Tag: chiwetel ejiofor

THE LION KING – Review

Sometimes changing very little in a remake is a bold choice. Ask Gus Van Zant, whose 1998 shot-for-shot PSYCHO redux was met with equal parts derision and disinterest. Director John Favreau’s new remake of THE LION KING does less tinkering than his 2016 live-action JUNGLE BOOK did, but it never feels pointless, as this summer’s ALADDIN did, nor does it feel like one of Tim Burton’s uninspired attempts to shoehorn his personal quirk into films like DUMBO and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. THE LION KING is the best of these live-action Disney versions to date mostly because it stays so true to its source (though with no humans on-screen, perhaps we should call it ‘the photorealistically computer-animated version’ ….but that’s too much a mouthful).

THE LION KING is, you’ll recall, the tale of young lion cub Simba (voiced by JD McCray then Donald Glover) who must accept the title and responsibilities of ‘King of the Jungle’ when his father Mustapha (James Earl Jones in a glorious return) is killed as part a power play by the king’s jealous younger brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor). and his delightfully evil henchmen, a three-pack of cackling hyenas (Keegan-Michael Key, Eric André, Florence Kasumba). The story follows young Simba treading along the “circle of life,” encountering a cute female playmate Nala and a couple of cut-ups – Pumbaa the warthog (Seth Rogan) and Timon (Billy Eichner) a wise-cracking meerkat.

Within the heavy, Shakespeare-inspired melodrama, there are of course plenty of light touches. It’s 25 minutes longer than the ’94 version and most of what’s been added to the script is extensions of the humor, but not all the attempts to juice the laughs work. There’s a charming BEAUTY AND THE BEAST song reference that’s a gut-buster, but too many of the new lines go to John Oliver’s Zazu, the hornbill who flaps around far too often squawking alarmingly about the news. Rogen as Pumbaa is the comic centerpiece here and he makes the most of his enthusiastic line readings, while his off-key attempts at warbling may be the most vicious assault on the ears since Lee Marvin in PAINT YOUR WAGON. Billy Eichner is almost equally funny as his partner Timon and their antics are what are going to most appeal to younger audience members. Chiwetel Ejiofor is powerful as Scar, yet he retains Jeremy Iron’s often pathetic and manipulative persona. Donald Glover is a weak link. As a voice actor he’s undistinguished and he doesn’t sing particularly well (though better than Rogen). This was the same issue with Mathew Broderick in 1994, so it’s more a case where a protagonist is overshadowed by iconic supporting characters. Beyoncé Knowles (Excuse me, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) as Nala would barely have made an impression if Disney hadn’t felt the need to showcase her with one the update’s two new songs (the other is by Elton John in the closing credits). Her tuneless ‘Spirit’ stops the film in its tracks, not only because it’s lousy, but because it’s jarring and out of place (now watch it win the Oscar!). These are minor complaints though. THE LION KING is a terrific story and this new spin displays the eye-popping gains in technology from the past 25 years. The biggest drawback of the remake is that you already know everything that’s going to happen, so for future generations who discover this story now for the first time, it may be a toss-up which version is superior. Each of them is packed with those timeless Elton John–Tim Rice tunes and gifted with Hamlet-inflected gravitas. Director Favreau found something that really wasn’t broken, so he didn’t try to fix it. Good for him. Let him direct the rest of these Disney’s re-boots (and a remake of PSYCHO!)

3 1/2 of 4 Stars

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND – Review

Every few weeks, a “feel good” story will get scooped up by news outlets, usually in an effort to combat the notion that the “Nightly News’ is full of “downer” depressing tales of despair. Such was the case of the young man at the center of this new film, as his story almost exploded a dozen or so years ago (he was eventually interviewed by Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show”). Many who heard him, may have thought “Hey, this should be a movie!’, and some who could make that happen shared the idea. Unfortunately, many movies “inspired by true events” will “movie-fy” true tales, smoothing out the “rough edges”, cleaning it up for general audience consumption, perhaps making it indistinguishable from regular TV fare, making it a “spruced-up” Lifetime or Hallmark uplifting flick of the week. Though this film is premiering on a streaming service, it was the passion project of one of our most gifted actors who has decided to make his feature directing debut with THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND.

The story begins at the turn of the century outside the dusty city of Kasungu in Malawi in the village of Wimbe. After the sudden death of the Kamkwamba patriarch, his farmland is split between sons Jeremiah and Trywell (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Jeremiah sells his land to local tobacco growers, but Trywell is determined to work the land for and with his family: wife Agnes (Aissa Maiga), teen daughter Annie (Lily Banda), pre-teen William (Maxwell Simba) and his adorable baby brother Tiyamike. William tries to help out with family finances by scouring nearby trash dumps in order to get parts for his radio repair business. It pays off when he finally gets to go to school. He devours his lessons and makes the school’s meager library a second home. But due to the harsh seasons (floods and then long droughts), the tuition can’t be paid and William is expelled. As things become more desperate, Williams sneaks back into the library (with the aid of a teacher who is Annie’s secret boyfriend), where he pours over a battered copy of “Using Electricity”. He also becomes fascinated with that teacher’s bicycle headlamp, which uses the front wheel to power and light the bulb. As the family faces possible starvation (along with most of the village) William hatches the plans for a machine that will use the wind to irrigate the crops. But he’ll need to use parts from the family bicycle. Can he convince his proud, determined father to allow him to build this device, risking all they have left?

Ejiofor provides a solid performance as the formidable family patriarch, anchoring what could be a fairy tale into a story of courage and survival. His Trywell (there’s an apt moniker) is determined to keep his household together, adhering to traditional work values, while striving to provide a better future for his children (they all must attend school). We see his efforts to achieve his goals constantly thwarted by greed (his brother sells out) and by political upheaval (a visit from the president results in ugly violence), and Ejiofor shows us how frustration can lead to the depths of despair. Finally, pride takes hold, as he resists and rejects the helping hand from his son. Fortunately, he has great chemistry with Simba as the title character. His William is a scrappy underdog hero for the ages. We see that sense of childhood wonder and curiosity channeled and focused on a way to save all those he loves, especially his pappa. Along with his bursts of invention and creativity (scouring the landfills and studying well into the night), he struggles to connect with his father while not chipping away at what’s left of his spirit. The bond between the two is strengthened by the solid performance of Maiga who provides the emotional glue that binds the family as it strains and, in one case, snaps. While fiercely supportive of her husband, she takes him to task for heading off to political rallies leaving them to fend off the destitute. Plus she must encourage William while never disparaging her husband in front of him.

Not only does Ejiofor delivers a superb acting job as Trywell, but he’s also balancing several jobs behind the camera. This is his feature directing debut (after making a couple of shorts) and he wrote the screenplay based on the book by Bryan Mealer and William. Kudos to Ejiofor for making no attempt to romanticize nor “sugar-coat’ the tough, grueling task of working the land. The extreme weather is almost another character in the film, turning from torrential downpours to searing heat almost “on a dime”. Plus the film gives us an intimate look at the community, a small town with strong ties whether they’re meeting with Chief (from tribal days) Wembe, racing to buy government grain, or gathering around a barely functioning radio to listen to the big game. We’re given a sense of how valued education is to them, as William smiles with joy at the school uniform (slacks, crisp dress shirt, and tie) waiting for him, neatly folded on top his bed (like toys under the Christmas tree). Plus Ejiofor really pulls at the heartstrings especially in a frightening moment when desperate neighbors turn on each other to survive. Even the sweet bond of boy and dog (William has a frisky sandy-haired mutt that follows him faithfully) is not safe from the cruelties of life. The story does stumble a bit when devoting too much time to a wandering band of costumed tribal performers (wearing masks and using stilts) that reek of heavy-handed symbolism. And the scenes of starvation and sun-baked misery feel too drawn out (a ten minute trim may have helped), while the actual “harnessing” is very rapid, almost a montage of building and “results”. Still, it’s a story worth telling once more, full of triumph and a celebration of the unbreakable human spirit while advocating accessible education for all. THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND is an “inspired by true events” film that is itself is very inspiring.

3.5 out 5

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND is in theatres and is streaming now on Netflix

Elle Fanning And Angelina Jolie Photos On Instagram As MALEFICENT II Begins Production

Production has begun on MALEFICENT II, a sequel to the 2014 global box office hit “Maleficent,” at Pinewood Studios and on locations throughout the U.K..

Oscar® and three-time Golden Globe® winner Angelina Jolie (“Girl, Interrupted,” “Wanted”) and Elle Fanning (“The Beguiled,” “Super 8”) reprise their roles as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora, respectively, two characters from the studio’s animated classic “Sleeping Beauty,” whose untold story was brought to life on screen in MALEFICENT.

Michelle Pfeiffer (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp”), the Golden Globe® Award winning, Emmy® nominated and three-time Academy Award® nominated actress, joins the cast as Queen Ingrith.

Also joining the production are Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Doctor Strange,” “12 Years a Slave”), Ed Skrein (“Deadpool,” “Game of Thrones”) and Robert Lindsay (“My Family,” “Wimbledon”).

Harris Dickinson (“The Darkest Minds,” “Trust”) joins MALEFICENT II as Prince Phillip.

It's bring your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!!!!! ✌🏼

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MALEFICENT II is directed by Joachim Rønning (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Kon-Tiki”) and written by Linda Woolverton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster (“Transparent”). The producers are Joe Roth (“Alice through the Looking Glass,” “Oz the Great and Powerful,” “Maleficent”) and Angelina Jolie.

Additional cast members returning from the 2014 film include: Sam Riley (“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” “Control”) as Diaval; Oscar® nominee Imelda Staunton (“Pride,” the “Harry Potter” films) as the pixie Knotgrass; Juno Temple (“Wonder Wheel,” “Atonement”) as the pixie Thistlewit; and Academy Award® nominee Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread,” “Topsy-Turvy”) as the pixie Flittle.

A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after MALEFICENT, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, MALEFICENT II continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.

MALEFICENT opened on May 30, 2014 and grossed more than $750 million at the global box office.

Ultimate Photobomb #Maleficent2

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SHERLOCK GNOMES – Review

 

So Easter’s just around the corner, and most kids are already enjoying that great Spring-time break from school. So where are the “all ages” movies at the multiplex? Those fightin’ giant robots may be a bit too violent for the wee ones (the same could be said of a trip to Wakanda). And that “Time Wrinkle” is a quite a “snoozefest”(if it’s still playing “first run”). Peter Rabbit and Paddington may have hopped and scampered away, on the road to VOD and DVD. Before the Incredibles return, how about a sequel to a modest kid flick from seven years ago? Wish granted as the lovebirds from 2011’s GNOMEO AND JULIET are back, and they’re not alone. Another famous literary property (in the public domain, too) joins the talking ceramics fun. As he states several times in the film, he’s the world’s greatest detective AND the protector of gnomes everywhere. He’s non other than super-sleuth SHERLOCK GNOMES. Oh, his side-kick Dr. Watson’s lends a hand, along with a grappling hook cane.

 

As the film starts, a trio of tiny gnomes (called goons) are debating what new story to tell. As they rest on a big volume of A.C. Doyle’s’ masterworks, it’s decided that they’ll tell a tale of Sherlock Gnomes (voice of Johnny Depp). Actually they begin near the end of an adventure as Gnomes and Watson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) rescue of group of gnomes about to be smashed by a criminal mastermind, that tasty pie marketing mascot, Moriarty (Jamie Demetriou). The heroes triumph and the villain is smashed by his own trap. All’s well…for now. Meanwhile Gnomeo (James McAvoy), Juliet (Emily Blunt) and all their ceramic pals are getting a new home. Their human owners have moved from the country into a cozy London house complete with a much smaller garden. With the new surroundings, the groups leaders, Lady Blueberry (Maggie Smith) and Lord Redbrick), decide to retire and hand over their duties to Gnomeo and Juliet. Unfortunately the new job keeps the lovers apart. To rekindle the romance Gnomeo decides to procure a special flower from a nearby shop. Just before he’s caught, Juliet arrives in the nick of time to rescue him. When they return home, all their friends are gone…as Sherlock and Watson arrive. They’re investigating a string of gnome disappearances from London gardens (the locales form a massive “M” on the city map). Could Moriarty still be on the loose? The two duos team up to find clues that will hopefully lead them to their missing friends. But can they locate them before the criminal kingpin smashes them to bits?

 

 

As far as animated flicks for the kiddies go, this trifle lands just about in the middle, nowhere near the glorious heights of COCO or PADDINGTON 2 but more bearable than the migraine inducing ANGRY BIRDS or HOODWINKED! The voice cast does their best to give the story an energetic boost, though the countless supporting gnomes began to sound a bit alike. Depp does a serviceable take on the master sleuth, only dropping into a touch of Jack Sparrow sporadically while Ejiofor is almost unrecognizable as his put-upon aide. Full disclosure: I’ve never seen the former film in this series, but I recall that one of its big selling points was the use of Elton John’s song catalog (he’s also one of the producers). The same is true this time around, with one song becoming a sexy show-stopper from a sultry Mary J. Blige as a doll (literally) from Sherlock’s’ past (I was reminded of Rihanna’s big number from last Summer’s sci-fi flop VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS). Unfortunately the background score is annoyingly intrusive in the film’s first act, trying way too hard to establish a “whimsical” vibe (really, it’s okay to just listen to the dialogue and sound effects). Fortunately the movie calms  as the mystery unfolds and the manic gnome slapstick is toned down. Their character design is good, but I was impressed with the looks of Moriarty (a distant cousin of THE SHAPE OF WATER’s diner mascot crossed with an unhinged menace from John K’s “Ren and Stimpy” TV cast) and his two creepy, dimwitted gargoyle henchmen. The CGI rendered London backdrops are well done as are two detours, one to an oriental emporium (ninja cats) and a toy shop with a hulking teddy bear bouncer. One very pleasant surprise was the use of “old school” 2D drawn animation to show the inner workings inside Sherlock’s head (the end credits call it his “mind palace”). In one sequence his Baker Street digs become an M.C. Escher maze of curling staircases, all rendered in a “pen and ink” style that recalls master animator Richard Williams (happy belated 85th to the genius behind WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT and the Pink Panther feature titles). At least the flick’s 90 minute running time doesn’t give it a chance to drag (with previews, well…). It may amuse the youngest of viewers , but if you want to introduce them to Doyle’s detective, THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE is a summit that’s well beyond the grasp of SHERLOCK GNOMES. That comparison is  truly elementary.

 

3 Out of 5

 

Win A Family Four Pack Of Passes To The Advance Screening Of SHERLOCK GNOMES In St. Louis

The beloved garden gnomes from GNOMEO AND JULIET are back for a whole new adventure in London and WAMG has your passes tot he St. Louis screening!

When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… SHERLOCK GNOMES. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.

SHERLOCK GNOMES opens on March 23.

Enter for the chance to win FOUR (4) seats to the advance screening of SHERLOCK GNOMES on March 22 at 6pm in the St. Louis area.

Answer the Following:

Where do Gnomes typically make their homes?

Enter your name, email address and answers in the comments section below.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house.

Rated PG for some rude and suggestive humor.

http://www.sherlockgnomes.com/

Sherlock Gnomes, Watson, Gnomeo and Juliet in Sherlock Gnomes from Paramount Pictures and MGM.

Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE Now Available on Digital HD and Blu-ray

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“We never lose our demons, we only learn to live above them.”

Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE..Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)..Photo Credit: Film Frame ..©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality. You can now bring Home The Mystifying, Mind-Bending Journey!

Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive MCU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.

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The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, part two of the comical mockumentary “Team Thor,” audio commentary, and an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film boasts an award-winning cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Black Mass”) as Dr. Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “Triple 9”) as Mordo, Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight,” “Southpaw”) as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong (“The Martian,” “Prometheus”) as Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg (“A Serious Man,” “Steve Jobs”) as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt (“Traffic,” “Piñero”) as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins (“El Gringo,” “The Expendables 2”) as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen (“The Hunt,” “Casino Royale”) as Kaecilius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (2007 Best Supporting Actress, “Michael Clayton”; “Julia”) as The Ancient One.

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Bonus Features (Bonus features may vary by retailer. The DVD does not include any bonus materials.):

DIGITAL HD & BLU-RAY:

  • Featurettes
    • A Strange Transformation – Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic books’ greatest characters to life.
    • Strange Company – Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of the most ambitious, imaginative films ever.
    • The Fabric of Reality – Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets, meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed production elements.
    • Across Time and Space – Explore the countless hours of dance and fight choreography the actors endured in preparation for their physically demanding roles.
    • The Score-cerer Supreme – Join Composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s mind-bending music.
  • Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look – Get an early peek at Marvel’s spectacular upcoming films, including Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther andAvengers: Infinity War.
  • Team Thor: Part 2 – See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and his roommate Darryl in this satirical short.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Strange Meets Daniel Drumm
    • Kaecilius Searches for Answers
    • The Kamar-Taj Courtyard
    • Making Contact
    • Lost in Kathmandu
  • Gag Reel
  • Audio Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:

  • Through the Keyhole: The Science of the MCU – Discover how Marvel grounds all its films in real science, and explore the connection between science, magic and imagination.

From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality.

Scott Derrickson (“Deliver Us from Evil,” “Sinister”) is directing with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Jon Spaihts (“The Darkest Hour,” “Prometheus”) and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill (“Sinister,” “Sinister 2”).

The talented team of filmmakers assembled for “Doctor Strange” includes Ben Davis (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), cinematographer; Charles Wood (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), production designer; Alexandra Byrne (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), costume designer; Wyatt Smith (“Into the Woods,” “Ricki and the Flash”) and Sabrina Plisco (“Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,” “Charlotte’s Web”), editors; Stephane Ceretti (Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Thor: The Dark World”), visual effects supervisor; and Paul Corbould (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), special effects supervisor.

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DOCTOR STRANGE – Review

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When we last left the Marvel “movie-verse” (it might be six months on the nose), the alliance of heroes was nearly destroyed in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. The rift will take a while to repair, so perhaps some new blood is needed. Time to introduce another iconic character from the Marvel Comics pantheon. This champion against evil  belongs to a special superhero subset, one we’ve not seen in these last few big screen blockbusters. Let’s see, there are the “super-monsters” like the Hulk and the Fantastic Four’s the Thing. And there’s the “super-weaponists” like archers the Green Arrow and Hawkeye. This new movie subject belongs in the realm of the “super-magician”. Their roots go back to Houdini and his rivals who inspired radio’s “Chandu” and “Mandrake” from the newspapers’ comic strip pages. Of course, the comic books jumped on board with Dr. Fate, Ibis, Zatara, and others. It was inevitable that Stan Lee would want his own version for Marvel’s expanding line of heroes (this guy’s only the sixth new Marvel character, dating back to 1963), and so, combined with the storytelling skills of the astounding artist Steve Ditko,  DOCTOR STRANGE arrived in “Strange Tales” issue 110. Now, over 50 years later, this is his feature film debut. And it is one strange trip, man!

After an opening scene of a supernatural theft and murder, the film takes us to an elite New York City hospital where we meet superstar surgeon, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). This guy’s so confident (okay, cocky’s the better phrase), he’s playing “Name That Tune” while finishing up a brain operation (I was so hoping that Steve Martin would drop in as Dr. Hfuhruhurr from the 1983 comedy classic THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS). After a bit of flirty banter with “off again, on again” girlfriend, Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), word of a delicate operation about to be botched by the “butcher” Dr. Nick West (Michael Stuhlbarg), diverts them back to the “OR”. Strange then invites Palmer to be his date for a swanky banquet, but she declines. He then pops into his opulent home for a quick change into a tux, then speeds away in his pricey sports car. But a momentary distraction on a rain-soaked mountain road results in a horrific accident. Strange is soon a patient in his own hospital, being wheeled in for emergency surgery. Waking up, hours later he is horrified to see pins and wires in his gifted hands. After another operation, Strange knows his surgery career may be done. His twitching hands can’t hold a shaving razor, let alone a scalpel. But he gets new hope after his rehab therapist tells of a patient who somehow regained the use of his limbs without surgery. Strange finds him, and after much pleading the cured man tells him of a mysterious temple in Nepal. Stephen find the hidden place, and is soon learning the ways of the mystic arts from the main aide of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). He devours that magical books cared for by librarian Wong (Benedict Wong). Strange’s new knowledge and skills will be put to use when the temple is attacked by an army of sorcery assassins led by the fanatical Kaecillus (Mads Mikkelsen). The untested Doctor Strange may be mankind’s only hope against an other-dimensional menace.

With this role Cumberbatch should finally achieve a level of screen stardom to match his incredible TV success as the modern-day “Sherlock”. That role and Strange demands an aura of intelligence which the actor definitely projects. Well, that along with a sizable ego. Holmes is confidant ,but not boastful of his skills. Happily Watson is there to temper him. Stephen Strange, in the first act, is arrogant and obnoxious, but pays little heed to Christine when she attempts to pop his balloon. Even after the accident, his self-importance explodes at all, he fights his comeuppance, even more than Tony Stark did. It’s a compliment to Cumberbatch’s talent, that the audience does’nt completely turn on him. These scenes add great heft to Strange’s first encounter with magic. He’s found a new way to direct his considerable brain, as his mind is truly blown (perhaps to make room for his new skills). We see the panic in his eyes when the dark forces surround him, but there’s a spark there as he formulates a plan of defense. Now that Strange knows what he’s capable of, it’ll be interesting to see Cumberbatch in full hero mode in future films.

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There’s a terrific chemistry between McAdams and Cumberbatch that’s quite charming in their introductory scenes. She also projects intelligence along with a playful sultry vibe. We want to grab Strange by the shoulders and push him toward her. But McAdams also shows us her pain when he verbally lashes out at her. And her great comic timing shines when she finally meets up with Strange in his full sorcerer trappings. The other female lead, Swinton, also attempts to deal with Stephen’s ego, but her take on the Ancient One will not suffer fools. She ‘s more than a riff on Yoda, she is focused, but not without a sense of humor especially when she sends Strange into the wild unknown. Swinton is teacher and earth (and all dimensions) mother. Ejifor is a tough taskmaster as Mordo, but he’s often more of a teasing big brother to the “newbie”. But there’s a darkness there, that’s barely being kept in check when many of his beliefs are tested. The talented Eijofor conveys this in his body language and speaks volumes with just a quizzical look at his comrades. Benedict Wong as the gruff keeper of the tomes is a formidable warrior while also providing some comic relief as does Stuhlbarg as Strange’s dim rival. And with his silky smooth line delivery, Mikkelsen just oozes evil as the ruthless renegade wizard.

Director Scott Derrickson, after helming the modestly budgeted scare shows SINISTER and DELIVER US FROM EVIL, proves his film making prowess as he works on a much bigger canvas. Though the film is often visually dense with fantastic imagery, he never loses track of the human beings at the center of it all. The hospital opening scenes are just as interesting as the flights of fancy in the final act. More importantly, Derrickson leaves us wanting to spend more time in the doctor’s new world. His script, co-authored with Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill, expertly juggles humor, drama, and lots of  (literally) spellbinding “mumbo jumbo”. The lush cinematography from Ben Davis perfectly sets the mood for each local. Somber, overcast for NYC, and when Strange learns the secrets of magic, the colors pop and burst with energy. And what really sets the mood is the sweeping score from the great Michael Giacchino which conveys the eerie beauty of these new realms using themes that might have felt right at home in a 1960’s Hammer thriller. Big kudos to the special effects teams who give the doctor a playground just as visually engaging as Thor’s Asgard or the Guardians’ galaxy. While the ads have shown off the kaleidoscope like twirling cityscapes (a vertigo variant of INCEPTION), they’ve also captured the organic, psychedelic designs of Ditko’s comic panels. Perhaps the most endearing effect may be the doctor’s “cloak of levitation”, the most charming bit of cloth since Aladdin’s magic carpet. There was a lot of talk that this character’s exploits might be too cerebral for movie audiences used to muscled men and armored avengers destroying city blocks with a swipe, Derrickson and company prove them very wrong with a most engaging entertaining adventure. Oh, try to catch it in 3D if at all possible. So, if the Autumn blues are bringin’ you down, go visit the doctor, DOCTOR STRANGE! Stat!

4.5 Out of 5

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Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of DOCTOR STRANGE In St. Louis

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© 2016 MARVEL STUDIOS
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INVITE YOU TO ATTEND
THE ST. LOUIS 3D ADVANCE SCREENING OF

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Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE is in U.S. Theaters November 4 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!

For your chance to win 2 admit-one passes, email marvelpromosstlouis@gmail.com with your full name, mailing address, and phone number.

Screening is on NOVEMBER 1st at 7:o0 PM.

Please include “WAMG” in the subject line for your entry to be valid. Entry deadline is Friday, October 28th at 10:00AM.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LIMIT TWO (2) ADMIT-ONE PASSES PER PERSON. THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. MUST BE 13 YEARS OF AGE TO RECEIVE PASSES. EMPLOYEES OF ALL PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS AND THEIR AGENCIES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED VIA E-MAIL TO RECEIVE THEIR PASSES. SPONSORS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCOMPLETE, LOST, LATE OR MISDIRECTED ENTRIES OR FOR FAILURE TO RECEIVE ENTRIES DUE TO TRANSMISSION OR TECHNICAL FAILURES OF ANY KIND. SEATING IS LIMITED, SO ARRIVE EARLY. PASS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT AT THE SCREENING.

From Marvel Studios comes DOCTOR STRANGE, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a 10-11-16 mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

DOCTOR STRANGE stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt and Scott Adkins, with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Scott Derrickson is directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Jon Spaihts and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill wrote the screenplay

©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Check Out the Newest Featurette for Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE

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Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE opens November 4th and this new 2-minute featurette  they’ve just released looks at some crazy, trippy visuals in the film and some hints about the main character’s back story. DOCTOR STRANGE is about a surgeon, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who becomes a mystical superhero following a car accident and a spiritual sojourn to Nepal.

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In celebration of today’s global IMAX 3D Sneak Peek of Marvel Studio’s “Doctor Strange,” we’d like to share this special look at the “Universes Within.”

DOCTOR STRANGE which Scott Derrickson co-wrote with frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill (Sinister), co-stars Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo, Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, Michael Stuhlbarg as Nicodemus West, Benedict Wong as Wong, and Mads Mikkelsen plays the story’s villain Kaecililius.

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SDCC 2016: Marvel Studios DOCTOR STRANGE Footage and Trailer

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Saturday, Hall H was a treat for us boys and girls lucky enough to be in that air-conditioned goodness! The Marvel Studios panel never seems to disappoint, and after a riveting light/hologram show (that we were not allowed to film…Sorry kids, but I follow orders!), Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch appeared mid-stage. Here’s the footage I caught from the press pit of the panel…

(Apologies if there are times where the focus messes up a bit. I’m 5’10’ 1/2 and still had to fight a few obstacles!)

For the first time, fans were introduced to the cast of DOCTOR STRANGE: Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Stephen Strange), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), Rachel McAdams (Doctor Christine Palmer), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius) and Benedict Wong (Master Wong) along with director Scott Derrickson and treated to brand new never-before-seen footage from the film.

DOCTOR STRANGE is in U.S. Theaters November 4, 2016

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