Marvel – EntertheReviews

The MCU has its scariest entry yet

What really intrigued me about this entry was the rumours from a while back were that the film was going to be more horror influenced which is unheard of in Marvel movies . Then the trailer dropped and it seemed that these supposed horror elements have been toned down. In fact the trailer is very clever as it takes you down a different route of what you think the film is going to be about. For me I thought Dr Strange was being hunted by the ‘time police’ or the illuminati for him messing with time after No Way Home. I am pleased to say the rumours were true and the film had plenty of scary moments and genuine jumpscare moments at times courtesy of Elizabeth Olsen who was outstanding as the Scarlett Witch.

Scarlett Witch the MVP

Now I have to admit I was not the biggest fan of Wanda, I found her quite bland and I never cared for the relationship with Vision. However when Wanda becomes Scarlett Witch, for me she becomes a lot more entertaining. Elizabeth Olsen’s performance was brilliant as she came off as a real force that didn’t look like could be stopped which adds a lot of stakes to the movie, a problem lots of MCU films have. I would say my favourite part of the movie was the barbaric destruction of the Illuminati at the hands of Wanda. Every single kill were unique and brutal, the kills to Reed Richards, Professor Xavier and Black bolt making me physically gasp at the surprising violence, brilliant stuff. The film really pushed its 12 age rating with an arguement it borders the 15 rating, a first for the MCU.

Dr.Strange is everywhere in every universe even in ours!

Despite only appearing in No Way Home and his second film (excluding what if) it seems Dr Strange is everywhere at the moment. Maybe that’s because of the relatively close release dates of No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness with both featuring Benedict Cumberbatch’s sorcerer as a main player. With every appearance I grow fonder and fonder of Strange as he is such an entertaining character. The different powers and moves he uses with his sorcery are endless and that distinguishes him from the rest of the avengers. Although I could do with that typical marvel humour jokes that are really not necessary and make me cringe, but you can’t have everything now can we

Who would Dr Strange be without his trustee charming sidekick Wong. He played a bigger role than I thought as he seems to leave just as things start going wrong, I’m looking at you Shangi Chi and No Way Home. Also where was Shang Chi? He seemed prime to show up at some point and just didn’t which was a little disappointing. Back to Wong, I felt at multiple times our lovable sidekick was going be inevitably killed off by Wanda but somehow seemed to cheat death yet again. You go Wong!

Note: I was not the biggest fan of America Chavez. She was fine but some of her dialogue and delivery was quite cringy and I just wasn’t grasped enough to be interested in a potential solo film/TV show which seems inevitable.

Overall Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness takes the visuals of the MCU to another level with multiple different spectacles of different settings all unique to each other. A tortured, grief written Elizabeth Olsen is the standout performer delivering a chilling performance as the Scarlett Witch whilst showcasing just how damn powerful she came be. Is she dead? Probably not. I hope more marvel films take risks like this one and change from the norm, I would love more horror inspired MCU content like this one.

If you haven’t watched this then I don’t know what your reading this and not watching it right now.

Need a cinematic universe to dive into to cure your boredom? I’m here to help! These films wont necessarily be considered classics and these films are not my favourite films of all time but I’ve chosen movies that I feel deserve more recognition or due to streaming service limitations people may not have had the opportunity to view these films.

Queen & Slim (2019)

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya/ Jodie Turner-Smith

The emotional story of a black man and woman who go a date and find themselves on the run from the law after they murder a racist police officer in self defence. The development of the couple’s relationship in such dire circumstances is beautiful to see as their fame rises around the world. In addition to Steller performances from Daniel & Jodie, present day social issues are addressed quite openly in a way that is brave and emphatic.

Gone Girl (2014)

Starring: Ben Affleck/ Rosemund Pike

When his wife suddenly disappears on their wedding anniversary, all the fingers are pointed at the husband. The story grabs the attention of the whole country and as days pass, the husband comes under more scrutiny as secrets of his past are revealed. Halfway through the movie theirs’s a gigantic shift in tone changes the whole format of the film. Really excellent stuff.

Blade II (2002)

Starring: Wesley Snipes/ Norman Reedus/ Ron Perlman

The blade series does not get the recognition it deserves for bringing marvel to mainstream film audiences. The first film was a solid film but the sequel is the best of the trilogy in my opinion. Blade our resident vampire hunter is tasked in taking down a mutated version of vampires called the Reapers. A fast paced bloody vampire killing adventure led by the badass Wesley Snipes as Blade, is a fun watch for its action set pieces which takes more importance over the quality of the script itself.

Moonlight (2017)

Starring: Trevante Rhodes/ Mahershala Ali/ Ashton Sanders

I know this film is critically acclaimed so its not technically underrated but I feel not many people have seen it especially in the UK. This beautiful story follows Chiron’s three key stages in his life: Childhood, Teen and Early adulthood. As a child Chiron befriends a local drug dealer called Juan who takes him in after his drug addicted mother continuously neglects him. The two become friends and Juan teaches him valuable life lessons which impact Chiron throughout the entirety of the film. The film tackles sexuality, identity, bullying, abuse and neglect and is honestly beautiful with moments that will make you cheer, moments that will make you sad and moments that will make you scream at the TV. Also the cover art is one of the best in Film history.

Spring Breakers (2012)

Starring: James Franco/ Vanessa Hudgens/ Selena Gomez

4 College students head to Florida for Spring break. When they get arrested, they are bailed out by a mysterious drug dealer known as Alien. What follows is the girls joining Alien’s life of crime. This film is stylish with some beautiful cinematography accompanied by an amazing score to go with it. Your standard party movie surrounded by bikinis and drugs is transformed into a dark gritty crime story. The movie is quite divisive between people but I feel this film is misunderstood as the a lot of viewers would just see it as a film with sex, drugs and guns in it rather than understanding the life lessons it creates for younger people. Give it a watch for yourself.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Starring:Adam Sandler/ Kevin Garnett/Lakeith Stanfield

A smooth talking jeweller puts on the bet of a lifetime in order to keep his business, family and life together. Seeing Adam Sandler in a serious role was a breath of fresh air considering his films are very hit and miss with me especially his more recent ones. The film is very gripping at times as it showcases the consequences of high stakes gambling showing that the highs can be very high but the lows are very low.

Palm Springs (2020)

Starring:Andy Samberg/Cristin Milioti

On the day of her sisters wedding in a luxury hotel resort, two wedding guests become stuck in a time loop reliving the day of the wedding over and over again with each ‘day’ revealing more and more secrets. As the cycle resets their friendship bonds as they do whatever they want considering the cycle can’t end. The film although comedic at times, is not afraid to shift to a tone that represents eternal loneliness, helplessness and anxiousness. The film clocks in at 1hr 30mins making it a pacey fun ride that is easily rewatchable

Blockers (2018)

Starring: John Cena/ Leslie Mann/ Ike Barinholtz

A group of parents become friends after watching their kids grow up together, however they begin to panic when they realise their daughters could lose their virginity on prom night, the parents do everything possible to prevent this from happening. What I like about this film is that it is not as in your face as other sex comedies like American Pie etc. John Cena is the star of the show playing the sensitive parent despite being a big muscular man, going against the standard tough guy stereotype. The casting is great and should be definitely worth your time if you like comedies.

Blades of Glory (2007)

Starring Will Ferrell/ Jon Heder

Two figure skating rivals are forced to team up as partners in order to go for Gold in the Olympics after being banned in singles competitions. The development of a friendship between the rivals is the best part of the film as we see two egomaniacs struggling to lower their ego for the good of their partnership. This film is surprisingly hilarious with Will Arnett and Amy Poehler playing comical villains. This film birthed the famous “no one knows what it means, its provocative” line.

Tag: Marvel

Dr Strange And The Multiverse of Madness Honest Review