One of the films that—despite its decidedly not Christmas themed plot—will definitely be playing on screens across the nation this winter is Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, hit theaters on November 4th after Marvel decided to delay production in order to get Benedict Cumberbatch to star. Marvel’s pattern for releasing visually stunning movies that ensnare every last drop of the audience’s’ attention was upheld throughout the entirety of the film, from the beautiful computer-generated imagery to the Marvel-ous action shots. Even within the first opening scene the audience is greeted by rolling buildings, a tipping city and fight scene like no other. 

Dr. Stephen Strange’s personality is a mix of determination and arrogance that can only be compared to that of Tony Stark from Iron Man. When viewers are first introduced to Dr. Stephen Strange, he is a renowned brain surgeon who is extremely well-compensated for his work. However, on one fateful night his life is torn apart by the loss of function in hands from a gruesome car accident. His faith in modern medicine takes a devastating drop when not even the best surgeons can give his hands the stability they need to operate again.

Desperate for a solution to his problem, he travels across the globe until he stumbles upon a secret society that offers him both weapons and magic. The events of the car crash change the course of his life forever and give the character depth while pulling at the audience’s heart strings. The events of the car crash and his choices that follow change the course of his life forever and give the character depth while pulling at the audience’s heart strings.

The movie weaves in plenty of comical scenes into a serious plot, which had a way of lightening the mood amid moments that seize the audience’s emotions by the throat. A witty comment here and an embarrassing moment there made the character of Dr. Strange much more likeable to viewers.

Marvel has a tendency to create movies that bring the magic and fantasy within their comic books to life and Doctor Strange is no different. All things considered, there is no denying that the movie was jaw-dropping, astounding, comical and oh-so-good.