After seeing early reviews suggesting that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness leans more into Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff’s stories than a sprawling multiverse exploration, my expectations adjusted accordingly. This shift in perspective allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the film, though it’s impossible to ignore the slightly misleading title. Yes, the movie is called Multiverse of Madness, and naturally, audiences anticipate a deep dive into the multiverse. While the multiverse is central to the plot and there is indeed madness, it’s not quite the multiverse spectacle some might expect. The title, Multiverse of Madness, proves to be a double-edged sword, influencing audience reactions in diverse ways.
First impressions are crucial, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness immediately distinguishes itself as one of the most visually unique entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This distinct aesthetic is undeniably thanks to Sam Raimi’s directorial influence, injecting horror and unsettling elements into the superhero narrative. This stylistic departure was a welcome and thrilling aspect of the movie for many viewers.
Regarding the film’s runtime, the debate around its two-hour duration is understandable. Some argue that two hours is standard, particularly for Sam Raimi films, while others, myself included, anticipated a longer runtime given the multiverse theme. A two-hour runtime for a multiverse movie felt potentially insufficient. Post-viewing, it’s clear the film could have benefited from an additional 20 minutes. The pacing feels uneven, lingering in certain scenes while rushing through others that deserved more development, especially the conclusion. This pacing issue points to potential writing constraints. The film, at times, feels less like a complete movie and more like an episode setting up future installments, though it remains entertaining and engaging.
Considering Marvel’s recent release, Spider-Man: No Way Home, clocked in at a substantial 2 hours and 28 minutes, and the immense success of longer MCU films like Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the decision to keep Multiverse of Madness relatively short is puzzling. Why were scenes cut, or why wasn’t more time dedicated to crucial plot points? Could the script be the limiting factor? Perhaps investing in more seasoned writers or writing teams, like Markus and McFeely who contributed to several well-received MCU movies, could address these narrative pacing issues in future projects. As the MCU delves deeper into multiverse storylines, a greater emphasis on creative writing and script development is essential.
The prospect of a director’s cut or even a Scott Derrickson version, continuing from the first Doctor Strange film rather than primarily focusing on WandaVision’s aftermath (a common critique), is intriguing but unlikely. Similar to Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man scenario, such alternative versions often remain unrealized. If given creative control, allowing directors to fully realize their visions within a separate MCU branch could be an exciting direction. Imagine Edgar Wright’s take on an Ant-Man multiverse story, perhaps titled What If… Ant-Man? The multiverse offers the perfect canvas for such creative exploration. While filmmaking is undoubtedly complex and expensive, empowering directors and prioritizing strong writing could lead to even greater critical and commercial success, mirroring the acclaim of films like Everything Everywhere All at Once.
For those concerned about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness becoming overloaded with cameos and fan service, rest assured that the cameos are well-integrated and serve the narrative effectively. They are impactful without being gratuitous. Furthermore, the film features some surprisingly brutal scenes, pushing the boundaries of the PG-13 rating. One particular scene is remarkably intense, bordering on R-rated territory, and comparable to the level of violence seen in The Boys Season 3. This unexpected brutality adds a unique edge to the MCU film.
Danny Elfman’s score is a fitting accompaniment to the movie, capturing the gothic and eerie atmosphere effectively. A specific battle sequence is a standout moment of audio-visual synergy. However, the absence of Michael Giacchino’s iconic Doctor Strange theme is a noticeable disappointment. While Elfman’s score is commendable, incorporating Giacchino’s theme more prominently could have enhanced the film’s connection to the original Doctor Strange.
Visually, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is largely impressive, though some CGI elements appear less polished, continuing a trend of inconsistent CGI quality in recent MCU projects, both in films and television series. While the visuals are often stunning and imaginative, the reality-bending sequences, a hallmark of the first Doctor Strange and Spider-Man: No Way Home, are less prominent here. Expanding on these reality-bending visuals could have further amplified the “madness” aspect of the multiverse.
Sam Raimi’s direction is a clear highlight, with his distinctive style permeating the film. It’s evident that Marvel is becoming more receptive to allowing directors creative freedom, although it’s unlikely Raimi was given complete autonomy. Nevertheless, his influence is apparent and enhances the movie. Raimi excels in crafting creepy, horror-infused sequences and jump scares, shifting the film’s focus slightly from traditional wizardry to witchcraft. This genre diversification is refreshing and steers the MCU away from its action-comedy formula, offering a welcome change of pace.
The film also benefits from effective color grading, making the environments vibrant and visually rich, a departure from the sometimes bland visual palettes of other Marvel movies.
The acting performances are consistently strong across the board. Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch takes center stage, which has sparked some debate. While the film is titled Doctor Strange, Wanda’s prominent role is arguably similar to Thanos’s central role in Avengers: Infinity War or the Joker’s in The Dark Knight. Doctor Strange’s screen time and impactful moments are comparable to his appearances in previous ensemble films, dispelling concerns about his diminished presence.
Introducing America Chavez, portrayed by Xochitl Gomez, is a significant and positive addition to the MCU. Gomez delivers a commendable performance in her debut.
Some critics have noted that Christine Palmer, played by Rachel McAdams, is again underutilized. While valid, given the film’s pacing constraints, her role is adequately handled within the narrative. Perhaps a longer runtime could have allowed for more in-depth character development for Palmer and others.
A delightful cameo from Bruce Campbell, a Sam Raimi regular, as Ashley Williams, is a fun addition for fans of Raimi’s work.
Comparisons to the first Doctor Strange film are inevitable, and some viewers may prefer the original. While the pacing in the first film might be considered tighter and Stephen Strange’s character arc well-defined, the villain in the original was less compelling. Multiverse of Madness presents a more compelling villain with stronger motivations, benefiting from the character development established in prior MCU films and series.
In conclusion, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may not fully align with all multiverse expectations. It’s crucial to manage expectations going in. The performances are excellent, Raimi’s direction and visual style are distinctive, and the cinematography is well-executed. The score is effective, albeit lacking in the iconic Doctor Strange theme. The villain is well-developed, and the visuals are generally strong, although more reality-bending sequences would have been welcome. The horror elements provide a fresh and unique flavor to the MCU. However, the film feels somewhat rushed, with pacing issues and a need for more screen time. Additionally, some unresolved plot threads from the first Doctor Strange are not addressed, and the film functions more as a WandaVision continuation than a direct Doctor Strange sequel. Therefore, criticisms regarding the film being more Wanda-centric than Doctor Strange-centric are understandable.
While my initial reaction leaned towards an 8/10, upon reflection and a second viewing, acknowledging its flaws, a more balanced rating is a 7/10. Despite its imperfections, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness remains a worthwhile and unique entry in the MCU.
