"Doctor Strange" movie review: Strangely Unsatisfying

"I will follow this path no more," Chietel Ejiofor's character said on the last quarter of the film.

Adapted from the original Marvel comic superhero of the same name, this prologue film satisfies the craving of comic book enthusiasts to see live action, high definition versions of superheroes.

Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson

It promises exactly that; cinematic effects worthy of a story rich in arcane study and a knowledge of what is beyond reality. But the action-packed sorcery only compensated for the lack of logic in this film, though arguably the plot itself was naturally illogical.

Doctor Strange is depicted as a genius neurosurgeon who is rude, sarcastic, and arrogant throughout the film. It is bothering though that there is a lack of motivation and perhaps a boring transition from human, to less human, to superhuman.

There wasn't much growth coming from his character. As a human, there was no justifiable background laid to perfect his image. It was a linear path of being an arrogant neurosurgeon who succumbed to his pride, yet not exposing the reality of his success.

When he felt like he was less than a human after losing his hands to an idiotic accident, there was a shift in how his character moved and that's a great thing. He was in shock and as a doctor, he'd search for possible ways to get his perfect motor skills back and return to being the neurosurgeon he was.

But then he comes to Nepal after exhausting all medical research possible for spiritual guidance yet ironically rejects the idea of magic and the multiverse. Then as the Ancient One takes him to see the kaleidoscopic universe, he attaches the disillusionment to some pill over the tea.

Another problem amidst the film is his insistence on addressing him as "Doctor Strange" instead of master or whatnot. Really, they had not crystallized the reason for that other than a short line about doctors and their struggles to get to where they are. Extremely lacking in coherence.

The main conflict here is the coming of the Dark Realm. But it was not properly established how he came to realize the need for him to choose to defend the world instead of just healing his hands, or how his interest over the tomes of magic spurted. Or how he trained himself to perfect astral projection.

It was just the director spewing out a barrage of whipping magic after the other. Thank the Gods for Benedict's excellent portrayal.

Moreoever, it was not expounded how Karl Modo chose to follow Doctor Strange and let him in their circle and for the Ancient One to instantly show him the multiverse less than five minutes of entering their hood. It really is a disadvantage despite knowing you have a rogue student mage on the loose.

There even came a point where Rachel McAdams served only for the comfort of the character and added comic relief. Her reaction to Strange's powers were vague and insensible and would make you think that she is also ele(mental).

Plus, he should not even be inside the operating room (happened when the Ancient One was fatally wounded) as it is determined that he cannot continue his medical practice. Talk about skipping the logic of his months in therapy and remorse. I believe that he should be considered a civilian if he is stripped of his medical license or lost his privilege to operate on patients.

To wrap things up, the film somehow lost maturity and the seriousness it deserves. The conflict was not enough to provide for a breathtaking climax, and the resolution was nothing but a leeway for the films to come.

Let's make comics mainstream, but not as worse as what mainstream is.

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