#JustaQuickiePlease: Dr. Strange Review

Take a director who has made subpar horror flicks and assign him the arduous, seemingly implausible task of creating an entirely different Marvel film that will launch the tone and feel of the next phase of this franchise.  Add in a stellar cast, astounding effects, and then incessantly pray, to the cinematic gods, that you don't create the next Fifth Element.   Well, folks, rest easy, as those supplications have been answered.  Scott Derrickson brings us Inception meets Harry Potter with a superhero flair.  On the downside, the plot is a bit thin and the ending malnourished (infinitely evil supernatural entities wouldn't realistically keep promises they make to their antagonist), but there is enough excitement, stunning cinematography, and top notch performances to buffer those inefficiencies.  The speed and tempo, however, adequately suit the film, as the writers try to tell two complex and cohesive origin stories in as engaging and genuine way as possible in the limited screen time they are allotted.  Marvel's casting has been nearly flawless, and Cumberbatch's marvelous interpretation of the Sorcerer Supreme keeps that record well intact.  The remaining ensemble is remarkable, fleshing out their incarnations with wonder, authenticity, and a convincing humor.   And, despite the ridiculous social media controversy surrounding her role, Swinton is absolutely believable and enjoyable as the wise, eccentric, and appropriately sarcastic Ancient One; not to mention her scenes of total bad arsery.  Marvel has truly taken its success to the very next level, and the psychedelic trip of Strange appears only to be the beginning of what they have in store for us.  3 out of 5 Kernels; this is literally what movie magic looks like.