How About That Trailer? - Doctor Strange

We may have Captain America: Civil War coming soon enough to launch the start of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Doctor Strange appears to be setting up more of the weirder and wilder Marvel films to be coming. A Guardians of the Galaxy sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and others are all on the way, but let's back up and take a look at what Doctor Strange seems to be promising.

From what I'm seeing in this teaser trailer, we're getting a Marvel Studios film that has been inspired by Christopher Nolan films. Director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) is a fitting (and cost-effective) choice for this one and has so far delivered a film taking cues from both Batman Begins in terms of an origin story and Inception when it comes to the gonzo effects on display. Actually, while Ant-Man felt like the first Marvel Studios film to rightfully incorporate 3D, Doctor Strange feels like the first one that will be enhanced by the experience.

Looking at the casting, I continue to have thoughts that seem to oppose the general positive choices made regarding the lead. Okay, so I do really like Benedict Cumberbatch and he'll likely do a fine job, but this does seem like one of the least 'think outside the box' casting choices we could have gotten. If we put that aside, I now have to wonder this: people like Cumberbatch and like hearing him speak in his natural accent, so why oh why was the choice made to give him an American accent that sounds very reminiscent of Hugh Laurie's Dr. House?

The rest of the cast is pretty great, which we can basically expect when it comes to the supporting cast in Marvel movies. Despite a lack of actors that could more properly represent what you'd expect when it comes to characters based in mysticism, this film does have Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams. That stacks the deck fairly high in a good way.

Other than that, this trailer delivers all you expect. Some hints at a tragic backstory (genius neurosurgeon gets in a car accident), a journey to find one's self, a powerful mentor and teases of the thrills to come. Given how this film will be incorporating magic in the Marvel universe, it will be neat to see how the scope of an action film like this plays out this time around. Given my lack of familiarity with Doctor Strange and indifference to the director choice, I can simply hope for the best and expect to get another Marvel film that is entertaining at the very least.

We'll see, as Doctor Strange arrives in theaters November 4, 2016.