Earlier this week, VOX cinema at the Mall of Emirates invited a few lucky viewers to a special 15-minute screening of the upcoming Marvel Studios film Doctor Strange.
Based on the mini-screening, everything available out there, and our insatiable love for superheroes, we’ve put together a list of 15 pointers on why this movie is a must-see, not only for superhero fans, but for everyone longing for an entertaining experience.
Absolutely no spoilers below.
1.
Let’s start with the obvious. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch. Yes, he does have a massive fan-following and this movie will most probably double, or triple that. The UAE screening started off on a similar note to the video below with Cumberbatch adding, very humbly, that he is honoured to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
To summarise it in one sentence: His portrayal of Doctor Strange brings together the dry wit of his Sherlock and Khan’s darkness from Star Trek. And it’s awesome.
2.
IMAX. We don’t need to add this point, you’ve heard Cumberbatch say it himself in the video above. If you’re not an IMAX fan (trust us, we know a few), you will miss out. This movie was specifically made for IMAX. And points 8 and 9 will explain why.
3.
Automobile enthusiasts can look forward to another powerful star in the movie, the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4. Again, watching Strange floor this beast of a supercar around a twisty mountain road, is best done on an IMAX screen.
No spoilers here since you’ve watched the trailer above, the Huracán makes more of a cameo appearance as it quickly falls off a cliff.
4.
On to another co-star. The chemistry between Cumberbatch and Rachel McAdams is rather charming. If you thought Robert Downey Jr’s (Iron Man) on-screen relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) was rather cute, you’re going to love these two.
5.
Since we’re on the topic of Iron Man, Stephen Strange and Tony Stark share similar personality traits. They are both egotistical, snarky and believes the world revolves around themselves.
While we have all grown to love Downey’s portrayal of the ‘Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist’, I have a strong feeling that Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the narcissistic Stephen Strange would change that.
5.5.
And we will see them together soon. Downey uploaded this to Facebook in early August, note the last name on the fourth line.
6.
“The Avengers protect the world from physical dangers. We safeguard it from more mystical threats.”
There is a nod to the Avengers in the movie. A Doctor Strange TV spot, released 3 days showed us a clip of Iron Man, Captain America and Hulk.
While there’s a slim/impossible chance that they will make an appearance, a nod to the Avengers is always welcome.
7.
Though the trailers and the subsequent TV spots don’t show us the humorous side of the movie, trust us when we say it’s incredibly funny. The 15 minutes of the screening were equally split with awestruck silence and uncontrollable laughter.
Not going to spoil anything here, but wait for the part that mentions Adele, Drake, Bono and Eminem. Yes, you read that right.
8.
The CGI is amazing. Chatter outside the theatre after the mini-screening suggested the movie would be, “…an eclectic blend of The Matrix, Inception and Avatar.” All I can say is that the production quality and overall presentation of this movie will either give you goose bumps or take your breath away.
9.
Based on the trailers, it goes without saying that this is one mind-altering movie. It obviously won’t be hazardous to those prone to vertigo or dizziness, however keep that in mind.
10.
Stan Lee. Yes, he’s in here too, and will show up when you least expect him.
11.
This marketing and promotions leading up to this movie pegs it as something you have never seen before. Prepare to laugh out loud, gasp, scream and applaud without a care of what anyone thinks, because everyone in the theatre watching it alongside you will be doing the same thing.
12.
Two words: "Teach me". That phrase, and the few minutes leading up to that iconic line will be embedded in your head for months to come.
13.
The soundtrack is phenomenal. The film’s score, composed by Oscar winner Michael Giacchino, has been called “magic in the literal sense of the word”. In simpler terms, I would call it “serene yoga music meets powerful metal”. All you need to know is that this soundtrack pumps you up!
14.
Initially, the internet wasn’t very kind to Tilda Swinton. She plays the Ancient One, who, in the comics is a man Tibetan descent. Obviously, a range of critics marched to their keyboards with “gender-swapping” and “whitewashing” serving as their go-to keywords.
However, her performance in the movie, based on the trailers and the mini-screening, is impeccable. Swinton, known for taking on interesting characters brings her art-house qualities to the film together with her usual chameleon-style shtick that fits right in with the rest of the cast and the movie in general.
15.
Lastly, FYI: Be prepared to walk out of the theatre either grinning to yourself or awestruck, staring blankly at your friends.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange is slotted for a November 3 release in the UAE.
