Fittingly titled Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – this film takes quite the pivot from all other Marvel movies. I think I’m still processing after watching the screening last night. Forget what you remember of the 2016 Doctor Strange film. This one takes you on one heck of a ride with so many twists and turns and mindboggling horror and darkness you will be left wondering what’s next for Marvel films. Read on for the full no-spoiler Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness review.
As a mom, I’m going to answer your parenting question upfront….is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness for kids? Please heed my warning when I say parents need to screen this movie before kids aged tweens and under see this film. Yes, I really mean it.
I was invited as media to cover this event. All opinions are my own.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Review
About the film: The MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” releases in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022.
Doctor Strange 2 is directed by Sam Raimi and easily earns the title of Marvel’s first “horror film”. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.
I remember attending the red carpet of Doctor Strange in LA back in 2016. I thought back then what a mind-bending movie….but this second installment takes the cake! There’s actually very little connection to the first one from what I remember.
The Movie Rating
While the film is rated PG-13 I question how that could possibly be?? I mean ratings have certainly changed over the years by allowing a lot more questionable content to be considered less than an “R” rating. This is one of those situations. While there is a small amount of bad language, that’s not what gives this a questionable PG-13 rating. It’s the deep end darkness of this film. Think gore, suspense, witchcraft, demons, zombie-like back from the dead corpses, and more.
Is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness for kids?
Expanding upon my comment above….no, not young ones. Parents who have previously allowed their kids to watch other MCU releases should consider seeing this film before allowing their kids to watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The terrifying images may have your younger kiddos sleeping in your bed for a week!
Elizabeth Olsen pulls off her wickedest Scarlet Witch yet. Think Mommie Dearest but to the extreme….and if you’re thinking but my kids are watching Moon Knight on Disney+ and that’s okay. Well, I would counter that Moon Knight is child’s play compared to these long intensely twisted, and morbid scenes in Doctor Strange 2.
This film is definitely for a mature audience and super Marvel fans. It is not the family-friendly Doctor Strange your kids are used to.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Review Continued
Visually the film is stunning. The CGI is wildly imaginative and creatively cool. The film is action-packed from beginning to end. The acting is superb!!
I certainly want to keep this Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness review spoiler-free so I will do my best to give you just enough information to understand the plot. It is important to watch WandaVision prior to this film because that storyline is pivotal to her role in Doctor Strange 2.
The film also features a newcomer, America, who is a teen girl that possesses the ability to open the doors to the multiverse. She is the only one with this unique power and is of course sought after for it. Doctor Strange is up for the challenge of protector and that is where the story takes the many mind-melding shifts that leave your jaws dropping scene after scene.
There are also several incredible cameos that leave Marvel fans pumped!!
Overall, I think this new Doctor Strange film is wildly entertaining. Don’t get me wrong – it’s terrifying at times, especially as you ease into the second half of the movie when things just get weirder and weirder. As a Marvel superfan myself I don’t know what direction Marvel will take in its next film, but I certainly hope it returns to our superhero-loving crazy action scenes kind of movie and less thriller. For the record, I am a Captain Marvel and Captain America kind of girl, but I also loved Avengers Endgame.
Be sure to stay for two post-credit scenes in Doctor Strange!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens in theaters this Friday, May 6th! Watch the trailer here.
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Catalina says
This film sounds interesting and a lot of fun! Perfect for family movie night!
IceCreamnStickyFingers says
My oldest son enjoys these types of movies. I’ll let him know it’s out so him and his girlfriend can go out on date night.
Melanie Edjourian says
I am so excited about going to see this movie. It sounds like it would be really good. We’ve seen most of the Marvel movies so can’t wait for the next one.
Melissa Cushing says
I used to enjoy these movies but since Disney has taken over making the Marvel and Star Wars movies….I have lost interest because they pump them out and they seem rushed and not as good in my opinion. I will pass on this one too….
Beth says
I hope that parents will heed your advice and screen it before letting their kids watch it. It sounds like an interesting movie, but one that isn’t suitable for everyone!
Sherry M Bult says
Thank you, I don’t enjoy movies with witchcraft and demons and that sort of darkness. So this movie I will skip.
Richelle Milar says
Wow! This is the movie that my kids talk about! This looks like a movie that I will also enjoy to watch!
Katie C says
I’m excited to see this one! We recently finally watched Spider Man No Way Home and loved how they integrated Doctor Strange. It will be fun to see this movie now too
Tammy says
I’m not really into these types of movies and haven’t heard anything from my grandkids on it yet.
Tara Pittman says
My teen has been talking about this movie. I will have to go watch it with him.
Ben says
I am incredibly excited to see this movie. I’ve been following all the shows, and I know that What If ties into this. I’m also excited about the Illuminati. If you know the comic books at all, you know that that particular storyline brought multiple Earths together. This is how we move into all the other fun stuff – X-Men, Fantastic 4. All of the IP that Disney got from Fox.
Amber Myers says
My kids and I are excited about this! I hear it’s dark but we’re okay with that. I think we’ll be seeing it next weekend!