Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie review: Witch, please

The latest installment of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is hitting theaters and we share whether or not you should check it out this weekend.

My expectations for this film were low going into it because, frankly, I am a bit Marvel’d out. With the TV shows being tossed into the mix, you have taken out the ‘event’ like atmosphere that these films typically bring to the table when you see them. However, I will say, following up Spider-Man: No Way Home, I had a little hope.

I wish I could write many words about how incredible this film is but I can’t. I’ve never been at such a loss for words when writing about a Marvel film. Marvel has missed in the past, sure, but not on this grand scale. The script was a DISASTER of epic proportions. I loathed the opening of the film and basically every moment that followed. The movie lacked any emotional connections to let us attach ourselves to their journeys.

I give a massive amount of credit to Elizabeth Olsen for doing her best with what she was given. Olsen was the bright spot in this dreadful film. Several sequences truly were incredible when she was mowing down her foes, including watching her kick ass and take names in her mom jeans. Olsen gives a top-tier performance and, sadly, they let her down in so many ways with the material.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Mehness

All this build of this ‘Multiverse’ ended up being a massive fail. We spend little time within the verses which is shocking considering the film’s name and it felt like such a letdown. Marvel has set itself up time and time again with successful premises and world-building, but the one chance they have to knock it out of the ballpark, they don’t.

I do feel slightly bad for the film because not only are you following up Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Batman, you have Everywhere Everything All at Once, which did this Multiverse WAY better than this film ever could imagine. The entire movie felt un-Marvel-like which is one the strangest things to attempt to comprehend given their track record.

Overall, the film doesn’t work, from the rough script to a few spoiler-heavy moments I can’t talk about that made me mad to the uneven CGI; not even Elizabeth Olsen’s brilliant performance could save this lackluster film. However, I would recommend checking this out based if you are a Marvel person. It’s part of this Phase, so I am sure it will combine with the other films and series. (There are two post-credit scenes)

Note: I do not believe this is a kids movie, so if you were on the line of uncertainty, I would not take them.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters Friday, May 6.