[Seulssine] Surprised by 'Doctor Strange 2' and Overwhelmed by 'Wanda'

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]

Movie 'Doctor Strange 2' Opens on the 4th
Multiverse in Chaos
Darkened Wanda, Significant and Charming Role
Marvel-style Horror 'Welcome'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The streets of New York. A bus rushes right in front of you, trees fall, and in an instant, chaos erupts. Then a new space opens up, traveling across the universe here and there. Another space unfolds before your eyes, different from the city we knew. Thus, the theater becomes a spaceship and a time machine.

Marvel's (MARVEL) 'entertaining' hallmark is demonstrated once again. As if on purpose, it shakes the audience wildly and moves them here and there. The thrill is a bonus. Willingly grabbed by the collar and dragged around, 126 minutes disappear. As if mocking that there are more cards to play, it even bursts out a 'horrible' charm. Before you know it, as the scroll rises with majestic music, the thought that floods in is 'I lost again this time.'

The sequel to 'Doctor Strange,' which attracted 5.44 million viewers in 2016, 'Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness' (hereafter 'Doctor Strange 2') was unveiled on the afternoon of the 3rd at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul through a press screening.

The solo movie of 'Doctor Strange,' a key character in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4, returns after six years. Released on the 4th, 'Doctor Strange 2' depicts the unprecedented madness of the multiverse, the first in MCU history, portraying endlessly unfolding dimensional cracks and entangled space-time.

Marvel's hero Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), who possesses abilities such as reality manipulation, portal creation, astral projection, dimensional travel, and telekinesis, discovers a crack in the dimension. He seeks help from Wanda Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen), an Avengers member, but faces an unexpected situation. The multiverse, a multidimensional space, opens, and he encounters new beings within it.

Wanda, who goes berserk within the cracks of the multiverse to meet the children she gained in the imaginary world she created, is reborn as Scarlet Witch. She confronts Doctor Strange, who tries to stop her.

Wanda, who first appeared in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' (2014), has appeared in five Marvel works, showcasing powerful abilities such as telekinesis and mind control. The film connects and expands the multiverse introduced in 'Spider-Man,' the world of the previous 'Doctor Strange,' and the story of Wanda and Vision depicted in the OTT Disney+ original series 'WandaVision.' Above all, watching 'WandaVision' helps to understand it better.

The story of Wanda and her children, what she went through, the abilities she gained through those experiences, and understanding the multiverse worldview portrayed in 'WandaVision' make 'Doctor Strange 2' more enjoyable. Of course, even without any prior information, the cinematic enjoyment is sufficient.

So much so that one might want to write 'Doctor Strange' but read it as 'Wanda,' Wanda (Scarlet Witch) has a significant presence and strong impact. Fans who love Wanda will find this series extremely satisfying.

Director Sam Raimi's signature 'horror' elements are sprinkled throughout. There are scenes designed to startle the audience as if on purpose, but the level is low to be considered a horror film and somewhat scary compared to typical Marvel movies. The film is rated suitable for viewers aged 12 and over. Unfortunately, it is not recommended for children under 12 to watch even with guardians.

In this series, a new character, teenage girl America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez), who has the ability to travel through cracks in the multiverse, appears, and familiar faces Wong (played by Benedict Wong) and Christine Palmer (played by Rachel McAdams) also appear. The way Chavez is utilized is somewhat disappointing. Although introduced ambitiously as a hero, she does not perform as expected. Running time is 126 minutes. Rated 12 and over. Released on May 4.

Additionally, there are two post-credit scenes. One opens the door to the next series, and the other is a video that makes viewers who watch the endlessly rising scroll smile.