Review of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) by Eludiumq36 — 29 Jun 2022

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (streaming 6.22, theatres 5.6.22, $390M in US +$520M intern'l) Opening scene, not on board with the social messaging that's not so subtle. Third scene, the fight with the giant octo-squid, and the latina aka America Chavez hasn't a scratch out of it, and she's just brimming with entitled confidence.

And later when Strange says "America doesn't have long" (when she's in peril) you can't help but notice the double entendre. Then there's this whole magni-terrible Scarlet Witch who's really just a sweet mom at heart so we're being schooled that even the most terrible person in the multiverse has the heart of a mom.

It seems very kid-friendly Disney in its pollyannish optimism in the face of dire circumstances. The whole tunnel chase scene doesn't make sense given the magical power in play here. And there was a fair amount of magical book burning/destruction so is that book-industry messaging? Finally, how's it take three different attempts by the SW to drain America of her power - oh wow, is that a China draining America of its global power metaphor?! - over such a long period that provides enough time for Dr Strange to intervene.

And these drainings apparently aren't cumulative which doesn't make sense. It's just so blatantly the-story-must-permit-the-good-guys-to-win regardless of plausibility. I'm sure if you're ages 10-15 you'll think this is just the best movie ever, but for the rest of humanity it's just CGI silliness.

Tagline: I watched Multiverse of Madness and feel qualified as a family crisis counselor now.