Marvel has officially released their thirteenth film in theaters, Marvel’s Doctor Strange, starring BBC actor, Benedict Cumberbatch. This is the second movie in what Marvel is calling “Phase Three” following their previous blockbuster, Captain America: Civil War. This is a big deal for Marvel, as Doctor Strange will serve to introduce audiences to the supernatural aspect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film follows Benedict Cumberbatch’s character, world renowned neurosurgeon, Doctor Stephen Strange. He is a self-absorbed man who loses his ability to perform surgery after a texting and driving accident which causes severe damage to both of his hands. After becoming fed up with western medicine and treatments, he goes to Nepal after hearing rumors that medical practitioners there were able to cure a man of his spinal injury. He arrives as a man who has lost everything, not caring to learn or do anything unless it involves fixing his hands. He then finds his way to the Sanctum Santorium, where he meets important characters such as The Ancient One, Mordo and Wong. They teach him the ways of sorcery and he learns there is a much deeper battle to be fought in the world, one beyond normal comprehension. To quote the character Wong: “While heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical dangers, we sorcerers safeguard it against more mystical threats.”

This is one of the better Marvel movies, which is saying a lot given the lineup. This is probably the best origin story since the first Iron Man movie, which this film has many similarities to. The main character is an arrogant, rich man who embarks on a humbling journey that ends up bettering himself and enlightening him to the bigger battles that need to be fought. This isn’t a bad comparison by any means, of all films to replicate in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) this is probably the best one to take inspiration from, at least as far as origin stories go. In fact, the characters of Tony Stark and Stephen Strange are so similar that many fans are anticipating their meeting in future Marvel movie, Avengers: Infinity War.

Benedict Cumberbatch did an especially good job portraying the broken man in the first act. He didn’t feel like he was just a perfect person like Captain America, he has actual flaws and frustrations, he lashes out at the people who try to help him and the audience really feels it. This guy goes through character arcs, he starts out as arrogant and full of himself, and then he becomes desperate and frustrated, but then becomes a wide minded learner and eventually becomes the hero by the end.

It really didn’t feel like a Marvel movie, not a conventional one at least. It kind of reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy in that sense. There wasn’t a whole lot of Easter Eggs in this movie, not a lot of obvious ones at least, which is actually a welcomed change, considering many people think that the references take center stage. It also has a decent lesson to teach; Doctor Strange is able to overcome his disabilities and do something great, he’s able to put everyone else over himself and make the ultimate sacrifice despite his hands being broken; which is really a testament to the character. When people say that superheroes don’t go through character arcs, this movie and the first Iron Man movie are the two big counter points in my opinion. I give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars.