Last week I posted about how Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE is coming to Dolby Cinema at select AMC locations. I’m so excited that another character is entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)! Finally Doctor Strange made his big screen debut the other day. This is definitely a movie you don’t want to miss as it is made for big screen viewing, especially in Dolby Cinema!
Dolby Cinema at AMC
So before I get into thoughts on DOCTOR STRANGE, let me chat a little bit about how incredible Dolby Cinema makes movie-viewing. If you’ve never experienced it before, you are missing out! The theater is absolute state-of-the-art as soon as you walk in.
From the ticket kiosks to all the upcoming movie displays to even the snack bar. Yes I love that the snack bar offers such an amazing selection. You will find the classic options of popcorn, soda, and candy, while other options include pizza, hot dogs, or even mozzarella sticks! As for my son, it’s always convenient to grab him a Kids Combo Pack. His popcorn, drink, and candy are all in one easy carrying tray.
Know what’s really cool about this theater too? You can order your food and drink ahead of time thanks to the AMC app! Order and pay through the app, and then your food will be awaiting for you at the counter. No waiting in lines! Just pick up the food at the express counter. And once you get to your seats, you’ll have a handy food and drink holder right there at your seat!
When you arrive at the theater this weekend, be sure to check out all the cool DOCTOR STRANGE displays!
At this screening, they were giving out limited edition DOCTOR STRANGE posters and screening badges on lanyards. How cool is that? Definitely another perfect to attending Dolby Cinema screenings!
I experienced the Dolby Cinema Stadium seating before when I went to go see THE JUNGLE BOOK and FINDING DORY earlier this year. Still always a treat! I just love that there is so much leg room provided. Plus can’t go wrong with having seats that recline with a leg rest.
All you have to do is just use the easy control buttons by your seat to adjust the comfort. Definitely a nice touch to what Dolby Cinema at AMC has to offer.
Plus I love that the seats are actually in sets of two. You can then pull up the seat divider and enjoy a “loveseat” size couch. This is perfect in case you are out on “Date Night” enjoying a movie, or have a tired little one who wants to curl up with you. It’s the perfect comfort and atmosphere to enjoy the vivid images and spectacular sound thanks to Dolby Cinema!
So now let’s talk DOCTOR STRANGE!
Marvel Brings the Magic with Doctor Strange
Earlier this year, Marvel kicked off Phase 3 with their summer blockbuster hit CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. While the film was filled with familiar faces, we were introduced to characters new to the MCU as well. Now here we are with DOCTOR STRANGE, who is certainly an old fan favorite in the comics, but a new face in the MCU. What is unique and different about this character and his story, is that it mixes the iconic Marvel superhero world, with a bit of fantasy and magic. While Doctor Strange may be a lesser known character in the grand scheme of Marvel, his background is a unique one, that will be sure to entrance audiences!
The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tilda Swinton. In the beginning we meet Kaecilius (Mikkelsen), a former student of the mysterious sorcerer, the Ancient One (Swinton). Betraying his mentor, he steals the text of a forbidden ritual. The chase scene pulls you into the movie right away! You’ll be on the edge of your seating wanting to see what will happen next.
The story then jumps to our protagonist, Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch), an acclaimed (but quite arrogant) surgeon. Sadly his career is ended when he’s in a horrific car accident. As he is no longer able to use his hands, he sets out on a “healing journey” to Nepal. It’s not long before he himself encounters the Ancient One. She then decides to mentor Stephen in the craft of mystic arts, where he learns to bend time and space, and enter new dimensions among other things. Through his new abilities, he becomes the Sorcerer Supreme!
Strange finds support during this new chapter of hi life with Mordo (Ejiofor) and Wong (Wong). As Strange grows strong, he discovers the conflict that arises when Kaecilius summons Dormammu, the “ruler of the Dark Dimension.” Fun fact… Cumberbatch actually provided the voice and motion-capture performance for Dormammu! Without giving too much away, destruction begins and it is now up to Doctor Strange to save humanity.
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In the movie, you’ll spot familiar relics and artifacts from the comic. I love that in DOCTOR STRANGE, the filmmakers gave the Cloak of Levitation a personality so to speak. It’s quite an enjoyable aspect of the movie that the Cloak serves as a supporting character. You’ll get a few chuckles from a few of the Cloak’s gags during the film.
Now let’s chat a little bit about the differences in this film vs. the comics. Obviously, as you can tell with casting, the Ancient One is quite different in the film. Swinton is amazing as her character! She is such a chameleon in the roles she portrays. While Marvel confirms the Ancient One is a woman in this new adaption of DOCTOR STRANGE, Swinton brings the right androgynous aspect to the role, giving her character an even more mysterious presence.
As for Mordo, yes we are used to seeing him with a villainous side in the comics. In this film? Well I guess you’ll have to see DOCTOR STRANGE for yourself to see if Mordo stays an ally, or becomes the enemy. Again, I don’t want to give too much away. However I will say that Mordo is definitely a character to keep your eye on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can’t wait to see how his character plays out if he appears in future films.
Other aspects that really jump out in the film are the special effects and art direction. They are insane! Well, in a good way insane. You’ve seen the buildings bending and world turning in the trailer. However there are many more scenes that are nothing like you’ve seen before in other Marvel movies! The filmmakers definitely pay homage to the comics with the art direction for the alternate dimensions.
As with every Marvel movie, be on the lookout for mid- and post-credit scenes. I can’t stress enough how important these scenes are in the MCU! You will definitely want to stay and watch! Yes there are Easter Eggs in the film, and yes Stan Lee makes his cameo as always.
As with other movies in the MCU, this film is rated PG-13. There is some violence, but it is more in the “mystical” and fantasy-like sense. It’s different from movies like CIVIL WAR, where the violence is more realistic. However there are a few hand to hand fighting scenes (think INCEPTION meets MATRIX meets CRIPPLED AVENGERS). The car crash may be intense for very young viewers, as are some of the hospital scenes.
I must say though. this movie is definitely a must-see!
Doctor Strange Trailer
Be sure to connect with Marvel’s latest movie on Facebook, Twitter, and Marvel on Instagram.
DOCTOR STRANGE is now in Dolby Cinema at AMC theaters everywhere! Make sure to sign up for the Dolby Cinema newsletter to stay up to date on all the latest happenings with Dolby Cinema at AMC. Check out the current locations below, as well as theaters opening soon…
Now Open
Arizona
California
Colorado
Washington, DC
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Louisiana
Missouri
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Coming Soon
California
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Hopefully one of those locations is near you!
Will you see DOCTOR STRANGE this weekend?
I received financial compensation via Dolby Cinema in exchange for this post. All options and thoughts expressed are 100% my own.
Kristi says
I cant wait to see this. We will be going to it for my husbands birthday this week. I love the comfy seats at the theater!
Cathi Crismon says
Oh my! The closest luxury theater we have to us in the one in Orange, CA. But that’s not going to stop us from having an awesome movie date with our grandkids!
Scott says
Wish we had an AMC near us. But we did catch the movie yesterday, in IMAX!
Leah says
We won’t be seeing this movie this weekend because we have other plans, but it is one that my husband really wants to see. I would be willing to bet he will go see it while he’s out of town this week!
Jacqui Odell says
I can’t wait to see this! Sounds like a great movie! Plus the theater looks amazing! Very comfy.