In a much-awaited sequel to the 2016 movie, Marvel Studios brings us the culmination of some stories and undoubtedly, the darker side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes us to a crazy fun ride helmed by none other than Sam Raimi and I got nothing but great things to say about it!
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Doctor Strange 2 is MCU’s First Horror Movie
Multiverse of Madness is the first horror-themed Marvel movie. And who else can bring it best than Sam Raimi himself! Raimi worked on some of my all-time favorite horror movies such as Evil Dead and Army of Darkness! Raimi is not a stranger to Marvel either as he worked on the first three Spider-Man movies! Raimi brings his signature flair in the movie and that makes Multiverse of Madness a perfect way to cap off some stories while at the same time, start new ones. But not to spoil any plot points, I am gonna let you see it for yourself.
At the end of the day, Multiverse of Madness is STILL a Doctor Strange sequel so it is just right for the story to have him at the very core. Yes, this is despite the overarching multiverse narratives the movie promises.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: A Basket of Easter Eggs and Surprises
With that being said, you can be rest assured that the movie did not end up becoming a hotpot of random Easter Eggs and surprises. While it did deliver on some surprising and jaw-dropping cameos, the movie did not dwell on them for too long, long enough to grab focus from the main plot. (Hold your breath. I screamed and clapped multiple times!)
At this point, WandaVision, the Original Disney+ series should be a must-watch prior to watching the movie. Wanda fully-embraced her true persona as the Scarlet Witch in the limited series. Jumping into the movie without prior knowledge could be an issue for some, especially with understanding her motivations. However, the movie was written in such a way that it would provide some sort of a backstory to the unfamiliar. The clash of motives caused the rift between her and Doctor Strange.
Elizabeth Olsen is at her A-game in the movie. She gave a performance so strong that it had me forgetting multiple times that it is a movie about Doctor Strange and not about her! And that is not me saying that Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance is subpar. It’s just that Olsen is INCREDIBLE as Scarlet Witch!
The movie could have had an overwhelming narrative but it was paced beautifully and the characters were provided enough time to be discovered. Similar to the first movie, the spectacle is nothing but astounding. And yes, while Multiverse serves as the conclusion to the Scarlet Witch saga, but it also serves as the beginning for the darker side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney Philippines and SM Cinema invited me to the exclusive advance screening of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness at the newly-reopened IMAX cinema in SM Megamall and yes, you should experience the movie to the fullest. It is exclusively released in 3D in IMAX theatres ar SM Cinema.
