I will write the first part of my review without spoilers for those who haven't seen Doctor Strange yet.

Doctor Strange starts off almost like any other Marvel Film. At first it is difficult to picture how Benedict Cumberbachs' Doctor Strange will fit into the MCU. He is not powerful, he's just an ordinary man, but has a proclivity for surgery. We learn a little about how he became the best surgeon- he selectively takes cases he knows he can do- and he makes sure through his arrogance that we know he is capable. Strange is self centered, egotistical, and arrogant. We get a glimpse into his medical world relatively quickly. This movie runs about two hours and twelve minutes, but the pacing makes this extremely bearable and there are far and few scenes that drag on. The film has a delicate balance of humor, and has a nice Marvel touch added- feeling like Doctor Strange has always been a part of the universe, while introducing him and making his origin tasteful, quick, and we dive right into action- which is visually rewarding. The movie bombards the senses with trippy and unusual visuals when Strange finally "opens his eyes" As we have a Marvel Villain- the set up for next films are carefully placed and picked.

Now we can move onto the villain Kaecilius, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen- a veteran at playing villains, he no doubt rises to the occasion when it comes to his evil side in this film. He provides a villain that does not believe he is doing anything wrong. The Ancient One (portrayed by Tilda Swinton) has made a set of rules for sorcerers to follow. Kaecilius takes matters into his own hands and takes pages from an ancient script to merge our world into another. The Ancient One attempts to stop him, unsuccessfully, and then in this time Doctor Strange is in a terrible car wreck leaving his hands destroyed and beyond repaid by modern medicine, with no where else to turn, Strange resorts to looking into mystical medicine. This is really when Strange finally steps into the world as a hero and really expands his horizons.

This is the first Marvel film to focus on Magic- where as other films such as Thor slightly delved into it- Doctor Strange introduces a new perspective on powers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Strange becomes a natural- citing his photographic memory and nearly unbeatable stubbornness and willpower. Baron Mordo- becomes a welcomed supporting character and guides Strange in his journey. He becomes more powerful, and by chance ends up face to face with Kacillius- holding his own where other masters have failed he protects the Sanctum Sanctorum- and eventually gets the upper hand on him with the Cloak of Levitation and Eye of Agamotto- which seems to be natural in the hands of strange. I can't really go on without spoiling the film- so I will say this- the film is totally worth watching if you're a die-hard Marvel fan- I cannot express how great it was to have a new character in the films and Strange is no Stranger here- a welcomed addition to the MCU. I give this movie 9/10 because of the amazing special effects- introduction of magic, Cumberbatchs' amazing performance as Strange, and the wonderful pacing. So, if you haven't already: GO SEE IT! Also, make sure to stay because there are not one, but two post-credit scenes!

Spoilers ahead! Read at your own risk:

After Strange defeats Kaecilius by setting things right in the world preventing, Dormammu from taking the earth into his dark universe. Strange uses the time stone in the Eye of Agamotto to defeat him, dying over and over, being stuck in a time loop- and Dormammu overwhelmed by experiencing time- and the stubborn will of Strange. He finally agrees to leave and our hero is scolded by his friend and partner/mentor Baron Mordo. Strange breaks the natural order by manipulating time. He goes his own way, and Strange becomes the New Sorcerer Supreme.

After the credits we have 2 scenes- the first a discussion between Thor and Strange, this alone really showcases how well he fits in with other MCU characters. I think Strange is going to go on to be a fan favorite and this is a great first entry into the MCU. The second scene- Mordo seeks out the paraplegic walking via magic and strips him of his power. He leaves him broken on the floor and says, there are too many sorcerers. Really wonderful set up of Doctor Strange 2, and I already can't wait.