6 years after the original flawed first Doctor Strange film we have the Sequel. He did warn us in Spider-Man: No Way Home ‘Don’t Mess With the Universe’ the sequel is that madness unleashed. This takes place after the events of No Way home, we see a ponytailed Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) defending a young girl from some strange creature which ends up being a dream. At a wedding reception he hears a disturbance outside goes to investigate and witness a young girl getting chased by a cyclop like octopus monster. He intercepts and saves her learning she is America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez ) whom we do learn about her really quickly and that she has met Strange before. Strange heads to Wanda Maximof (Scarlett Witch, Elisabeth Olsen) who has experience on the Multiverse for help.

I wont go too much into anymore of the plot as we’ll be in spoiler territory. Evil Dead director Sam Raimi takes over from Scott Derrickson as the director . The film does have more horror elements and when it comes to MCU characters who could go on horror direction it’s Doctor Stephen Strange as he delves into the black arts especially in this sequel. The film does have input that bonkers Evil Dead tone in many place. Some critics have argued maybe not as much horror than expected, yeah probably could have had a bit more, it does have to balance it with tropes we expect from a MCU film.

I did mention the Evil Dead influence there is a ‘groovy’ funny cameo which pays homage to an iconic scene from the film. As for cameos through the trailers we learn of MCU Illuminati who we see have Strange in schackles without going into too many details will bring a smile to MCU fans, one will possibly shock or indication of a future MCU film. One is sort of revealed in that trailer as we hear him talk in the trailer and he’s one of the most recognisable voices in acting.

Doctor Strange In Multiverse Of Madness may leave some fans a little frustrated, or annoyed with the dialogue heavy narrative. These things could b e potentially sorted in future MCU films as it opens many new doors for Strange as well as the universe itself. Benedict Cumberbatch is his usually dependable delightful self, Gomez is fantastic as America shinning with vulnerability and heart. Wong finally gets some scenes to shine through rather than being the secondary background support. Elisabeth Olsen is magnetic as Wanda/Scarlett Witch, nuance performance.

Doctor Strange In Multiverse of Madness, is a gripping, fast paced gonzo bonkers ride. Those wondering if there is any End credits scenes, there’s 2. One that introduces another cameo and future of Stephen Strange in the MCU, and a fun ‘groovy’ one.

★★★1/2

Comic-Book, Action | USA, 2022 | 12 | Marvel Studios | Dir: Sam Raimi | Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stulhbarg, Rachel McAdams