This new generation of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heroes carry a huge weight on their shoulders: continuing to save the universe that was previously protected by the Avengers. Soon after the premiere of “Avengers: Endgame”, the future of Marvel began to be disclosed with the beginning of phase four and the term “multiverse” began to appear in their productions. The series “WandaVision” and “Loki” introduce and develop the subject, while the animation “What If…?” leaves wide open the different realities about the biggest events of Marvel’s universe. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” keeps exploring the multiverse with the biggest fan service in movie history and, finally, it was indicated that the next step would be Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
With the release of the trailers, most of the public started to theorize: if everything that was delivered in No Way Home would be double in the Multiverse of Madness. And therein lies one of the biggest mistakes of the film.
DOES THE MOVIE LIVE UP TO ALL EXPECTATIONS?
I particularly enjoyed the movie – it’s not among my favorites, but I wouldn’t mind watching it again. However, I cannot deny that the film is far from reaching the hype of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” – or even surpassing it -, in addition to presenting some small problems which impact the development of the plot.
The main problem with the production, which has generated several complaints from the public, is the rushed script by Michael Waldron. In less than half an hour of the film we have: the introduction of the multiverse, the arc and variants of Doctor Strange, Wanda, and a big twist. Even Scarlet Witch’s story was presented too quickly, making her a villain without any development – something that fans expected after the “WandaVision” series – and forgetting to reinforce Wanda’s dramatic and tragic past, making her almost a Mexican soap opera villain.
The concept of “multiverse” was also incomplete as it would be complex for Marvel to develop into a very dense subject and full of small details, in just two hours. In other words, the subtitle ends up being insufficient and they give the public a more superficial view of the subject with some special participation to welcome the orphans of “No Way Home”.
WHERE DOES IT HIT?
The performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen, for sure, are the best things about the movie – even with more mistakes than successes. Their choice as Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch was right, it’s no wonder that he has an Oscar nomination this year for “The Power of the Dog” and she had a nomination in the previous edition of the Emmy for playing her Marvel character in “WandaVision”. Young actress Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez and Benedict Wong, returning in his role as Wong, round out this cast.
It is worth mentioning the special appearances of Patrick Stewart as Professor Xavier; John Krasinski as Mister Fantastic; Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter; Lashana Lynch as the new version of Captain Marvel; Anson Mount as Black Lightning; and Charlize Theron as Clea, The Sorceress Supreme. For sure is the participation that no one expected, but that we needed. The appearances may not be all that fans were hoping for, but they solidify the movie’s cast.
The freedom given to Sam Raimi (the “Spider-Man” trilogy with Tobey Maguire) contributed to the construction of a darker and, at the same time, the frenetic atmosphere both in terms of the pace of development of the story and in technical aspects, ranging from photography to special effects. Known for horror, the director manages to work with his personality and introduces the genre into a universe famous for being the opposite. This highlights the movie concerning the others already made by Marvel since it is not common for the studio to present in its productions scares shocking deaths with visual appeal and tensions that come to bother the viewer. The movie ends up revitalizing the company, as it presents something completely different from what it proposes.
In the end, “Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness” is an extraordinary film to watch without expectations of dozens of cameos or to be 100% faithful to the subtitle. Go to the movies with the awareness that this is the second Doctor Strange film, directed by the incredible Sam Raimi and with strong performances. For there is no real multiverse, much less madness. This is only a cinematic introduction to the future of Marvel in their forward productions.
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The article above was edited by Lorena Lindenberg. Liked this type of content? Check out Her Campus Cásper Líbero for more!