By Valerie Cameron
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Rated PG-13
Action/Adventure/Horror/ Superhero
Benidict Cumberbatch is back as Doctor Strange in this Sam Raimi film. Get ready because everything you are used to seeing in the MCU is about to change! The movie brings in a dark mystical and magical realm that we have not seen before in the MCU. There are horror elements that are fun and visually captivating. It’s a love story mixed with a mother who wants to do anything to fight for her kids that don’t really exist and battles between who should choose what is right and wrong. For me it was a fun ride that lacked the heart of the original film. The new character America seemed like a misplaced after thought, I really wanted more for her character, and I hope to see it in the future. The Marvel monsters were super fun. The music by Danny Elfman was delightful. The pacing is a little off and messy. If you love Sam Raimi and his style, you will love this film. There are spoilers galore, so I can’t get too much into the film without ruining the experience for you. There is a lot of fan service and two credit scenes to wait for.
Now I am going to lead you through the map of the Multiverse. There is a lot that happens in the Multiverse of Madness that you will not understand if you do not see a few things before you experience this film. Remember those exercise shows on TV in the late 80’s where you had 3 people going at different paces? That’s what I am going to do for you here.
Easy:
If you don’t want to deep dive but you want to get most of what you will see you defiantly need to see these:
Doctor Strange
The original movie from 2016, streaming on Disney+. My grade B+
WandaVision
Disney+ series about Wanda and a make-believe world she created for herself and her fight between herself and the Scarlet Witch. Also streaming on Disney+. My Grade B
Those are the bare minimum. If you don’t have time to get through the series before the film, I defiantly recommend seeing it afterwards.
Medium:
You want to do a short deep dive into the fandom to understand the bulk of the movie and what is to come.
See the two listed above and these:
Avengers Infinity Wars 2018. My grade B
Avengers End Game 2019. My grade A
Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021. My grade A
Spider-Man into The Spiderverse 2018. My grade A+
“What If” Series on Disney+ 2021. My grade C+
Agent Carter Series 2015. My grade B-
These movies and series will give you enough knowledge and understanding that you will feel like a superhero yourself.
Hard:
If you want to be ahead of the game, understand everything that is happening and what will come, this is what you need to do!
Everything listed above and ….
Age of Ultron 2015. My grade B-
X-Men The Last Stand 2006. My grade C+
Fantastic 4 2005. My grade B
Have fun on your Multiverse adventure!
Walt Disney Pictures
My Grade B