*Spoiler Warning

Space travel, science experiments, ancient Gods and even dark elves committed destroying the universe. It’s hard to imagine what more Marvel’s cinematic universe could delve into. The answer is magic. In Marvel’s newest studio triumph, Doctor Strange, they finally enter one of the most ambiguous and vast realms at their disposal and in doing so, greatly expand their universe.

Visually, the movie fully delivers. The special effects were so mesmerizing that it would be a waste not to watch the film in 3D. Throughout the movie, several characters have the ability to literally turn the world upside down and inside out with the wave of a hand. There is no weakness in the approach the directors took as the whole movie can be related to looking through a kaleidoscope.

The story of Doctor Strange is beautifully told through the cinematic lens and does not skip a beat when detailing the intensity of Stephen Stranges, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, training to become a powerful sorcerer. The directing was perfectly fine but did seem a bit rushed at certain points; such as the final battle being cut short with a rather anti climactic duel with a few henchmen, followed by a quick run in with the actual end all villain for Doctor Strange, Dormammu. Despite this, the story wraps up with plenty of room for both the character, and his story to grow.

Acting wise, Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the best talents in the industry. He has a certain proclivity for playing stubborn know-it-alls whose arrogance leads to their downfalls. In this case he goes from a hardheaded surgeon to an enlightened sorcerer. The supporting cast is adequate but lacks much feeling. I was not a fan of Tilda Swinton’s casting as the Ancient One. I understand that race and even gender don’t have to be the main factor of a character, but a middle aged white woman cast as a 500 year old Asian man is a bit of a stretch.

Ultimately Doctor Strange is another good addition to the Cinematic Universe that brings us closer to the end goal of Infinity War.