I really wanted to like DOCTOR STRANGE more than I did. Benedict Cumberbatch is just fine as the egocentric, narcissistic neurosurgeon who loses his ability to practice his profession. Rachel McAdams is solid as Strange’s former love interest (she’s also an ER doctor). And Tilda Swinton is a delightful casting choice as The Ancient One. My problem is with the Magic. Given that we’re in a world of magic and sorcery, you’d think that the CGI guys would come up with something cool. Instead, we get buildings folding themselves (a la Inception) and glowing magic shields. Not impressive. I think the MARVEL Special Effects team needs to watch the trailer to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to see how Magic should look like on the Big Screen. GRADE: B
Well, I wish I had read this before reserving tkts for tomorrow!
Patti, DOCTOR STRANGE might work its Magic on you and Phil.
On the other hand, MOONLIGHT was terrific although very sad.
Patti, we have MOONLIGHT on our list along with two other sad movies: ARRIVAL and MANCHESTER BY THE SEA.
Too bad. With Cumberbatch running around New York filming this, I was hoping it would be great. But a lot of times (most?) movies can’t live up to your anticipations. I’m looking forward to the Rowling movie.
Jeff, from the trailer to FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, the Magic in that movie is eye-popping. I found the Magic in DOCTOR STRANGE ho hum.
I’ll pass on this, for now at least. Will for sure see Fantastic Beasts.
Maggie, the trailer to FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM is terrific!
I’ll probably catch this at a $6 matinee. Going to see Hacksaw Ridge this weekend. It is getting very good reviews. Then The Handmaiden next weekend. Followed by The Arrival the following week.
Steve, we’ll probably see HACKSAW RIDGE at the $3 show on Tuesday. And we’re looking forward to Amy Adams in ARRIVAL, too.
Well, the trailer to Dr. Strange was terrific too. I think you grade too hard on this because FX didn’t come up to your expectations. I haven’t seen it yet, but it would be the plot I’d be grading.
Rick, the “training” part of DOCTOR STRANGE seemed interminable.
Ah, well that would only be justified if they plan to make a series out of it, I guess, but still, surely that’s not what the audience was looking for.
Rick, at the end of DOCTOR STRANGE’s credits there’s the statement: DOCTOR STRANGE WILL RETURN. I’m interpreting that to mean there will be a sequel.
I guess we go head to head tomorrow, eh? Both teams have problems, hard to say what will happen.
Rick, the Seahawks have the Monday Night Football game in the bag.
All the reviews I read were glowing!
Bob, I loved the cast of DOCTOR STRANGE. I just felt the Magic was disappointing.
Now that you can do anything on screen with CGI effects, we see who really has imagination and who’s just throwing stuff on the screen.
Dan, I was hoping for some cool CGI effects in DOCTOR STRANGE. But FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM looks much more impressive.