The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a godsend for the movie credits.
Audiences usually walk out when the credits end scrolling, but they’re still placed in MCU blockbusters. They knew they would see an additional scene, possibly two, between the Costume Designer and The best boy disclosure.
That’s true of “Doctor Strange in Madness’s Multiverse,” and just like recent MCU fare, those credits will last forever.
It’s really… tiring.
So, too, is director Sam Raimi’s return to superhero movies. The “Spider-Man” actor shows off his signature style in the third act, but until then, it’s a steroid-based CGI magic fan-service favorite.
Benedict Cumberbatch, one of the MCU’s best casting picks, returns as Dr. Stephen Strange, also known as the superhero, Doctor Strange. He’s attending the wedding of his ex, Christine (Rachel McAdams), but he can’t shake the scary dreams he’s having.
And who is the young lady with the American themed jean jacket he’s trying to save in this dreamlike state?
What if those dreams come true, though not in our current universe?
The teen in question is America Chavez (newcomer Xochitl Gómez), the character Marvel awakened from her Latina heritage to her two mothers. She plays an important role in the new adventure of Doctor Strange, an adventure that requires a lot of caution in describing the plot, we will stop right here.
Just know that Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) is the dominant element in the story, and a mid-roll will feature Comic Con types jerking in ecstasy.
Or rage. You never know completely.
“Multiverse of Madness” traverses a number of compelling elements, from Doctor Strange’s moral compass to our ability to grow beyond our weaknesses. Motherhood also gets a stretched close-up, even when it’s viewed through a warped filter.
The rest is a huge bag of CGI and superhero slugs that are perfectly fine individually, but less appealing overall.
It’s a grueling affair, a movie that delivers random but predictable laughs between multiverse jumps. Consider a child on Christmas morning spoiled by wealthy parents. What do the filmmakers want us to enjoy next? Huh? Huh?
Even the movie sequels need time to breathe, to re-evaluate the people in the game. Or, at least take a few beats in between when delivering a series of narrations.
Raimi’s penchant for wild imagery, think the “Evil Dead” franchise, seems to be wasted for much of the film’s length. Any MCU director could have seen Doctor Strange’s outings before and recreated them like Raimi did here.
However, that is not the case in Act Three. Suddenly, yore’s Raimi came back to life, and a terrifying element entered the frame. It’s thrilling and welcome, a way to separate another MCU sequel from the rest. But then the visual punishment continued for a while, which made the Raimi style less welcoming.
Raimi has solid support from returning players like Benedict Wong (Wong) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), to name a few, but their charismatic presence can only elevate so much. .
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The first 10 years of the MCU brought epic origin stories, stunning action, and a story that led to the arrival of Thanos.
In contrast, the new wave of MCU movies is still finding a purpose, a reason to exist beyond the boundaries of the studio. Just when you think “Madness” can detect that mission statement, it disappears… like magic.
Oh, and for the record, between this movie and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” we’ve had enough multiverse visits. Thanks!
Hit or miss: “Doctor Strange in Madness’s Multiverse” is both a test of endurance and a treat for MCU fans eager to see the next phase of superhero movies.
