Movie review - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ****½ (out of 5) (PG-13) Summer must be coming, since the first Marvel superhero epic has arrived ... at least in THIS universe, which is the one that matters most. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the eponymous dude with a wide array of powers, and a set of regrets almost as broad. As the film opens (after his half-decade as cosmic dust, courtesy of Thanos from a prior film), he sucks it up to attend the wedding of his lost love (Rachel McAdams) to another. That noble gesture is interrupted by a ginormous octopus chasing a young girl (Xochitl Gomez {not a typo; I checked twice}) around the city. She happens to be the only known person with the ability to travel between universes, though she hasn’t learned to control the power. A major demon is behind the effort to snatch her and drain the talent for her own purposes.

The rest of the plot is an exhausting CGI-driven chase through multiple universes, as Strange and others try to keep her from the demon. The villainess turns out to be a witch (Elizabeth Olsen) who is stronger than all the good guys in all the realities. No more plot details coming. They won’t affect whether or not you see this.

Here’s the useful info:
1 - It helps to have seen Cumberbatch in the 2016 Dr. Strange adventure to appreciate the characters and context for this one, but it’s not essential. Regular patrons of the zillion, or so, Marvel movies will enjoy a bunch of appearances from other powerful pals of our protagonist who appeared in previous pictures.
2 - The CGI effects may be the most visually spectacular of any comic-based or other sci-fi opus I’ve seen. The bigger the screen, and better the sound system, the more you will savor a number of stunning sequences. A slew of techs proffers strong cases for Oscar nominations.
3 - The plot has some illogical developments, but the pace and scope of the action will keep most viewers from having the time to ponder them until afterwards. The film’s 126 minutes does not seem excessive.
4 - Bruce Campbell chips in a terrific cameo, again mining gold with director and lifelong pal, Sam Raimi.
5 - Those who enjoy the humorous aspect of Marvel-based flicks, compared to the dark and dour norm of the DC Comics string (Has any Batman besides Adam West ever smiled?) will be greatly pleased by its deployment in this installment.
6 - Yes, the credits drag on forever. But there’s plenty of reason to sit through all of them for brief mid- and post-scroll scenes. Trust me. Just tell your bladder to give you a few more minutes.
7 - This adds up to one of those joyous exceptions - the sequel tops the original.

8 - In the wedding scene, I could swear I saw Bruce Davison sitting a few rows behind The Doctor, with no lines or other involvement. Any confirmation of the sighting, and thoughts about the reason you may provide via the reply option will be greatly appreciated.

(In theaters 5/6/22)