It’s been almost a week since the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Lets talk about it. Is it worth a watch?

The Madness unfolds from the opening, with the return of our favorite Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange. We are back in present day New York after just dealing with the series of unfortunate events surrounding Peter Parker in “Spiderman: No Way Home,” and last having seen Wanda open the Darkhold, book of chaos and black magic, at the end of “Wandavision.” 

Madness runs the streets of Manhattan with aliens from other universes wreaking havoc and destruction, to capture a mysterious superhero named America Chavez. She’s been on the run not only through the streets of NYC, but across the multiverse. This is a power no former superhero in the MCU has ever behold! We soon realize the person after is Wanda who under the Darkhold’s power has become the darkest Scarlet Witch. She is determined to get to the universe where she can forever be with her boys. She learns that the only way she can be with her children forever is by taking America Chavez power. Doctor Strange and America Chavez voyage into dangerous territories and must stop the Scarlet Witch from making a mistake that can have serious consequences in the multiverse, and change everyone’s lives forever.

The film directed by Sam Raimi and produced by Kevin Feige create a new genre in the MCU. For the first time, horror is introduced into the Marvel Universe. The film has similarities to previous Sam Raimi film work such as The Grudge with good moments that will have you jumping from your seat and laugh-out-loud moments that create a fun experience at the theater. The film is rewarding in its mind-blowing visual effects but misses the opportunity to use its visual effects to expand its settings, story, and characters.

What is weak is the story itself. The sequel does nothing new for its title character, Doctor Strange. It felt at moments that Doctor Strange was more of a supportive character, supporting Wanda. Also, Raimi misses an opportunity to introduce America Chavez’s character in detail. Raimi gives about 2 minutes of background history on Chavez which makes her a forgettable character. Also, Raimi fails to deliver what was remarkable about Spiderman: No way home, the unique cameos. Were they great? Yes. Could they have been better? Yes.

Importantly, Wanda is at the center of it, but Raimi creates a dismal, mediocre, and uninspiring future for her. Wanda ends at the same place she started. Raimi needed knowledge of previous marvel content to move the character in the right direction. Also, Wanda feels more of a Stephen King’s Carrie than the Wanda that was introduced in Wandavision. Raimi makes you feel as if Wandavision never existed. Elizabeth Olsen is perfect and marvelous as Wanda.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is an immersive experience beginning to end with a brilliant and chilling music score by Danny Elfman but its plot holes gain more attention. Raimi opens the door to a new genre for Marvel movies but forgets to put into action what is special about previous movies (exploration, connection, and soul). Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Is fun and entertaining, but perhaps it’s better to have low expectations and than high ones when you see it .

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now playing in movie theaters.