First Reactions to DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS Praise Sam Raimi

What do you get when you combine Sam Raimi, a master of the mystic arts, the Scarlet Witch, and infinite possibilities? That’s what moviegoers will find out when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness comes to theaters this week. But if you’re curious what others think of that chaotic combination, the first reactions to Doctor Strange 2 began to hit social media today.

A Doctor Strange variant wearing blue stands on a New York City cab in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The first reactions to Doctor Strange 2 are here.
Marvel Studios

Overall they should make both horror and superhero fans happy. Not everyone is in total agreement, though, that everything about this trip through parallel worlds works.

Many of the critics that had an early chance to see Marvel’s wild ride through its dangerous multiverse praised its director. There were questions about whether or not this would feel like a Marvel movie more than anything. But this is a Sam Raimi film.

Wanda stans can also look forward to seeing a whole lot of the witch you already voted the best in pop culture history. This film expanded her role in the franchise. And first reactions to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness are already revealing more praise for Elizabeth Olsen.

Some critics applauded the film without giving it a full stamp of approval. From being overstuffed to not quite pulling off everything it attempted, they found Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness had a lot going for it, just not everything.

While outright pans are few and far between, not everyone loves the movie. Nor do they think it works in the larger context of the franchise.

https://twitter.com/casablancadon/status/1521343070846992384

Even here at Nerdist we had a full range of opinions. Some of us loved it, while others (like myself) thought it didn’t quite come together.

But we know that if you’re curious enough to read other peoples’ thoughts on this movie you’re going to see it for yourself no matter what they say. And hopefully, this mad trip through the multiverse brings you somewhere you want to go.