Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is ALMOST Great | Video Essay

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🎬 In this FilmSpeak video essay we discuss why Doctor Strange in the multiverse of Madness is ALMOST Great.
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With every MCU project we've come to expect more of the same. More of the same interconnected universe mandates, more bathos, more fan service, etc. more of the same Marvel formula. It works! It's why the MCU has been as largely successful as it has. However, there comes a point when audiences want more, crave more, crave to feel the touch of an artist behind the camera with a specific story to tell that only THEY are capable of telling. There's been glimmers of hope post Avengers Endgame with projects like Moon Knight, but largely, Phase 4 of the MCU has felt like Kevin Feige and the MCU resting on their laurels than actually trying to make creatively inspired art. However that all changed with the announcement of Sam Raimi taking the directing reigns on Doctor Strange 2 or Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Sam Raimi, the guy who ushered in the modern era of superhero cinema with his heartfelt and spectacular Spider-Man movies. The guy who inspired an entire generation of horror filmmakers with his signature brand of mean spirited horror-comedy, camp, energy, and full-blown madness. THAT Sam Raimi, was tasked with bringing to life another Doctor Strange movie. While the idea of multiversal insanity, cameos, and chaos was enough to make fans worried, if anyone was going to pull it off and restore faith in the MCU, it was Sam Raimi. Not to mention, Doctor Strange has been a favorite superhero of Raimi's since he was a kid! Having an auteur in the drivers seat is exciting and for the most part Doctor Strange in the Mutliverse of Madness is the most creatively exciting the MCU has pulled off...from a visual standpoint. You see, while Raimi was allowed to test the limits of PG-13 horror, and add his visual flares, flourishes, camp, and meanspiritedness to the overall aesthetic, his lack of presence during the writing process couldn't be more felt. While Doctor Strange 2 doesn't have the worst script in an MCU movie, the standard mediocrity and tired Marvel forumal are exposed for how week they truly can be as there's a major disconnect between Sam Raimi and the Feige machine. That's what we're going to explore. How Sam Raimi EXPOSED the Big Problem with the MCU and how the MCU formula held Multiverse of Madness from being TRULY great. Griffin (@griffschiller) gives you his Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness review and explains why Doctor Strange 2 is ALMOST Great and what the mcu can learn from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Edited by @BenChinapen
#DoctorStrange #MultiverseOfMadness #VideoEssay #DoctorStrange2 #DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness #MCU #Marvel #SamRaimi
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🎞 About Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 🎞
Dr Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse. However, a threat emerges that may be too big for his team to handle. Doctor Strange 2 stars Benedict Cumberbatch; Elizabeth Olsen; Chiwetel Ejiofor; Benedict Wong; Xochitl Gomez; Michael Stuhlbarg; Rachel McAdams.
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[@FilmSpeak]

What did YOU all think about Multiverse of Madness?🤔 Comment below! Thanks again to Status. Use code FILMSPEAK and get 10% OFF YOUR pair of Status Between Pros▶️ www.status.co/filmspeak

[@NuggetGX]

I was really looking forward to the Morbius cameo 😔 so sad that doctor micheal morbius didn’t get to morb all over wanda. 😵😭😵 i was really looking forward to it.

[@FilmSpeak]

@@NuggetGX I know…how can this truly be the Multiverse of Madness without Morbius

[@NuggetGX]

@@FilmSpeak yeah💀. At least where getting the multiverse of Morbius 🥸spinoff 🤔movie soon. I heard theres gonna be a crazy cameo with deadpool 😱in that one. 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@tsuuts5405]

It was a W in a half. Pretty good though, it bit underwhelming but I guess they didn’t want it to be too long.

[@ryanelliott6706]

Good video. If you ask for a like and subscribe really quick about 6 minutes in you might grow a bit. Just a friendly tip. I don’t remember if you did that I’m pretty baked.

[@untappedpotential2761]

If you ask me. When Strange stepped on the “memory lane” machine. They should have shown his sister, Donna falling through the ice. It would have made it much more powerful to show his backstory rather than just tell it.

[@CptGhost-cg7kj]

it was a good monologue though and repetition can lead to diminished returns.

[@FilmSpeak]

Yeah I agree with you on this one. They would’ve had to pick one moment or the other and the monologue was a lot more powerful albeit rushed.

[@untappedpotential2761]

@@CptGhost-cg7kj I agree. The monologue actually did make me tear up a bit. Mostly because of Cumberbatch’s acting.

[@manavbhalla2861]

The whole movie deals with Strange coming to terms with the fact that he’s not happy about keeping his feelings about Christine to himself. That’s his character development, because in the end when he finally tells her, he is coming to terms with it. That scene was pivotal in not only establishing that relationship but also further solidifying it by showing that she gifted him the watch. Showing his sister would do the overall arcs no good, relatively. So no, I do not agree with this and can understand why they chose to show what they did.

[@untappedpotential2761]

@@manavbhalla2861 I guess that does make a bit of sense when you put it that way. The reason why I wish they should have shown Donna’s death, whether in this film or the 2016 film(which HAD a deleted scene of Donna btw) is because it very easily explains his instinct to protect America and the reason he helped Peter in NWH out in the first place despite the risks it would bring.

[@michaelj1729]

The concept of having Wanda the most powerful being and only just wanna be with her children in a different universe is very much the most understable motive in any MCU film.

[@blueberrydenim4807]

This film definitely struggles under the weight of its ambition, a longer runtime may have helped a lot. But Sam Raimi’s vision elevates it so much, actually makes this one of my favorite MCU projects in a while despite its flaws, there’s a lot of “life” to the cinematography compared to most others

[@iron2998]

Personaly i think dr strange over performed becuz spiderman nwh underperformed and was very unoriginal

[@blueberrydenim4807]

@@iron2998 This take is actual garbage lol. NWH made $1.9Billion & clearly didn’t underperform. 3rd all time highest grossing domestic, & 6th for worldwide

[@iron2998]

I'm not talkin about money, but the actual film, and story. Spiderman no way homes idea wasen't original in the slightest. Having all spidermen in the same film was brought up by fans, and i think personally that the end was really basic w having to work together to win. aditionaly most of my friends said that spiderman nwh is really overrated and has a mediocre story.

[@blueberrydenim4807]

@@iron2998 There is no originality in any of these movies, not even the first iron man was, so it’s silly to expect it in phase 4 imo. It had a basic story, with a lot of fan service, but also had a serviceable plot with a lot of heart & good performances, as well as being thoroughly entertaining throughout, that’s what I expected going into it & that’s what I got. If you think it’s overrated & mediocre, you can have your opinion, doesn’t change that most people were satisfied with it

[@MegaDynamiteDan]

​@@iron2998 Agreed overrated

[@davidgeldner2167]

It is definitely 100% about letting go of that need for control and I definitely agree that Olsen’s Scarlet Witch is the best thing about the film, even with the questions about Vision, etc. she was just so good in this film.

[@FilmSpeak]

Yep! Absolutely

[@Guy117.]

She was written like shit

[@Guy117.]

Her murdering and being scary was cool but her character was kind of shit on

[@jasonleeky453]

Funny how the movie is about Dr Strange letting go of his controlling nature but Marvel Studios did not let go of theirs for Sam have full creative control

[@lukhanyondwayana1368]

@@Guy117. Nothing was shit about Wanda in the movie, she was the best.

[@freedompancakes301]

I loved Wanda in the movie, but I think the film would have worked a little better if she had the motivation of saving her own kids who survived the Hex coming down, and who were in danger in the Multiverse like they teased at the end of WandaVision. That would explain away some of the holes in her motivations like why she doesn’t just create new kids, and justify her actions more. I think also bringing up the fact that she’s a Nexus being and can’t physically leave Earth 616 without absorbing America Chavez’s powers would have also helped give a better excuse why she feels like she has to steal America’s powers rather than ask her to take her there. And finally just letting us see her get more and more corrupted as the film goes on until she finally is freed from it’s corruption at the end when she realizes what she’s done. Having her change so much offscreen was very jarring.

[@nyahcat1379]

Good changes. I do think that even within canon it's understandable that she doesn't just create new kids, because to her they won't feel "real", just a product of her own magic and she might spend most of the time questioning if the love they have for her is real or if it's something she just conjured too. But yes her motivations would be way stronger in your version. I hope that film creators stop sticking to only a little bit over 2H at most rule. I realize it's probably what sells better and is what's more comfortable for cinemas, but I really don't want to sacrifice quality of the story for length.

[@clarkstrange2142]

I agree with that, it should’ve been corruption shown similar to that of Lord of the Rings

[@koppe90ko]

@@clarkstrange2142 spot on.

[@clarkstrange2142]

@@koppe90ko Thank you sir

[@jacobjacob4279]

Wandas kids weren’t real in our universe that’s why she tried to find them cus she dreamt of them but they were in another universe.And dreams show a variant of yourself

[@smithsb]

The one thing that really irked me was when Strange talked to the Illuminati Mordo. Their conversation alluded to a movie that never happened. I wanted to see Strange's first battle with Mordo, learning he's killing other sorcerers.

[@flaviomonteiro1414]

A wasted opportunity...

[@BIGwillTHEGAME]

I agree with letting Sam write the film too. This reminds me of what happened to Spider-Man 3

[@FilmSpeak]

Yeah there are some echoes of that for sure but not nearly to that extent

[@Mitcheck315]

Letting Sam and Ivan Raimi write Doctor Strange 3 would be a dream

[@captainramsey6121]

@@FilmSpeak I'll raise you this points, nice essay btw, America Chavez was a plot device necessary only introduced as a tease so we can further develop her character going forward, longer runtime definitely could've helped. * The Illuminati was there because of Strange's actions or at least Supreme Leader Strange variant's actions he thought he knew best and could be the cause or one of the causes for Secret Wars/ they we're dispatched easily because of their arrogance they severely underestimated Wanda. *Wanda's journey was satisfying ever since the comics she's straddled the line between hero and villian.

[@Crusader2012]

Sam deserved a better script for sure. Shame.

[@videogamesworld01]

Spider-man 3 is miles better even though it kinda has a small problem during the climax. Doctor strange 2 is certainly way better than most mcu movies and way better than the garbage the mcu spider-man became. I am still in shock the loki writer managed to pull something that is not unwatchable.

[@truthseeker5079]

I agree with some of your points. I love that the movie felt different in style. I love the question being asked are you happy? I feel like Sam underneath all the cheese and silliness really cares about the audience's psychology and perspective. His style and camera movement is just so good, but he also cares about Strange and his humanity. he cares about Wanda and how what she thinks will make her happy is actually causing pain and destruction. I think often in our own lives we get selfish like Wanda, but we neglect the emotional damage we might cause to other people in pursuit of our "happiness". Ultimately I think your conclusion is on point. The MCU is going to have to learn to except failure as a possibility and stop trying to make everyone happy if it wants to grow and learn. When you try to make everyone happy Ultimately you lose your own identity in the process because you become this chameleon trying to blend in.

[@samf.s.7731]

Truth is, I don't know if Disney ever gives MARVEL that option. 🤦‍♀️

[@truthseeker5079]

@@samf.s.7731 I think they do sometimes it probably depends on the director and the relationship with Kevin. But one way or another their going to learn that making safe bets is going to make the MCU very bland and boring. I think they've been taking small risk with phase 4 and seeing what people respond to. I want more Sam if it makes sense for the story and characters. I want directors to direct.

[@pillar81]

@@truthseeker5079 Even from the beginning of the establishment of the MCU, it was evident that Marvel was playing things safe. Especially when I remember how Jon Favreau faced opposition to hiring RDJ. I mean, without RDJ, I’m sure the first film’s Tony would have been a bland and boring character.

[@arthurpenderson5376]

@@truthseeker5079 It's kind of interesting because people have been absoluely shitting on Phase 4 when it's probably been taking more risks than usual like while I loved it Multiverse of Madness is one of the most divisive films I've seen from Marvel in a while as while I know plenty of people who like it there also seems to be a ton of people who absolutely despite the movie.

[@truthseeker5079]

@@arthurpenderson5376 nailed it I feel like Marvel is in the position where damned if they do and damned if they don't.

[@rickblaine9670]

I totally loved this movie. It still carries with it the limitations of the average MCU entry, but without those it could have seriously been a near masterpiece like Spider-Man 2. I loved how Sam started from the same premise of his “holy trilogy” - that everything gravitates around the love story - but this time that story is already over when the movie begins. Love doesn’t equal hope and strength for the protagonists, but rather despair and regret. “MJ” is marrying “John Jameson”, and she’s not running away to reunite with “Peter” this time around. Stephen is left alone, and the movie is about him having to accept that the love story he thought was written in his destiny actually was not. Like Wanda, on the other hand, has to accept that she is not a mother, she never was, she just dreamed a life that was never hers to live. Again… like Stephen. Also, mention of honor to Wanda in general: THIS, this awesome Scarlet Witch, is the actual return of Sam Raimi’s Green Goblin and Doc Ock. Not the oversimplified caricatures from No Way Home.

[@samf.s.7731]

There is a movie in there that is even better than Spider-Man 2 imo, if there was ever a way for us to get that one 😑 Making it "shorter" wasn't the way to go, it's so good that it could only get better if it's longer. The Raiminess in there was just so juicy...

[@zserbs2326]

It’s a shame to say the least that the film turned out the way it did. I think Raimi, Cumberbatch and Olsen were all able to do the best they could in service of a bad script.

[@peedfarded]

Sad this movie’s script was rushed along so much that it was still being written while filming. I know they felt that NWH and MoM needed to come out near each other but I wish they had let the writers take their time.

[@stefanochiesi2646]

I liked how both Strange and Wanda are connected by the desire of being happy and the fact that they seem to can not be happy in their universe, and in the end it comes to accept your life with all the good and the bad

[@eduardozayasrandel1854]

While I can admit that America didn’t get as much development as she should’ve (being such an integral part of the plot), her character does have an arc that can be addressed. She’s completely terrified of her powers because she doesn’t know how to use it. That’s why her memory lane scene is important, because it’s when she quite literally traumatizes herself and learns how dangerous her power is. When she’s on the side of the building she stomps the concrete trying to contribute something to the fight. Later on she’s able to break herself free from the glass cage and fight Wanda. Her story is about her learning to trust and being confident in the power that she already possessed. Admittedly, these are the only moments in the movie that alude to this, so yeah maybe a little more development would’ve been good… surely we’ll see that development in future projects

[@devinmay3038]

I really did enjoy this Movie. I loved Elizabeth Olson in this. She has solidifed Wanda as my favorite MCU character. Really liked Raimi's style in this aswell. Hope he returns for the sequel. Great points on the essay. Keep it up.

[@God-T]

Why didn't Wanda just adopt if she wanted kids? she Killed so many people for no reason.🤔

[@samf.s.7731]

I want the 2 hour 40 minutes cut... I know we're not gonna get it but man I want that cut!!

[@KaylaCohn2001]

That was the first cut, we were never supposed to get it. It's actually kind of short for a first cut as well, Sam Raimi always likes his movies concise.

[@Mitcheck315]

I've heard someone suggest that if Sam wants to keep the idea of an unstoppable mystical being hunting Strange that reintroducing Ghost Rider and having him hunt Strange for dreamwalking into a corpse, I think it would be a really interesting way to actually follow up as a sequel that builds off of the consequences for MoM while also introducing a character people are clamoring for

[@curlyfry97.91]

WOW that is completely absurd And I love it

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

This is literally fanservice mixed with consistent storytelling, oh hell yeah. Norman Reedus as Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider would be awesome.

[@Mitcheck315]

@@Patrick-pc3vq fan service isn't inherently bad as long as it fits into the narrative that's been set up already, it's why even though I don't really like either I'm way more forgiving of endgame's fanservice than NWH's, and imo having a character like Ghost Rider who is known for hunting down supernatural criminals hunt down strange for using forbidden magic would be a pretty natural way to move the story forward

[@chezzlito]

I remember wondering what Dr Strange’s arc could possibly be with all this multiverse stuff (which at the time felt like it was gonna take over the entire movie), but the whole storyline of every Stephen from every universe having to make a big universe-altering decision and failing, as well as for it to dig further into the idea of him & Christine never being together be an “absolute point” from the What If series was heartbreaking and you really feel for Strange (which is where the first movie fell short imo). Feels like he’s further along the journey that Peter’s currently on regarding letting go of personal desires for the greater good. While not my absolute favorite MCU film, I loved this film and how confidently it held our hand through the multiverse leading into…Secret mf Wars!

[@Th3GaMb3r]

I once said it and i will say it again, marvel became the hero and they lived enough to see themselves become the villain. They gain this so much popularity that they are trying so hard to live up to the best. To always make a movie better than before. That are forgetting one thing and that is story telling.

[@FilmSpeak]

That’s spot on.

[@haitiankid9456]

You kept saying this yet nobody called you out on it?? like what does this even mean lmaooo, wanting every movie to be even better than the last one is literally a normal mindset for any franchise and tbh any filmmaker. The mcu has many problems but that's not one of them. An actual problem is the overload of content which results in the quality decaying cause they're producing too much at the same time. Or the inability to go fully different by fear of upsetting it fans.

[@haitiankid9456]

@@FilmSpeak not really

[@chungus1149]

he took a bog standard marvel script and made it exciting to watch. he's also one of the only directors that can take marvel humor and make it actually... you know... humorous. give Raimi more movies please.

[@alexcaetano9572]

Happy to see someone mention stevens character arc. I personally enjoyed it a bit more than Wanda’s simply bc I relate more to it. I personally thought while It could’ve been better it’s still a great movie and a great sequel

[@truthseeker5079]

I think part of the blah feeling we're feeling from Phase 4 is that nothing is really going anywhere. We have more stories with supporting characters which is cool I think, but it's hard to follow up the Infinity Saga after all those highs we got. Now the MCU is just kind of doing its thing with smaller stories and it's not leading up to anything big yet. I love the shows, but they seem to have a 6th episode wrap it up fast issue. The shows aren't bad they are good, but the shows feel like they can use an extra episode to close things up better. I am still invested, but we could use more voices like Raimi's while we're going on the trip with the MCU. Hoping we get more movies like The Eternals and Dr. Strange 2. Not everything has to be a 95% on rottentomatoes.

[@samf.s.7731]

I don't particularly care for the serialization tbh, I like for each entry to do its own thing. A movie like Civil War didn't advance the infinity saga through its narrative, but it chose to focus on its characters. I loved that one! They don't have to "go somewhere" just yet, phase 1 teased Thanos at the very end of the first Avengers film. It took time, and I abhor rushing things that need time to happen properly.

[@gustavopereira4924]

@@samf.s.7731 phase 1 litetaly built to the avengers movie... what can We say about this phase? ... ah Yes I know what to say : random bullshit go!

[@danielanderson6933]

@@gustavopereira4924 nah you guys are just TOO stupid to actually see the bigger picture. First Loki introduced variants which was crucial to allowing No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness to make sense. No Way Home was the Avengers 1 of phase 4. Now that's just the beginning. I know where this story will end up, Kang the conqueror will become a thousand times bigger than Thanos, and with the Fantastic Four on the horizon it's possible they'll introduce Galactus and Dr Doom. I have a feeling this will culminate in Secret Wars with Kang controlling everything. Secret Wars will probably come out in 2027. Secret Wars will be 10000000x bigger than Endgame.

[@peterparker9954]

Also MCU has become M-She-U now.... They are so focused on launching "strong female characters" rather than tell good stories

[@peedfarded]

@@gustavopereira4924 It’s building to Secret Wars and Kang the conqueror. I thought that was obvious.

[@MsCherryKiss]

Strong Disagree! Just think of Ryan Johnson and The Last Jedi. When you have a continuing story, giving the director full story control is a BIG MISTAKE. Keep your directors following the outlines of the story. Maybe they could have, and should have, done better with that story outline, but just turning the story over blind to a single director risks another huge variety of problems.

[@jasonibanez9855]

Truth. The film WAS great. It was its own thing but still had to fit into as a puzzle piece into the greater picture as a MCU film. When viewing the MCU as a whole, it mirrors the comics in the sense that different directors are like the different writers and artists on comic runs. It already was far more diverse in style and substance between movies than its given credit for. And ironically, that's what the critics don't like about phase 4... they'll all complain about the MCU "formula" but they're milquetoast about Phase 4 which has been more experimental and out there than the other phases to date. This movie was excellent and was one of the most tonally different films to date, and the reception has been disappointing. They're giving high praises to Raimi for this, which he deserves. But then acting like he's the singular genius and that Feige and Marvel Studios stood in his way is ridiculous. This essayist opines that without Feige and Marvel studios this film would have been a masterpiece...actually without Feige and Marvel studios this film would have never been made in the first place. All the crazy shit in this movie that people wish they had more of- be it the Illuminati or the the very concept of Multiverse hopping- never would have been a reality for Sam Raimi to play with were it not for the fact that it was all set up by Feige's overarching vision leading us to this point where you have weird shit like talking raccoons and ents, superheroes with disassociative personality disorders, Spiderman memes come to life, etc etc But apparently, they should have discarded 15 years of progress and allowed Sam Raimi free reign to shit on all of the build up to this point. Because THAT would have made this movie a masterpiece. And as far as the concept that Feige and the MCU neutered Raimi's genius? “It’s like the world’s best toy box to be able to play at Marvel,” Sam Raimi said. “I’d love to come back and tell another tale, especially with the great management they’ve got there.”

[@BygoneT]

The thing is that your general rule means nothing. Director, writer, whatever you want. Whether or not it's a mistake to give control is a case by case basis.

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

I left the theater after episode 8 with no idea where the series was going next, and to feel that after a star wars was so exciting. Johnson gave his successors threads to follow without tying them down to any one direction. Obviously that ended about 2mins into episode 9.

[@videogamesworld01]

The only thing that made the last jedi seem the way it did was because johnson constantly seemed smug with the I AM NOT GIVING IT TO YOU attidue he had. The novelization fixes that and shows how good the story could have been without that.

[@Chaunwilkerson]

@@TheEvilCheesecake "Johnson gave his successors threads to follow without tying them down to any one direction." I don't think he does, I think all he did was kill Snoke, pigeonholing his successors into ether inventing a new main villain or making Kylo the new main villain.

[@davidgeldner2167]

Exactly. The truth depends on “who controls the discourse?”

[@JoeLoquacious]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKqrgo2lmbaooJo Finally it’s here…

[@FlashFlickReviews]

There were a lot of elements in this film that could have made it the best among the MCU, but the writing and underutilized potential make it a mid tier film at best. I would really love to see another version of this film, maybe even a proper Sam Raimi Cut.

[@hurricane7727]

Both Wanda and Sinster Strange were Corrupted the Darkhold. Look up Darkhold Alpha. There is Something in the Book.

[@lacolem1]

Good analysts. I’m still grateful about getting a Raimi Dr. Strange film. Just wish it would have been better. I disagree about Wanda’s complete turn being a positive. Such a development deserved an additional installment, not just a hint of things to come with a credit scene at the end of Wandavision. If there’s one thing Marvel used to do right, it’s letting major changes have the room to be *earned*. I get that relapse is a human trait spurred by trauma, and sometimes it happens quickly, but this is fiction. Meta fiction at that. It needed further narrative weight, imo.

[@comp.lex4]

Personally, I disagree about the cameos. I guess I was never plugged in to the fancasting realm to the point where I was even aware of Krasinski Reed; I thought the gasps were genuinely just because of the Fantastic 4 jumpsuit. I felt like the Illuminati had just enough of a presence and introduction to establish their level of importance and power, while still avoiding stealing the spotlight or getting in the way of the main story. Maybe I'm just less easily excited by these crossover cameos, but it didn't draw my attention any more than I wanted it to.

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

I felt the whole Illuminati sequence took away from the film, it felt like they were there to be fanservice and establish a concept for future movie which just took away from the story that was unfolding moments ago, then Wanda arrives and slaughters them all, it just felt like the story took a pause to throw in some characters with no relevance in it so they could appease the fans who came for cameos and other MCU project teases and yet it was even dissapointing for them too because besides Reed, Professor X and Black Bolt the rest of the lineup were boring characters fans don't really care for (Mordo, Captain Carter and Captain Marvel).

[@comp.lex4]

@@Patrick-pc3vq we're all entitled to our opinions- even if yours is wrong ;)

[@bwill1268]

@@comp.lex4 no he’s right

[@bmvthemoviefanatic7282]

Mike Waldron, the film's writer, said he wanted to focus on variants of Doctor Strange, considering it's a Doctor Strange movie. YET, we only get one Strange killed in the first five minutes, another shown in a flashback, and one final one near the end, which is pretty cool, but doesn't do much character-wise. Definitely feels like that 2hr 40min cut may be that film Waldron wrote. JUST AN IDEA, but perhaps a variant of Strange should have been the main antagonist, with Wanda being a secondary villain. Like Wanda as the villain, but an evil Strange as the villain could have kept the focus on Strange, and who doesn't wanna see more Benedict Cumberbatch playing a villain!

[@CptGhost-cg7kj]

that's a bit obvious, don't you think? like a bit cliche, and we make the woman the sidekick?

[@CptGhost-cg7kj]

we could still have a Dr. strange style injustice as a third movie, he's still pretty immature and reckless imo as a character and now he has evil.

[@GabesEdtiz]

#ReleaseTheRamiCut We need that extra 40 minutes

[@user-to6fy9of9e]

Nah then the villain would have literally been the same as the hero, but with different motives.

[@TheMaestroMizerous]

@@user-to6fy9of9e Wasn't that Sinister Strange?

[@myliege8197]

My personal favorite scene is the Lethal Symphony scene. As a classical music fan, that was an unexpected treat.

[@FilmSpeak]

Honestly might be my fav scene too!

[@PenitusVox]

One thing that I wonder about is, well, we know now that Sam hated Venom and did not want to include him in Spider-Man 3 but was forced by the studio to do it. Sam Raimi is a big Doctor Strange fan but America Chavez is really only a 5-year-old character. He more than likely didn't (initially, at the very least) care about the character but had to go along with it because he didn't write it and the studio wanted to include her. I just wonder what it would have been like if those mandates weren't in place.

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

As soon as i heard America Chavez would be a big role in the movie i knew it was Marvel meddling with Raimi's vision, i hardly doubt Raimi even knew of those characters before working on this movie. The movie started to fall down plot wise when Illuminati got involved which is also something i feel like Marvel forced Raimi to involve, it was cool to see Professor X and John Krasinski as Reed Richards but ultimately the whole segment was so bland even when Wanda arrived to kill them all off (ok that was a bit fun to see).

[@francescoparisi126]

Referring to the film itself,are you happy?I guess I am after seeing this movie,not entirely but mostly,and I am so satisfied,great video as usual,thanks for this contents

[@FilmSpeak]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@daxbradley4346]

For me, Wand's motivation in this ws the same as the Wanda Vision show. They already addresed that in her arc, so going back to that story beat felt redundant, like, what was the point of Wanda Vision if it didn't complete her arc and teach her anything?

[@gamingnscience]

In restrospect, WandaVision became the origin story of “evil” Scarlet Witch

[@Yobo200]

The point of WandaVision was to set up the Scarlet Witch. It gives us a glimpse into Wanda’s fragile and fractured mental state as well as what her powers can truly do. Her arc in WandaVision was her learning about her true powers and how to use them, at the very end of WandaVision it’s even shown her ominously reading from the Darkhold which is clearly meant to convey that even though she eventually set the residents of Westview free, she still wasn’t well or done with exploring her abilities

[@roderick8167]

Great essay Griffin, you hit a lot of great points but my favorite part that you hit is that despite all of the shenanigans that happen in this movie this is still Stephen Strange story first and foremost, I've seen people complain this is just a multiverse movie or a Wanda movie but No Sam Raimi and Michael Waldron made sure to continue Doctor Strange's character arc and story yeah his story wasn't the main thing like it would be in a proper full on Doctor Strange sequel but his story and character growth was still here

[@FilmSpeak]

Thanks man!

[@demetrimattis7959]

The movie was perfect. After 20 something Marvel movies, Dr. Strange still felt fresh.

[@von6164]

Its hilarious how Strange was able to travel the multiverse but never thought to look for the Ancient One

[@pillar81]

I liked this movie, but your analysis gave me a deeper appreciation for the final “product”. Whether on purpose of not, this movie is very meta. Maybe Sam could be a more integral part of the MCU, and help reign in some of Feige-ness of things and prevent the MCU’s equivalent of a Spider-Man 3.

[@dudetheman3]

Would be cool to see him direct an Avengers movie like Secret Wars or something.

[@KeyBladeMaster-Dan]

I love that Sam was able to let loose a little that scene of Wanda crawling out of that mirror like Kayako Saeki was one of coolest moments ever. I basically got to see one of my all-time favourite Marvel characters turn into my favourite horror villain for a bit and it was glorious and that battle with the two Stranges using the musical notes is one the greatest MCU moments yet ^__^

[@tvsonicserbia5140]

Sam Raimi also produced The Grudge

[@thelinedrive]

Usually I feel your commentary is spot on but this one I feel you’ve misplaced your desire for what you wanted to see rather than judge the film on its own merits. Have them jump multiple universes at once: problem there is you end up having to spend time explaining the rules in each one. Tease her coming across her parent: that’s the same problem you are complaining about in this one with the MCU having to account for so much. To me this is probably the best MCU film since Winter Soldier, with the best villian in any of the films, and despite juggling so many high level concepts makes a compelling through line narrative of self-discovery for its main protagonist that parallels its villian. Is America slightly underdeveloped? Yes. But that’s fine for the role she is playing here. You get the basics out of the way and focus on the story you are trying to tell. To me this is one of the strongest written films in the MCU because it balances so many plates while staying coherent. Hell the fact Strange is in the body of the person “who wouldn’t put down the knife” and was going to kill America Chavez while saying she can do it giving up control and it felt earned is just great beginning to end storytelling imo. I watched none of the trailers for this, most I saw were some initial posters. If you focus on what the film is and trying to do rather than what you want it to be it is all around an incredible movie with the only low point really being the poorly justified Mordo fight.

[@flowinsounds]

i missed the bit that he was in the killy body.

[@nulnoh219]

I love it when conflict is resolved not thru sheer power, but dialogue and understanding. Wanda is too OP, so how to defeat her?

[@gianlucavillafranqui964]

especially when you consider this is exactly how Stephen also defeated Dormammu, who is also a much more powerful being than him. It showcases the main quality that defines him over other sorcerers, not his power, but his intelligence

[@Chaunwilkerson]

She's OP for the same reason why we can't even imagine how to defeat her, because her powers are way too soft and undefined.

[@technocore1591]

Direction was great. A very entertaining spectacle but the writing kept it from being a great movie. Reducing Chavez to a MacGuffin was a huge drain on the film. Liked the actor and her performance but I didn’t know enough about her to care. Also constantly wondering “Who is she? Am I supposed to know who she is? Did I miss something?” would take me out of the movie. Also yes, as cool as the Illuminati were initially, the way it was handled, when it was over you couldn’t help think, “Well that was a waste of time. Guess life is pretty cheap outside of good ol’ universe 616!”🤣 And ultimately while Wanda was a great villain I felt they didn’t do the work to really show how, if the last time you saw her was in Endgame she went from hero to multiverse threatening baddie, same to a much lesser extent if you saw WandaVision. And again it takes me out of the movie because I’m thinking, “Did I miss something?” Personally I’d have like to see Agatha be the initial villain, needing Chavez’ power to escape Wanda’s imprisonment which leads to Strange recruiting Wanda and then Wanda becoming the ultimate baddie during the fight with Agatha. Also I’d have just replaced Chavez with an inanimate MacGuffin and saved her for a vehicle that could do her justice. Maybe that’s a horrible idea? I dunno, not a writer. Bottom line: As much as I enjoyed watching the movie, as an MCU movie it fails for me the ultimate MCU movie test: Not really interested in seeing it again.

[@ronthorn3]

Lol no

[@arletebarbosa7048]

Strongly agree.

[@boogie8618]

"Its over" might be my favorite post-credits scene in the MCU. Idk why I found it as funny as I did. 😂

[@RedCaio]

Thanks for not being yet another person going "wahh Wanda shouldn't have been evil"

[@hurricane7727]

Look up DarkHold Alpha. I think the Book Corrupted Her.

[@GhostSal]

Almost great, as the title suggests? Sure if you thought the ending of Game of Thrones was great (Wands paralleled what they did to Daenerys) or you are an Evíl Deàd fan… BUT for many of the rest of us this movie was a huge disappointment!

[@dereknight861]

I didn’t have a good first impression But it was due to following the story up from Wandavision and No way home, and not only was The advertising pushing the whole multiverse angle (which was barely a blip) but also not really digging into the horror angle. I had to give it a second chance because I felt like I let preconceptions cloud my judgment The second go DID help make me enjoy it But even I felt It could’ve really helped to have some smoothing out in certain character arcs Level out the cameos And needing to really have a second go at planning things out

[@jordansweet8054]

I thought the meta jab to the cameos was the point and it absolutely worked for me. And one my second viewing, the tension of the rest of the plot really added to the story.

[@lumpyspacecadet]

It's also a movie about letting go of what's keeping you stuck in life and moving on. Stephen finally gets to tell Christine, though it was 838 Christine, that he loves her. He hadn't ever told 616 Christine that and when he returned from the Blip, she was probably already engaged to Charlie. Can't really tell her that he loves her now. He tried at her wedding, but it's not possible for him to be as sincere when it's an inappropriate conversation to be having. At least 838 Christine was perfectly primed to hear him out as she had lost her Stephen and they had a complicated relationship, too. America Chavez is so stuck, she keeps universe-hopping without any purpose, other than to escape Wanda, at least by the time the movie begins. By the end, she can control her powers and get back on track with living her life, instead of just hopping around every universe trying to find her missing parents. Wanda finally recognizes that all her pain has warped her into a monster in the eyes of those around her and she destroys the power that had influenced her to behave without scruples. She can accept that she will never have a real Billy and Tommy for her own, and possibly ends her life (though I doubt it). Every main character gets a chance to leave their pasts behind them and grow into new and better versions of themselves. (Stephen even gets a new eye on his forehead!)

[@a7000zo]

I thought the film was pretty good. It offers some brilliant character work for its leads, having them connect through this sense of unfulfillment and desire for control that very smartly justifies the use of the multiverse, making the stakes always feel both grand and personal. The directing is on point as well as the acting and I can deffinitely see myself rewatching this very oftenly. I think the movie's biggest faults are its 2 hour runntime and larger MCU ambitions. Trying to compress its main story with the worldbuilding and fanservice in such a short amount of time robbed the film of any room to breathe and forced it to compromise a lot, undermining the script's attempts at thematic play. Still an easy top 10 MCU contender just based on the strengths of the direction and the character arcs.

[@karineprusalyan5699]

I hope strange gets 3rd movie and i hope it is directed by Sam Raimi again

[@FrankCastle9714]

I think the writers were trying to squeeze in the concepts of variants and incursions so it can play into the characters experience when dealing with the next big event. It had a Iron Man 2 problem. It was hard to understand what this film was actually about and label a theme to it because there's so much happening. But great pacing, acting, concepts and directing makes this movie really good to me.

[@robertaa6293]

I haven’t seen your videos before but really enjoyed it, and I love hearing someone with genuine passion and care for a film maker discus the film no there work and skill, really fun and enjoyable thank you.

[@Yael_ch19]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was so happy to see my boy Sam Raimi return to the comic book franchise. 8/10 for me

[@Rose_Bride]

I 'liked' the film for the most part...but I feel like it wasn't _really_ a "Doctor Strange" movie. It felt more like a Scarlet Witch film _starring_ Doctor Strange. I also was GREATLY annoyed with the America Chavez character (or more precisely the way she was PORTRAYED). I just wish she hadn't been such a LARGE PART of the film SO EARLY ON; this is simply because this film already had _WAY_ too many people. Unlike _Guardians of the Galaxy,_ (which somehow managed to balance a large cast while giving each character sufficient screen time), I feel like _this_ film would have greatly benefitted from just focusing SOLELY on Strange and Wanda INSTEAD of using it as a springboard to introduce an all new character. In fact, although I LOVE LOVE _LOVE_ Wanda, I REALLY only just wanted to see a continuation of Doctor Strange and _his_ story. For instance, how is he- an arrogant, narcissistic perfectionist- coping after having the title of _Sorcerer Supreme_ RIPPED from him and given to Wong in the aftermath of The Snap? How must this feel? He is WAY more powerful than Wong in terms of raw potential, but has essentially been regulated to "sidekick". (Though at least Wong allowed him to stay in the NY Sanctum Sanctorum). We've ALREADY delved into Wanda's psyche back during the _WandaVision_ series. Did we REALLY need an ENTIRE film recapping her grief AGAIN? I feel like we were robbed of a TRUE _Doctor Strange_ sequel in favor of _WandaVision_ 2...(minus the "Vision" part). Rumor has it that this was a large part of why the original director left this film, because he wanted to focus SOLELY on Strange. ☹️ This worries me about the next film. For some reason I'm getting the bad feeling that the NEXT film will (once again) sideline Strange in favor of a NEW character. (Likely the chick we saw in the end credits of _this_ film)

[@tonymoviechappied9neillblo996]

Great review I can definitely seeing myself liking this movie more on rewatches and just in general I hope the mcu continues to make bold moves like this in the future to come

[@davidalbee5039]

Thank you for this!!

[@krysc96]

This is the most accurate analysis of the movie I've seen yet. Just imagine a universe where Raimi takes on a Strange 3 movie and utterly fractures our understanding of reality.

[@Rainebowes]

Wanda was actually my least favorite part of the film and actively ruined the film for me. Wandavision was wrapped up perfectly and provided a throughline for the film to follow up. What bothered me most though was that she went from regretting hurting and unintentionally torturing people to outright killing people without any sort of regret or even any pause. It ruined the character for me and makes me want to forget the film.

[@cryogenicheart2019]

Sam DID NOT watch any of the D+ marvel content and it shows. He was driving blind

[@jarom1144]

100% agree. The story was one of the weakest aspects. There were so many plot elements that were simply ridiculous. Can't even imagine if it wasn't sam raimi directing. He basically saved the movie basically with his film making and style. Having the scarlet witch become a horror villain was an amazing choice and worked so well.

[@SSJPENGUIN]

I hope Raimi gets to take hold of the next one too. Similar to how the director of The Wolverine went onto handle Logan.

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

The Wolverine was pretty close to awesome. Just a few tweaks here and there would make it great.

[@joeyunderwood]

only just started the video but i hope this helps me understand how some people found this film to be complicated or confusing

[@SuperDirectorGuy]

I’m so happy to finally see someone shares my exact feelings on this movie. There are so many elements that I love more than anything else I’ve seen in the MCU and that’s what I focus on when watching it. It sucks that the cinematic universe machine gets in its own way and has continued to do so because the things that are special in this are what makes the successes of the MCU special.

[@manavbhalla2861]

Best MCU movies since End Game for me. Loved the horror undertones and the fact that the movie was serious, not pseudo comedy like most MCU content lately..

[@reece1arakaki]

You didn’t like Spiderman?

[@manavbhalla2861]

@@reece1arakaki The first half felt very natural and had good storytelling/decent dialogue. Really liked it up until then. The second half was basically CGI fan service with horrendously framed and cringe dialogue between the 3 Spidermen. Moreover, Peter listening to Aunt May’s idiotic advice over Strange’s was just bad and lazy writing. And obviously the bland direction by Jon Watts. I liked it a lot, but as a film it had way more potential.

[@TheCarnage2009]

this essay does a great job celebrating Raimi's wins while at the same time pointing the blame anywhere else but raimi when it comes to his shortcomings.........

[@sorencole]

Oh I have been waiting for this

[@roopnarinedeonarine4417]

I do have to agree with you on this, I did enjoy this movie and like what Sam Remi did but that’s not without its flaws I did like seeing the ilumaniti members but they didn’t have anything to do in the movie and were immediately killed off ( I mean we might see them again from different universes) but I did like how Wanda was the antagonist in this and what her arch in the movie was and realizing that her kids weren’t real and that they would always love her was great for her character, I did think they should have explained it more, the post credit scene in WandaVision explained it but I would have wanted it explained more. I did think the runtime felt a bit short and there are the basic mcu bits here and there but over all great movie

[@most_likely_sein]

this is one of your best videos ever

[@aristocratmusic]

I would highly recommend using a de-esser on your speech recordings to help reduce the level of sibilance that's currently present. It's not super critical, but just a little distracting once I noticed it. Keep up the great work though, man. Been watching your videos for a while. ✌🏼️

[@BartdeBoisblanc]

The big issue I had was cramming a lot into one short movie instead of two films. All the points you made would be easier to resolve with more time. As you point out with the movies that collected the infinity stones.

[@dontcallmedirtypercy4147]

It felt different and unique unlike some marvel movie. I'll give it a 8/10 of a movie.

[@eneggma]

Watching this video, i really do understand some points made. In all honestly, I so looked forward to this movie. The issue for me was that the editing style was so disjointed. I don’t want to be a hater, but it took me out of the experience so much. The cross fades, the zooms, and the split screens felt like they were done in iMovie. The CGI was not the best imo. The sound design as well, with the random guitar strums and the magic sounds, made this movie feel like a youtube video. It feels like they used most of the budget on Wanda and her editing, which is why her parts seem so incredible compared to other parts of the film. And I completely agree that America was a McGuffin, but from the beginning her introduction fell flat. She was only ever there for her power, and the only reason she wasn’t an inanimate object was because Strange and Wanda had to debate the value of her life. America and Wanda should not have been introduced so soon because it messed with the pacing and made everything feel too quick. I understand the Sam Raimi style but every scene felt like it was coming from a slightly different movie. The only person who had a consistent editing style was Wanda, which I think is part of the reason people are saying she was the best thing about this movie. This is a movie that i thought would get better at the second half, but for me it never did. It felt like the only purpose of this movie was to expand the MCU rather than showcase a compelling story. I also feel like Wanda was built up so much, for over five years, just to be dealt with in one movie. I understand that wanda impacted the world greatly, but she shouldn’t have been dealt with in a movie meant to be for Doctor Strange. If this has been a movie under her name i would’ve been more content. Christine was also just there, and i don’t think she added anything. This was very ranty and i did not proof-read this so if this makes zero sense I am so sorry. Again, i do not want to be a hater because I see the potential in this film, but I do really think this may be my least favorite MCU film despite how much I looked forward to it.

[@cottongarlic8632]

Couldn't agree more!!!!

[@wingkei1314]

I don’t mind being hated so I’ll just say that CGI and editing weren’t the only issues. A lot of scenes were way too cliche and the power levels made no sense since it fluctuated all over the place (the tunnel chase scene felt like something straight out of a 60/70’s movie). Band-Aid voice over explanations were thrown in whenever the script was getting diluted and while I understood the horror elements, they were overly used in some cases and felt extremely weird since one moment the scene and dialogue style was pure Marvel (fun/bright) and then suddenly a jump scare horror scene only to be put back into that marvel environment again a minute later. I read that the script kept getting changed while making the movie and it really shows. If there was no Marvel branding, as a standalone movie it is just plain badly made. This is one of those movies I wish I had waited for digital streaming.

[@bwill1268]

I agree

[@Lidoe]

At least it’s not the same grey, bland filter like the other films

[@phlippy]

what a seamless transition into a sponsor segment

[@crimsonmania6006]

I get the end reference lol. Was worth waiting for the credits.

[@bigrick3267]

One of the problems i've been having with the Marvel movies lately is that it's all about what's next. They're just to obvious of a set up for something else as compared to great stand alone movies that manage to connect

[@youngbutthead7719]

This movie to me is one that will grow on people overtime

[@nathanyay7318]

I don't really agree on your points about the Illuminati,.while the casting choice for Reed was not great, the illuminati showed strange the affect his actions have on others first hand. I feel like people only said the characters shouldn't have died really quickly because they like the actors and characters, not because they "didn't help the plotline" which they clearly did.

[@lexradu8426]

You nailed it right in the head, the Phase 4 of MCU so far has been about Kevin deciding to let others hold the knife, which resulted in the mixed Eternals, and the Fantastic Moon Knight.

[@cuatesanz5611]

Dr Strange 2 could be the HP Prisoner of Azcaban film 🎥 that change the direction of how can a director approach a sequel. I loved the movie... the horror implication was beyond belief.

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

I am the only one who loves this movie? Everyone is complaining about the fact that it's a marvel movie with Raimi inputs and not just a Sam Raimi movie. So many good scenes in this movie that I find it baffling that people rather focus on what could have been rather than what it is: a very good movie. I just hope that all those critics won't scare Raimi away from directing Dr Strange 3.

[@jdothennessy5666]

The script to this KZbin video was better than my bachelor thesis!

[@bryantlicious3590]

Damn, what a great analysis! I definitely felt similar about the movie and character development. I don't mind that we didn't get more than a few universes. Viewers usually get too confused when there are too many characters and universes. Eternals suffered heavily from this approach.

[@eternal_seokjin7441]

Thank you!!! I swear I’m not the only one who caught Stephen’s arc. The movie is much more of Wanda’s arc that not many people caught on to Stephen’s arc, to which I say, is more impactful for me. One Stephen arc you missed though is his bitter relationship with Christine 🤣

[@Mattyvanz]

This was the first marvel movie that left me genuinely upset. Walking out of the theater I just felt like it was one massive missed opportunity. So much was attempted or teased but the execution was sloppy and often jarring. Multiverse of Madness was a far more intense title than this movie deserved

[@ancientphilosopher]

Lemme know when you’ve stopped crying over it.

[@flaviomonteiro1414]

Have you watched Captain Marvel? How about Eternals?

[@Mattyvanz]

@@flaviomonteiro1414 I had no expectations for either and the stakes were really low. I wanted to be wowed by the first movie to proudly claim the multiverse and I wasn’t 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@merzarino]

One of the things that bothers me is America dresses like a random high-school teen and doesn’t hit the vibe of a universe-traveling “being”, and her portal is just a big cartoony star symbol. I don’t know the comics, but her style just doesn’t belong to the same screen with the main wizard/witch characters.

[@GabesEdtiz]

I disagree with the comments about John Krasinski, but I still respect FilmSpeak’s opinion

[@TheRedCap30]

I really felt meh on this movie. The part where America's parents get yeeted to another universe because of a bee is hilarious though.

[@anubhavdassharma1854]

Just a technical nitpick, but we actually visited 2 universe without including the MCU. One was the illuminati and the other is the incursion one. Also we visited a new dimension with the book of vishanti

[@stephenramsey5585]

I feel like the purpose of the Illuminati is missed here. The film uses known quantities to establish their power; none are unknown to us but equally none are of particular value to the MCU. This allows them to be canon fodder for Wanda to illustrate both how powerful she is and how far she has fallen. They were introduced to be killed, not to be characters, and the utilisation of nostalgia characters allowed us to skip pretty much all the character development that would have been required to make their deaths actually illustrate the point in any other film. Their inclusion in this story is incredibly efficient world building and character illustration for Wanda. On top of that, it's clearly a scene used to fold the Fox films and ABC TV franchises into the MCU's multiverse (or main universe as it was a different Blackbolt) without using those specific versions of the characters, freeing the universe from any narrative baggage those films and characters would bring. I really feel like complaining about this scene is really missing the point of it in both Multiverse of Madness and the broader MCU. I thought it was done very well.

[@rainingoogle4362]

Exactly! same thought as well. I think the problem is that others who saw this film didn't seem to bother challenging their own critique of the film and simply concluded that it's "lazy writing" but it's their problem though lol. I for one would happily call it, if the movie actually has contrived plot writing, but as far as story goes I'm okay with it. Also remember not all members of illuminati are dead in 838 and in their universe all the infinity stones still exist.

[@austinwyss]

I'd pay good money for the Raimi cut.

[@Zack207]

Yet another incredible FilmSpeak video. I've ran out of compliments to give you on these videos, but damn do you speak your opinions well. Great work, can't wait to see you cover all the rest of the MCU stuff this year!

[@wllngtnjhnsn]

Essentially the first name drop in a cbm?! Last I checked George Clooney name dropped Superman (in Batman & Robin; 1997) long before Spiderman 2 (2004)…

[@FilmSpeak]

That’s actually a great point that I spaced on

[@wllngtnjhnsn]

@@FilmSpeak pfft- I still listened to another great video and am even more interested in seeing DS2 because of it! It’s all good!

[@samf.s.7731]

I think everyone wants to willingly forget that movie, unlike Spider-Man

[@lollydolly4590]

I lurvvvvv your point that it would be great if the MCU could learn this movie’s lessons

[@kamoheloiannk617]

12:37... Pretty good spit ball. I'd watch that tbh

[@WildcardASMR]

If there's one thing I LOVE about these new releasing films, it's the 'Assembled' documentary series. The Moon Knight making of was amazing, and so was the Multiverse of Madness one. I highly recommend you give them a watch.

[@RpgCrow]

I personally loved the movie. Now im also a really big Sam rami fan and horror is my favorite genre. So seeing that Sam rami had his hands on this and everytime i seen his style in this film come in I just smiled and said "there he is" First time I saw that was when they were trying to stop the scarlet witch the first time and she put her hands through the mirror. Loved all of that. Then the second act was just *chefs kiss* I dont know who the illuminati are but still I loved the whole thing. Wanda attacking, the illuminati confronting her and getting destroyed then the chase scene. A powerful character like Dr strange almost redeemed useless against wanda attack and being forced to run. Again that whole second act was just perfect mix of super heros and horror. If anything it shouldn't of been called "multiverse of madness" because it only had 2 different universes. This movie to me felt like a perfect wandavision sequel In all of the mcu wanda had the best character arc

[@bistander]

Did I watch a different movie?

[@MazBringsby]

My favorite Dr Strange film. Sam Raimi is a great director for fixing so many flaws from previous directors' takes on the character.

[@tseringdrokgyal5006]

The biggest problem with marvel is now and in future will be lack of absolute creative control for the director. Many great director with vision were quiting because of creative differences especially Scott Dickerson's exit on doctor strange 2 and so on. Sam Rami was without a doubt, one of best director. Personally, I think Doctor Strange 2 would be a lot better movie if marvel exc let Scott directed. It's bit of mess with all the reshoots and Scott's exit. Sam Rami basically carry out the hybrid material from Scott and marvel exc.

[@Dina-kh5un]

Yes. The first movie has perfect story and ending. 😀

[@tseringdrokgyal5006]

@@Dina-kh5un true, he would've made second on even better.

[@jasonibanez9855]

That's not how Sam Raimi feels about it at all.

[@Juggler1525]

MoM is now my favorite MCU movie. Not because it's better than some of the hits like Winter Soldier, Civil War, and Infinity War, but because it's such an enclosed story wonderfully told, implicitly forewarning, and gorgeous to look at. Wanda and Strange's paths run parallel up until choices needing to be made. Wanda is going after what she wants despite it's clear cross into evil, every Strange we see caused cataclysmic catastrophy doing the same. Dark Strange wanted a Christine to call his own, and you just know, due to 838 Christine saying they didn't work out, that 838 Strange didn't stop Dreamwalking because of an alternate her. When tempted with the offer of sending our Strange to a universe where he can have what he wants, he responds with standing defense against the very idea. When he Dreamwalks, it's for the greater good. Much like Wanda proposing breaking of the rules have opposite outcomes for them, and that's unfair. Again, Strange broke both rules selflessly. The greatest example of his nobility is his attendence at Christine's wedding. He's not there to sabotage, convince her to leave, nor bring down the day. He's there because she was a trusted colleague, a close friend, and yes he does love her but recognizes this is what he sacrificed by doing what he did on Titan. This movie just shows how much of a hero he is, and how he's learning to be even better.

[@kevind3974]

One thing I will say is that Wanda was a great villain. We knew and emphasize with her, all the while we now what her one bad day was that finally broke her. Yet at the same time we do not agree with her actions. Their has to be a better way. But she touched that book and that book knew precisely what to say to drive her to the exstreams

[@flowinsounds]

that's how I see it. My own empathy for Wanda, and likelihood of going similarly apeshit given that much power and the loss of my kids...

[@stevenle9960]

on the captain marvel thing, her mask getting stripped off by Wanda's magic was a pretty clear indicator of what was happening. might just be me but I understood that queue while watching it

[@flowinsounds]

can you explain?

[@stevenle9960]

@@flowinsounds if their fight it shows captain marvel's mask getting disintegrated and she looked pretty surprised so it seems to show that her powers got taken away

[@socriabbas454]

You know despite what Sam Raimi have to work with that was given to him by MCU, he still managed to make the movie likeable and thats a fucking achievement.

[@RichLunaMusic]

Good video essay. There is something to be said about Reed Richards though. I don’t think it was so much of him being bland rather than the way his character was written. He could’ve been formed a little more but maybe they’ll get into that in the actual movie movie coming out.

[@petermj1098]

The movie made Reed Richards into a joke. The fantastic four deserves redemption on film but now Reed being “the smartest man alive” is not being taken seriously cause of that stupid moment.

[@jeffnosanov5761]

This is a great analysis but why the white bars? Is there a reason for the distracting contrast to the video and the bars outside the aspect ratio?