Disney’s Marvel is to superheroes what Disney’s Pixar is to everything else (also, superheroes). The machine keeps turning out hit after hit, and if you are wondering if Doctor Strange will continue the winning streak the answer is yes. Doctor Strange is a fantastic film.
Like Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy before it, Doctor Strange is introducing a character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that isn’t as familiar to audiences as some of the bigger names in spandex (or iron), which may seem risky, but we all know how those worked out (the answer is “well”). As such, Doctor Strange not only introduces us to Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the origin story of the hero that he becomes, but also ties in the rest of the MCU in such a way that you leave the theater feeling excited for what marvels may come (see what I did there?).
Here is some helpful info for parents thinking about taking their kids to see Doctor Strange (PG-13):
Positive themes: Once again we are following a terribly flawed character as he comes to terms with the responsibility of new power while battling his old demons (and, in this case, something akin to actual demons). The conflict and understanding that stems from it showcase compassion, intelligence, and standing up for what is right, all of which are widely considered as positive. As an added bonus, Stephen Strange is a champion of hard work and great study habits!
Violence/Scare Factor: If you’ve seen any other Marvel film than you know exactly what to expect. People die, bad guys have bad things happen to them. There are fights with fists and magic, and the consequences of both. There is also a pretty severe auto accident which may be a trigger for anyone that is affected by such things, although it does provide an excellent opportunity to discuss texting/calling while driving.
Sex/Romance: There are references to a sexual relationship between characters, but nothing too overt.
Bad Language: There is a healthy amount of cursing for a family film, but nothing that most kids haven’t heard before. The middle finger also makes an appearance.
Tip: Marvel’s Doctor Strange is a great mix of science fiction and fantasy, and a welcome addition to the MCU. Make sure to stick around until the very end of the credits as there are two additional scenes following the film.