‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’, and the Problem When Fan Service Prevails Over Cohesive Storytelling

This is a spoiler-free article about Sam Raimi’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” The film will open in theaters in the US on May 6, 2022.

“I need your help”: Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange pays a visit to Elizabth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff in a scene from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2022)

How a Single Action Created a Ripple Effect — and Opened a ‘Multiverse of Madness’

First Parker, now Chavez: Benedict Cumberbatch and Xochitl Gomez in a scene from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2022)

Losing One’s Way in the Trappings of [Franchise Movie] Conventions

A Tale of Two Benedicts: Doctor Strange and Wong prepare to defend Kamar-Taj from a looming force. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2022)

‘Multiverse of Madness’: Convenient Avenue for Crossovers…or Franchise Reboots

Just Another Tuesday: Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2022)

Emotions Underscoring Unresolved Grief and Regret Make for Top-Notch Performances

“The Illumi-WHAT now?!”: Doctor Strange stands trial before a mysterious group. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2022)

When Fan Service Prevails Over Cohesive Storytelling

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Film (and sometimes music) critic. Writer by profession, musician by passion.

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Paul Enicola

Film (and sometimes music) critic. Writer by profession, musician by passion.