In Theatres: Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness (2022)

 20 years after bringing "Spider-Man" to the big screen, Sam Raimi returns to Marvel Comics, this time helming "Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness".

The opening act introduces moviegoers to one of Marvel's latest heroes, America Chavez, who debuted in print just a few short years ago. Seems that the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) thinks absorbing America's powers, particularly the ability to travel across universes, would help her with her self-created children (80's comics readers and fans of WandaVision will understand what I mean). It might feel like something from Image Comics, which used to start some stories in the middle instead of the beginning.

Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has to deal with the backlash caused by some of his counterparts on other earths while at the same time thwarting the rogue Avenger. There are guests galore, including one world's Illuminati, consisting of Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart, Star Trek: Picard), Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell, reprising from What If...? & Agent Carter), and Reed Richards (John Krasinski, ex-The Office). Clocking in at just over 2 hours, "Multiverse of Madness" doesn't overdo things, instead trying to simplify the story.

Check the trailer:

There is a pre-credits scene with a certain, ah, consort of Strange's, and the post-credits scene involves long-time Raimi collaborator Bruce Campbell. That's all I'm going to say.

Rating: B.