Finally, a superhero film that actually has a plot, character development, intelligence, and is visually stunning. I LOVED this movie and I didn’t anticipate even liking it. The effects alone make it worth watching, which is so often what these types of films count on and fail at, but Doctor Strange is the exception. You could watch it on mute and still be awed by the dazzling effects. From otherworldly restraints that evoke the childhood wonder of sparklers to fight scenes that occur on buildings that reconstruct themselves like an MC Escher Rubik’s cube, this film pulls out all the stops to be an utter spectacle. I haven’t even mentioned the dimensions of the multiverse. But wait! There’s an actual plot! Tilda Swinton delivers another strange and ethereal performance as The Ancient One, Benedict Cumberbatch walks the fine line of translating unlikeable character traits in an appealing way as Strange, and Rachel McAdams pulls it all together and turns in an understated performance that allows the audience to suspend disbelief along with her character, Dr. Christine Palmer. When brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange suffers catastrophic injuries to his hands in an accident that seems to end his career, he seeks out a rumor of healers in exotic lands. What he finds is a secret society of super sorcerers willing to train him to protect our world. There are certainly times when the plot frays a bit and logic fails, but this is such an enjoyable romp you won’t care. I’m actually eager to see the sequel! That says something.