Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mysticism, humor, and action surround unique Marvel hero.
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Doctor Strange
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 42 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film features impressive visuals and action, it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to graphic content, including surgery scenes and car crashes that are unsettling. Several reviewers noted its themes of self-discovery and emotional growth, though many expressed concern about the darker, more disturbing elements and suggest parental discretion when deciding for younger viewers.
- visual effects
- graphic content
- self-discovery themes
- parental discretion
- unsettling elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 180 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In DOCTOR STRANGE, the title character (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a skilled surgeon who's both successful and arrogant. After crashing his sports car, he finds that his hands are useless, and medical science can't restore them. But he hears of a man who was able to walk again after a spinal injury and seeks the source of this rumor, an Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in Kathmandu, Nepal. At first the doctor mocks the Ancient One's claims that healing his spirit can heal his body, but he finds her powers genuine and begs to be taught. His training goes better than expected: It even appears that Doctor Strange might be a natural-born sorcerer. But a villain, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), has stolen pages from one of the Ancient One's spell books and intends to use them to bring a dark dimension to Earth. Has Strange learned enough to stop this evil from happening?
Is It Any Good?
Marvel's 14th Cinematic Universe movie has all the usual action and explosions, but it also has a different type of main character -- one who's magical and appealingly flawed but willing to change. Chiefly known as a horror director, helmer Scott Derrickson unexpectedly adds plenty of playfulness and humor to a story that could have been steeped in self-serious exoticism and mysticism. It helps that Cumberbatch and Swinton, as well as Benedict Wong as the keeper of the spellbook library, bring so much personality to their roles.
Most of Doctor Strange's seriousness is a burden carried by Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mordo character, but comic fans will at least know the reason why. Unfortunately, the best character moments tend to cool down and fizzle out during the big action sequences. But some of those scenes, which have beautiful "folding" effects as the sorcerers change the environment around them, are quite impressive, especially as Strange learns his powers. As the movie's climax arrives, the action becomes bigger and less involving. Still, it's thrilling to see Strange embrace his inner spirit, finding power by going with the current, instead of against it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Doctor Strange's violence. How does it compare to what you've seen in other Marvel movies? Is there a difference in the impact of hand-to-hand combat and catastrophic, buildings-collapsing type of explosions?
As the movie begins, how is the doctor selfish and arrogant? How does he learn to change these things? How does he demonstrate humility and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Why do you think the Marvel comics have turned into such well-received movies? How does Doctor Strange fit in? How is he different?
What lessons does Doctor Strange learn from the Ancient One? Could you apply any of these lessons to your own life?
How does the movie address texting and driving? Do the consequences seem realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 4, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 28, 2017
- Cast : Benedict Cumberbatch , Rachel McAdams , Tilda Swinton
- Director : Scott Derrickson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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