Doctor Strange

     Without a doubt the most unique and different storyline from Marvel. Unlike super soldier serums, tech suits, or natural born godlike abilities, Doctor Strange explores the use of ancient mysticism. Using and connecting ones mind and body to create, in a sense, magic which includes insurmountable forces of energy, teleportation between worlds and alternate dimensions, use of mystical objects, spells and incantations, the three great Sanctums and the protection of one green stone. 

      Yeah...for lack of a better description, it's a strange concept. However, as the movie continues you really begin to see that these abilities can be found in anyone. The use and discipline of the mind can do incredible things if properly taught. The world of Doctor Strange is split into multiple dimensions and all are accessible through the magical abilities of the sorcerers' supreme. This power is not without its extremely dark and dangerous side. All who study this incredible magic may be consumed by its all intriguing power. Very few ever really rise to the challenge of stopping the ones who abuse the power they have been given.

     When renown, but arrogant neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephan Strange, loses the use his hands in a car accident, he stops at nothing to find a cure. He goes through numerous treatments and surgeries, but the results are never what he expects. Stephan needs his hands; without them then what good is his life as a surgeon? He has one final hope when he hears about a former soldier who was so badly wounded that the doctors told him he would never walk again. This soldier went to Kathmandu, Nepal for soul searching and came back completely cured.

     Desperate to know what this cure is, Stephan heads to Kathmandu looking for a mystic simply known as 'the Ancient One.' There he finds a woman gifted with great kindness and wisdom, but also powerful and elusive. The Ancient One runs the humble compound of Kamar-Taj that houses and trains all who are looking for a life beyond themselves and the world they knew.  By using the powerful forces of mysticism a person can create and manipulate forces from both mind and body. While training in martial arts and the understanding of age old spells that guide all those seeking another path. This mysticism is used to combat the forces of evil the invade earth and other dimensions. 

     The Ancient One gathers and trains those she believes have the ability and the desire not for greatness, but for betterment of themselves and to be able ally against evil such as her former apprentice Kaecilius, who has turned himself entirely over to Dormammu, a great power that manipulates and controls. When the Ancient One believes that a person has enough balance of power and humanity, he or she may be given control of one of three Sanctums (Hong Kong, New York and London) that monitors all the dark forces that threaten mankind.

     At first, all Stephan wants is for his hands to be healed and even scoffs at the idea mysticism and its uses. Overtime, he begins to grasp the extraordinary power of magic. He meets Baron Mordo, a man that desires truth and strength, but finds it difficult to trust others and Wong, the no-nonsense librarian who is more knowledgeable in the arts of ancient mysticism than anyone else. 

     Stephan begins to build a new, but unexpected life that is not made in money and fame, but in duty and sacrifice. Although he may be a wizard, Stephan is also a solider whose sole purpose is protect earth and surrounding dimensions from maniacal evils. Dr. Stephan Strange set out to find a cure for his hands, but he found hope instead; and with that hope, he will never back down or compromise from anyone who threatens him or humanity.   

     What I wrote hasn't scratched the surface of what the movie is about, but I hardly understand what's going on to begin with! That being said, Doctor Strange really is a story of its own. So different and unique from other superhero stories, you can't help but be caught up in the beauty and extreme power of magic through mysticism. The artistry in this film is not for those who get motion sick easily. It feels like you're on a colorful roller coaster ride, but it is so cool to watch!

      Stephan's story arc and character growth is wonderfully woven into the story. Starting out as a rich and pompous jerk and ending as a wise and humble (well, most of the time) Sorcerer Supreme, Stephan Strange is a likable hero not too different from Tony Stark in some regards. Benedict Cumberbatch is very popular in my household, so I was going to watch it regardless if I understood the movie or not! He was great as Dr. Strange, though! Ridiculously good looking too. Very few people can wear that flying carpet cape and still keep their dignity intact, but Ben rocked it. 

     While Doctor Strange is a lot to take in and even more to understand, it still holds the traditional superhero theme of good v evil. How good will always win, but that also means that sacrifice will happen as well. While Stephan may have lost his career, his money and his playboy lifestyle, he has discovered the true beauty and honor of becoming a force for good. And being a force for good is going to make Dr. Strange an integral key player in Avengers: Infinity War...