Joyce Blay

As a kid who grew up reading The Phantom in the Sunday newspaper comics section, I loved this movie, particularly the 1930s period setting. Its visually beautiful and the script is well-paced. The only disappointments I had with this movie were some unconvincing aerial stunts and cheap props. The cast, however, does not disappoint, especially Billy Zane, who looks great as The Phantom.

As a comic book fan, I grew up reading Doctor Strange. In my opinion, this movie was just as good as the Marvel comic book. It had great casting, even the decision to replace the Ancient One, an elderly bearded man, with a youthful, but bald Tilda Swinton, who was very good in the role. The very handsome and talented English actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, cast as Stephen Strange, was convincing as the egotistical New York physician who becomes a heroic sorcerer. The international supporting cast of heroes and villains were all excellent as well. The cinematic special effects, while different than the comic book's mystical realms imagined by illustrator Steve Ditko, were movie magic. Whether or not you grew up reading the Doctor Strange comic book as I did, it's well worth your time to watch this movie version of it, which I enjoyed.