You might walk out of “Doctor Strange,” the latest in the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic universe, with the sense of reality taking awhile to set back in. As director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister”) blasts his first surray into superhero genre fare with a delightful passion of visual aesthetics, while giving the brain some eye candy to gloss over.

In one of the more obscure characters in their arsenal, (save for Ant-Man), Benedict Cumberbatch is just the right fit for Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon that has a spark for creativity, arrogance, and playboy-like philanthropy. If he reminds you, at first, of a certain metal-clad hero from the Marvel universe, I believe that was intentional. Strange has a nice charisma to his overall demeanor, but that all changes when he ends up in a brutal, life altering, car crash that sends his mental path on a different route. He awakens to find his hands have been surgically altered to the point where he might never work in his field again, creating the ophinony of just how useless he will be to society.
After his attempted rehabilitation, Strange seeks advice from from a man named Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt), who broke his back, but somehow learned to heal himself. Though skeptical at first, Strange takes his words and heads east to Kathmandu, where he meets the Jedi-like Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his master the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Mordo is a fascinating character, who has motives that are every bit as sophisticated as Strange. Though if you wish to know more about him, I suggest sticking around for both end credit sequences.

Meanwhile, enough has already been said from the online trolls about the casting of Swinton in a role originally sought to be played as an old Asian man (as if we needed another “Karate Kid” stereotype). Yet that never detracts from the overall value of the movie, as it’s rather refreshing to see her in a role as an ageless oracle with the power to bend matter and slow time. The latter of which provides motivation for her ex-pupil, now turned baddie, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelesen) which lends to the films opening mind-bending visual effect stand-off that would give Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” a run for it’s money.

The character of Strange is cut from the same cloth as most superheroes are, and the formula hardly ever changes. Which generally makes it harder for directors to make it their own or find ways to be creative. Much like Sam Rami of “Spider-Man” fame, Derrickson comes from the realm of shock-till-you-drop horror fare which, in this case, helps him translate more versatility to the overall credibility of the character. Granted, we don’t delve much into the boyhood days of Strange (as I feel growing up with that name might not have been fun), or how Rachel McAdams as the unequivocal love interest feels underused. None of that, however, undermines the finished product which see’s buildings molding together like putty, and witnessing an ever-expanding universe that is worthy to the Avengers portfolio.

Yes, this new project shares the same look, feel, and authenticity of other well known Marvel advisories, but it has an underlying freshness and originality. With that said, Kevin Feige certainly seems to have his slate in order, knowing how to bring A-list talent in front of, and behind the camera. He understands that he must protect the integrity of the MCU at all costs, and giving opportunities to those who seek it. Because of this, “Doctor Strange” is another well deserved notch that can now find it’s place among the Marvel canon. B+