SPOILERS!
Doctor Strange goes about protecting a mysterious teenage girl from his dreams who can travel across multiverses.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has more Sam Raimi directing touches than all the Sony Spider-Man films and keeps this from being another overlong MCU cookie cutter sequel.
Michael Waldron’s writing thankful gives the story some of its own legs, with the twist of having Wanda Maximoff become the main antagonist as the Scarlet Witch. There’s also the inclusion of a creepy effective setup of Strange dream-walking into the body of his deceased counterpart (the zombie version echoing the What If..? Series). This allows for inter horror soul demon shenanigans and visuals in the last act. The Multiverse of Madness allows for a fan characters to show up including an alternative Mr Fantastic, Captain Marvel, Captain Carter, Professor X to name a few. Waldron throws in a number of surprise deaths for good measure.
Danny Elfman’s music is fitting and lifts the film, even if some CGI effects especially in the space between the multiverse are little iffy. The action is well staged, Raimi delivers some genuine creepy, emotional and suspenseful moments.
Benedict Cumberbatch effortlessly returns as nonchalant Dr. Stephen Strange and seems to have has plenty of fun playing multiple versions of himself.
The cast are on point stars, Elizabeth Olsen shines playing multi versions of herself and an alternate personality. Supporting cast include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg. Rachel McAdams is memorable and along with Benedict Wong gets more to do. Likeable Gomez’ character is on the functional side for exposition, but does a great job. Patrick Stewart wonderfully has an extended cameo as Professor Charles Xavier. Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter / Captain Carter is notable, even if her screen time is limited. Bruce Campbell also cameos, offering a few chuckles. There’s a mid credit scene (which makes the surprise ending a little moot) with Charlize Theron as Clea; and Campbell pops back up in an after credit scene to try and milk one last laugh.
Overall, even with the usual trappings of the MCU Raimi delivers an entertaining humorous horror maternal drama. Refreshingly darker and a little different — recommended.
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