SYNOPSIS:

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) is the cutting-edge new sequel to Doctor Strange (2016). The film, which takes place after Avengers: Endgame (2019), follows Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he travels the Multiverse along with America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). Throughout the film, the two work together, battling their internal and external demons, whilst running from the fan favorite, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen). 

THE GOOD:

The film, in a beautifully eerie fashion, pushes the boundaries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through its vulgar yet tasteful cinematography, the viewers watch the transformation of the film’s antagonist, Wanda Maximoff, as she becomes the Scarlet Witch. The way in which the film encapsulates her grief, as she denies the loss of her family and bargains with the evil forces in an attempt to get them back, leaves viewers rooting for her one second and hating her the next. The film, directed by Sam Raimi, gives us a whole new viewpoint of the MCU, mixing horror elements with the superheroes you know, and love gives us a fresh new taste of what the MCU could be and breaks the mold of Marvel superhero film criteria.

THE BAD:

As the film progresses, it becomes unbelievable at times, feeling like a total slaughter-fest in which Raimi portrays Wanda as a full-fledged horror character. At times it felt like the film was trying too hard to be scary. The over-kill (literally) of violent character deaths was too much and made it feel like it lacked that overall, Marvel quality that the other movies have. I found myself cringing at times when the deaths were over-the-top violent. They pushed it a bit too far over the PG-13 line. At times, this made the movie fun, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, while other times it just felt disgusting. 

THE MEH:

Overall, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was worth the watch. It's great for someone who loves suspense and doesn’t mind a bit of (mostly implied) gore. Despite its excessive gore, the film left me wanting more as it came to a close. While Marvel has had its better runs, I'll leave this one on my list of movies to watch on a rainy day.

4/5 Stars

★★★★☆