I've been remiss in my Nerdmudgeon updates! Today John, Dave and I discuss one of my least-favorite MCU releases, "Dr. Strange". Why would I not love a magic-based film featuring the lovable Benedict Cummberbatch? You'll just have to tune in to find out!
For your listening pleasure, over the previous two weeks we also released our reviews of "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "Captain America: Civil War".
Thanks for indulging our Pandemic Project, I hope you give it a chance and please, let us know what you think of the show!
I am slowly but surely getting to commenting on Nerdmudgeon. Also noticed that the comments for Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man are closed. Anyway, first Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Any particular reason why it was called “Homecoming?” Other than that, I agree with all three of your reviews and observations. I love how the MCU introduced Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War then showed how he got there in a selfie-retrospective. The MCU has done an amazing job with consistency given the story’s long over-arc, spin-offs, and overlaps.
Yes, Adrian Toomes was a sympathetic character but crossed the line when he murdered Jackson Brice (the first Shocker). That scene in the car chilled my spine. Michael Keaton was a great choice. We also see the continuing evolution of Tony Stark from playboy to mentor and patron.
One person whom you forgot to mention was Happy. While Tony is the brains and the bucks, Happy is the day-to-day chaperon. He sprinkles bits of humor and wisdom in every scene.
Overall, Spider-Man: Homecoming is a fun, enjoyable movie that speaks to the awkwardness of being a teenager wanting to make a difference. Peter Parker gets in over his head and often but in the end, he does the right thing. Great review, nerds!
Lost connection. Anyway, great cinematic and interpretation of Civil War.
Doctor Strange is an unlikable character. He is arrogant, condescending, and selfish. However, that’s his role. Does he learn that everything is not always about him? No. Doctor Strange comes to realize that a responsibility has been bestowed upon him. His ego accepts the challenge.
Doctor Strange is not an altruist, bright-eyed kid like Spider-Man. Nor is he reinventing himself like Iron Man. Thor is seemingly in it to party his way through good over evil. Black Widow and Hawkeye hint at a past for which they seek atonement.
Doctor Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme. He cannot be bothered with individual struggles when he has two entire realms to balance. Through this lens and the introduction of an Infinity Stone, Doctor Strange works to expand the MCU and moves the saga along. I didn’t care much for the Inception effects. However, overall a decent origin story.
As for how or even why Doctor Strange is able to become the Sorcerer Supreme over dedicated monks and acolytes? The Ancient One says that Stephen Strange’s arrival was foretold. She hints at his affinity with the Infinity Stone as proof of his destiny. Comic book magic, yo!
“Comic book magic” works, yep!