Doctor Strange

THE GIST: Dr. Strange is a brilliant and arrogant neurosurgeon whose prestigious career is cut short by a car accident. Eager to regain the full use of his hands, no matter the cost, he travels to Katmandu, where a mysterious healer is rumored to reside. When they finally meet, The Ancient One is revealed to be a powerful sorceress of the mystic arts. She agrees to help Strange, but what he learns changes the course of his life forever.

After successfully adapting Ant-Man for the big screen, Marvel Studios decided to give another relatively minor character from their stables the cinematic treatment. This time, given that his powers come from magic, the stakes were higher to ensure that the end result wouldn't be laughed at or ridiculed.

Well, I'm happy to report that Marvel's magic touch worked again, because Doctor Strange is, in my view, just as cool as Iron Man or Captain America (maybe it's because I think magic is cool).

Benedict Cumberbatch, a very talented actor and a favorite of mine, is perfectly cast as the arrogant bastard who must come down a few notches only to discover a whole other dimension. Tilda Swinton is so perfect as The Ancient One, I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. Benedict Wong is a great sidekick and Mads Mikkelsen makes for a mean baddie. Finally, Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mordo hopefully will be back in the future as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Another great offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I'm looking forward to plenty more Strange adventures.

Grade: 8