Having already earned their bona fides in rendering earthbound heroics and taken the first step towards intergalactic adventure, Marvel Studios now introduces another aspect of their shared universe by dipping its toe into the realm of the supernatural. Dr. Strange, the 14 th movie in the company’s superhero franchise, follows much the same pattern as the respective origin stories from the company and hits all the expected notes with the seriocomic tone Marvel has perfected. While the structure of the film may seem familiar, the visuals at play and the theme that drives Scott Derrickson’s mindbending adventure are a welcome departure from the usual superhero fare.

As arrogant as he is skilled, neurosurgeon Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) seemingly has the world on a string. However, his life is shattered when a car accident damages his hands, rendering him unable to perform surgery ever again. Ah, but fate has other plans for Strange, as he seeks an alternative cure for the nerve damage that’s ended his career. Ultimately, his quest takes him to Nepal where his inquiries get the attention of Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a mystic who takes him into a secret sanctuary where he meets The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), the sorcerer supreme who’s been charged with guarding our realm from supernatural threats. Initially skeptical of this being’s claim that we can transport to an astral plane, that different dimensions of reality exist, and that we are just a small part of a vast multiverse, Strange eventually comes to realize the truth in these assertions and becomes worthy to learn the secrets of the mystic arts.

As with most of the origin entries, a great deal of fun is had seeing our hero struggle with his newfound powers as well as witnessing the astonishment that accompanies their discovery. Cumberbatch wonderfully realizes the character’s arrogance, making him ripe to be taken down a notch or three as early on he fails and fails again. Even more fun are the astounding visuals director Scott Derrickson ponies out, as the characters’ ability to alter reality allows the movie’s CGI artists to run wild. Cities and buildings fold in on themselves and one locale changes to another in the blink of an eye as this M.C. Escher sketch comes to life, delighting viewers as it defies logic. This is the rare feature that’s worth the extra surcharge to see in the 3-D and IMAX formats.

Per usual for these features, the cast delivers in spades with Cumberbatch bringing Strange to life with requisite panache, while Ejiofor and Swinton provide the sort of solid support they’re known for. Also of note are Rachel McAdams as our hero’s love interest, surgeon Christine Palmer, and Mads Mikkelsen as the film’s primary nemesis, Kaecilius. The former is great fun as our surrogate, questioning all of the unbelievable things that are put before her, while the latter brings a welcome degree of levity to his role as the heavy, a sorcerer who went rogue after learning all he could from The Ancient One.

The film’s third act is bloated and suffers from a sense of repetition and fatigue where its redundant battles are concerned. Still, these can be forgiven once its satisfactory conclusion plays out and a post-credit scene featuring a prominent figure from the Marvel canon promises more of Strange in an upcoming feature. Yes, Dr. Strange’s narrative arc may be familiar, but its visual dynamics and stylish presentation negate this familiarity making for an entertaining, mindblowing good time.

Contact Chuck Koplinski at [email protected].