love or hate, and Geraldine Viswanathan adds heart and relatability. There are fun moments of dialogue and flashes of clever writing, but they...
Read more

Tenet (2020) - Movie Review

Image
Tenet - Nolan is Getting a Little Too Confusing Rating - 7/10 “Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.”      Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is an ambitious and cerebral spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what a blockbuster can be. It is bold, stylish, and brimming with confidence, as Nolan once again dives into the complexities of time and perception. From the first gunshot that moves backward through glass to the film’s explosive final act, Tenet demands your full attention and never lets up.      The concept of time inversion is both fascinating and overwhelming. Nolan constructs a puzzle that feels like it is folding in on itself, and while the science might not always add up, the sheer audacity of it is thrilling to watch. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, from the choreography of reversed fight sequences to the massive set pieces that blur the line between forward and backward motion. Visually, the film is stunning, and the practical effects and...
Read more