Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” is an interesting departure from the typical superhero fare. Benedict Cumberbatch brings a magical new hero to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A wonderful cast and well-written script give the film its own identity, but the real star of the show is the assortment of visual effects used throughout.

Doctor Steven Strange (Cumberbatch) is an egotistical surgeon living in New York. He’s snarky and sarcastic, but takes his job very seriously and truly cares about the lives of his patients. After a brutal car accident early in the film, he loses feeling and motion in his hands. He tries different surgeries and medical techniques, and ultimately finds himself in China to meet with a spiritual leader known as The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). She teaches him about the power of magic and what it can do to open his mind and heal his body. He learns how to manipulate reality, space, and time while training to become the Sorcerer Supreme.

Listen here: Benedict Cumberbatch was always on the verge of being a superstar. Just like Pratt, Evans, Ruffalo, Rudd, Hemsworth and Johansson before him, Marvel Studios solidifies his status as a superstar. He took the role of Stephen Strange and made him complex and interesting. You are always interested in what he is doing and even grow to care for him. This is Cumberbatch’s best role to date and carves himself a nice spot next to the rest.

Cumberbatch leads a well-rounded cast, and everyone brings something to the table. Swinton’s Ancient One has a power about her that commands the respect of all her students. Fellow sorcerers Mordo and Wong bring the comedic relief in parts that the magic and mythology could have come off to heavy. Rachel McAdams plays Christine, who is Stranger’s coworker and former lover. They have great chemistry and her character serves a true purpose in the story. Even the villain Kaecillus (Mads Mikkelsen) has some great character development and motivation to push his story forward.

The visual effects are some of the very best ever put on film. Marvel has come a very long way to get to this point where they are showcasing the best visual effects cinema has to offer. The initial sequence of Strange traveling to other dimensions is a master class of visual storytelling. It’s a must see in IMAX 3D. It’s in the company of Avatar when discussing ground breaking 3D and CGI. It really makes you come to terms that we are in 2016 and anything is possible. It makes you excited for the future.

Cumberbatch pulls off an extraordinary role that he was practically born to play. The reality-bending effects bring a new standard to what can be accomplished in movies. “Doctor Strange” is the breath of fresh air Marvel Studios needed for its vast portfolio, and represents a new corner of the MCU that we didn’t even know existed. It goes proves that super hero fatigue is a strange myth.

Justin’s Final Score: 4 out of 5.