Except for a thin plot, "Dr. Strange" is a fun movie, a fitting entry into the Marvel Universe. Dr. Stephen Strange is not the most distinctive of the Marvel characters, but thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch, he might be the most entertaining (Robert Downey Jr.'s Ironman not withstanding). When we meet him, Dr. Strange is a neurosurgeon, the best in his humble opinion, which makes him insufferable to his colleagues and his ex-girlfriend, fellow surgeon Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams). Then he drives his car off a cliff, disintegrating the bones in his hands. When surgical options prove fruitless, he seeks alternative methods, ending up under the tutelage of a Nepal-based bald woman of indeterminate origin called the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Strange must accept that his former sense of mastery was an illusion, that there are infinite number of universes and that the spirit can exist apart from the body in a timeless and immaterial realm. He also finds himself fighting the Ancient One's former protege Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelson), who seeks, of course, to destroy the world.
The CGI is impressive, as it takes the notion that the physical world is a reflection in a mirror and that mirror can be shattered and reassembled and shattered again, or compressed like an accordion or expanded so that buildings become giant structures that fold in on themselves. The always effective Chiwetel Ejiofor is the Ancient One's second-in-command, Mordo. (A post-credits teaser suggests that he'll have a bigger role in the next installment.) Although what Mikkelson says is mostly gobbledegook, he makes a good villain and his look is inspired. His eyes seem to have been gouged out and replaced with shards of glass. And Cumberbatch makes a perfect Dr. Strange with his secret weapon, a cape with a will of its own. I'm looking forward to a "Dr. Strange" sequel.
Note: There are two post-credit teasers. Be sure to catch them both.
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