3.8 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Marking the return of legendary director Sam Raimi to the the big screen, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness if anything, firmly stamps and accomplishes the fact, that a director can certainly oppose and inflict their very own, distinct stylistic influence into Marvel based projects. Acting as the sequel to Benedict Cumberbatch's first role as superhero Dr Steven Strange, his return comes subsequently six years after it's initially release, as since he's gone to appear in other Marvel projects. Most potently Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Endgame and of late, Spider-Man No Way Home.

From the vast Marvel projects, this subsequently marks the 28th production distributed and produced by Marvel Studios and although many previous have become a hallmark to such criticism surrounding director influence. If anything this latest iteration however offers a respective take on what Marvel films can choose to depict and achieve, as such choices feel much more natural rather than particular exceptions. Although such filmmakers like James Gunn, Taika Waititi and Chloe Zhao have all offered us there very own, distinctive take on Marvel projects, something feels consequently fresh and invigorating about this particular take. With Sam Raimi's respective and intricate style evident throughout, such a style becomes the major and most influential factor to it's watchability. Although such potent filmography will leave you deserted when finding someone who critique's the film because it was boring, it's not enough to overshadow some of it's crowding issues.

With Dr Strange at it's strongest whenever in such moments, director Sam Raimi has full creative control, allowing for a more dictated style in which he can fully exercise such an eerie and sinister threshold. For such fans an all to familiar, yet welcomed vibe will return, displaying the masterful directors true capabilities, as such sequences feel very reminiscent of previous horror endeavors. Although I wouldn't go as far, to call this iteration a horror film, there are particular moments that you can't help but admire and feel completely mesmerized by. As such stylistic decisions reap thorough rewards as a shift in tone consistently feels equally shocking as it does invigorating, significantly contributing to its terrifying threat even further. For many such a tone will feel somewhat invigorating and a welcomed shift to what previous Marvel endeavours have offered us thus far, as such elements became a hallmark to Raimi's influential style. While such the inclusion of Maximoff as the villain, finely connects and builds upon the intricate and intiquing dynamic established in WandaVision, as it expertly refines the stakes for her character, as well as cementing new morals which elevate an already familiar narrative further. With Raimi's distinctive direction casting an entertaining yet compelling style, which extends beyond such character and narrative norms.

Although it's justifiable to regard this such iteration as one of the most visionary and identifiable yet, such a hallmark won't overshadow such conflicting issues. With such problems arising whenever Raimi begins to lose such potent creative influence, as this becomes gradually more apparent as it's intricate plot and structure develops. While such issues personally have continued to feel most potent since leaving the cinema, as such issues

surrounding it's convoluted plot overshadow most elements I found intriguing. Most noteworthy of all seems to be the abundance or lack of story development for particular characters, as Strange himself gets a lack of meaningful and impactful change. Whereas the inclusion of Multiverse traveller America Chavez feels completely rushed, as her story lacked some truly gritty and meaningful backstory. For a character with such potent and influential powers, little was discovered or forged when in contrast to other Marvel protagonists. As Gomez' felt reduced to a role made for exposition, as we were left earning for more comprehensive and detailed consistency. With this becoming a rather potent hallmark throughout a lot of Phase Fours work, which is an issue elevated even further when understanding the critical role America Chavez has to play. While with a runtime of just over Two hours, such a setup you feel could of been elevated and developed further, if given some thoughtful time. As such an outlet feels justifiably wasted when in comparison to her roles in future Marvel projects, as such potent abilities become hard to ignore. Although it will be an welcomed inclusion to see her eventually appear again, such a lack of meaningful backstory will feel equally wasted, if such a decision was made so that Marvel can reap the rewards through yet another film or television show. As sometimes personally you can't help but feel frustrated when Marvel continues to leave plots open-ended, instead of offering us some deserved conclusion. As over time you can't help but no longer ignore the fact that the film is made up loose plot threads, all apparent to other projects, with this evident throughout when in comparison with WandaVision and the Multiverse in general. As Chavez's characterization seemingly just lacked any true meaning or compelling action, although the snippet into her past was pleasing. She lacks some deeper more grounded backsight, leaving audiences with little to truly or deeply care about. As her safety and overall journey felt little too pleasing or fulfilling. If anything her presence can slightly disrupt and dilute the characterization of those around her, whilst simultaneously shifting the focus away from what could of been a much enthralling and compelling experience. Such a lack of meaningful insight, severely halts and disrupts her character, while leaving audiences with little to truly care about.

As it's problems therefore later are only ever enhanced due to the fact that Dr Strange himself lacks some truly meaningful and insightful development, with his role sidelined slightly for the exceptional inclusion of Wanda. The presence of Elizabeth Olsen throughout the film becomes rather the statement and hallmark of it's masterful qualities as it elegantly evolves into such palpable and heartbreaking grief. Which feels complementary and expertly crafted when it comes to combining such potent emotions. The film brilliantly depicts such raw sensibilities that feel rather grounding for a film of it's size, as we see the truly meaningful change of her character. As she gradually and painfully comes to terms with the realisation of her past, a task most often related to her character. Whereas Cumberbatch himself felt more of age in Spider-Man No Way Home, with his personality feeling slightly more diluted when in direct comparison. As so often most things seem to be happening around him, which can often make it slightly harder for audience's to feel such emotional turmoil or conflicting passion. Whereas it can therefore sometimes make it harder for Strange to have such an impact, however through Cumberbatch's somewhat trademark acting abilities, he still is able to depict a truly compelling and contrasting performance. Whilst the performances of Rachel Adams and Benedict Wong continue to add yet another compelling and intricate layer into the films conflicted narrative, as Strange must overcome both physical and mental turmoil. Which seemingly is only ever enhanced once in the Multiverse.

Otherwise it's at times common dialogue, by screenwriter Michael Waldron can exhibit and restrain from the narrative truly taking shape. As if it's true compelling focus and capabilities are exhibited and diluted slightly. Though such a tighter written script would definitely be welcomed upon it's next outing, it's characterization can never truly reap such rewards. While at such moments even the stellar acting abilities of Olsen and Cumberbatch alike can't even comprehend or let alone make these line works. Standing as the most potent reason for a possible future rethink. Whereas the Multiverse element has really more transitioned from a once playful and insightful concept into something much more rather confusing and joyless than it first appeared. With it serving much more as an opportunity for Marvel to include some much intriguing cameos, than offering us some much structured future storyline. All fans can hope for is such a method which will eventually fall into place, as a much clearer, linear narrative becomes apparent. Although travelling and getting an riveting look into the vast capabilities of the multiverse was above all exciting, it can never be seen contributing or impacting the story, in the grand scheme of things. As instead such cameos ultimately offer some hollow fan-service moments that serve as future setups into what next might lie in store. Which like other key elements feels a much bigger waste, as such moments can feel and reduce such otherwise dramatic and potent impacts, in other single, consistent realities.

While although the slight convoluted structure, is often an imperfect one, it's signature and compelling style works wonders and arguably is the films most potent feature. Whilst still it's seemingly exemplary acting leaves us feeling both equally fulfilled and earning for more, which often can be a difficult feat to achieve. As beyond it's matted structure, Raimi achieves a seemingly unparalleled tone which shifts beyond reckoning, to what many previously would of expected. While at times it feels truly breathtaking and rather still befitting to the Dr Strange franchise, as such a tone is only ever carried and enhanced by those around. With it being an particular element fans alike will be keen to see more of, as it gradually evolves. While unlike other moves such as Black Panther and Shang Chi, that functioned as much deeper routed character introductions, this lighter self-contained entity requires a whole host of prior encyclopedic knowledge. If fans are to ever truly understand and see past and into the films much deeper narrative routes, with such an level of commitment often demanded. As the multiverse of madness brings audiences much closer to some compelling realities often never deeply explored by Marvel, while it's story seemingly never reaps it's true rewards. While on the contrary I was overall left rather vastly pleased and fulfilled by the range of elements this latest iteration into the Marvel franchise had to offer. With it exploring and serving as a pathway into some of the genre's darker and crueler instincts, making for one of the most innovative and imaginative watches to date. As although still for some it's undeveloped plots and characterization, director Sam Raimi's direction is beautifully and often poetically executed beyond expectation. With his seemingly masterful creative control at the very forefront of the films creative process. 3.5/5 Stars