Tag: BenedictCumberbatch

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

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Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is back in the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange. Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Strange is dealing with the repercussions of opening the multiverse. Leaning on Wong (Benedict Wong), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and newcomer America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), he soon realizes these alternate universes are stronger than anybody could have imagined.

My expectations going into the Multiverse of Madness were low. I wasn’t a fan of Strange’s origin movie and therefore wasn’t too sure how I’d feel this time around. But when I found out that Wanda had a large role, I had a feeling it would be well worth it for me.

This instalment of the MCU is different than the others. It felt darker, gorier and like the stakes were a million times higher. I really appreciated the direction in which Sam Raimi took the movie in. At times, I forgot I was watching Marvel as I was so engrossed with what was unfolding on the screen.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange was more charming than I remembered him to be. He further grew on me as the titular character this time around. Although her introduction was rushed, I liked the addition of America. Her chemistry with Strange and Wong was enjoyable to watch and I hope we see more of her in the future. It was also a pleasure to have more of Rachel McAdams as Christine. She’s always a joy to watch and I feel like we don’t see her enough. However, Wanda aka Scarlet Witch was the standout. Already captivated by her story in WandaVision, we saw her in a completely new light that was both terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. Just give Elizabeth Olsen all the awards already.

I have to say that I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It allowed me to embark on a journey full of crazy twists and turns that, quite frankly, I never wanted it to end. I can only imagine where this phase will go next!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Spider-Man: No Way Home

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Following the events of Far From Home, Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) identity as Spider-Man has been revealed to the world. Life as he knew it with his aunt May (Marisa Tomei), his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) is no more. When Peter sees the lives of the people he loves becoming impacted by his choices, he knows he needs to make things right. Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has the power to make everyone forget that he was ever Spider-Man. But when the spell goes wrong, the multiverse opens and with it comes many foes.

I feel like I am incredibly late in both watching and reviewing Spider-Man: No Way Home and let me tell you, it killed me. I was worried so much that I would be spoiled and my experience of watching would therefore be ruined. I am happy to report that that was not the case. And if I’m being entirely honest, the wait was actually worth it.

Without giving too much away, I have to say that everything about this movie exceeded my expectations. It was funny, it had many thrilling moments and some crazy action sequences all in true Marvel fashion. It seemed like the stakes were raised higher than ever before and I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

Spider-Man: No Way Home seemed like an ending of sorts, though I hope that isn’t true. I’ll be the first to admit that I was hesitant about Tom Holland at first, but he really impressed me with each and every instalment. Hopefully it won’t take too long until we see him and the rest of the gang back on our screens again.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

The Mauritanian

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Mohamedou Ould Salahi (Tahar Rahim) has been detained and imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay for six years. Never actually charged for a crime, the government believed that he was involved in the events of 9/11. Defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) work together with military prosecutor Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) to uncover the truth of this conspiracy to hopefully set Mohamedou free.

The Mauritanian is not a movie that I would normally gravitate towards. This one spoke to me however, not only because of it’s impressive cast, but because it is based on a true story. Prior to watching, I had only heard bits and pieces of Mohamedou’s story. I never expected to be so deeply impacted by it when I learned more of the details. Despite having seen it a few days ago now, it is still at the forefront of my mind.

Watching this was, at times, difficult to watch. It is not to be taken lightly. I simply couldn’t wrap my head around what was unfolding in front of me. How could one man go through so much and for something that he didn’t even do? I couldn’t believe it and I’ll admit it made me emotional many times. It really goes to show just how unfair the system is.

Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch all gave outstanding performances. The additions of Zachary Levi as Stuart’s friend Neil and David Flynn as Kent, I was immediately transported into the past. Sometimes I forgot I was watching a movie because of how organic it was. The nominations (and wins) that they have received so far are 100% deserved. I only hope this will continue to be the case as the award season continues.

The Mauritanian was an eye opening movie for me. I’m always hesitate to dive into more serious genres but getting out of my comfort zone is important. This was a piece of history that I will never forget and I urge you all to check it out for yourselves.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥