Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
The movie title’s use of the word “Madness” describes the quality of film itself.
Marvel’s films are becoming increasingly repetitive. Characters are reused, as are the special effects. Unfortunately, despite some quality moments, these films dance on the edge of boredom long before they end. Yet they continue to make tons of money at the box office.
Benedict Cumberbatch reappears as Dr. Strange. Here, he is forced to help young America (Xochitl Gomez), a teenage girl who has the power to visit many universes. Lacking the knowledge to use her skill, she is pursued by various villains, including a giant octopus at the beginning of the film.
Other than Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange, the only meaningful character in the entire film is Elisabeth Olson, who plays the Scarlet Witch. Haunted by her alter ego who lives with her children in an alternate universe, she destroys anyone in her way to gain control of America. What made this film hard to absorb is that all of the characters lived separate lives in the many multiverses. This enabled Dr. Strange to call upon old Marvel heroes like Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) for assistance. Most of you will be left with the same feeling that I fought to suppress, “Been There, Done That!”
Fortunately, the movie gained some emotional power from the relationship of Dr. Strange and Christine (Rachel McAdams). Former lovers, the universe now forces Strange to watch her marriage to another man. Though still having passionate feelings for each other, they recognize that they must say goodbye.
They couldn’t save their relationship, but it did save the movie.
