Admitedly, Doctor Strange is not a character that I was very familiar with prior to seeing the film. Though I've been aware of him and recognized his image since childhood, I never read a Doctor Strange comic. So full disclaimer: I can't tell you for sure how faithful the movie is to the comics and to the characters. However, judging by the enthusiastic response from Marvel fans, I think it's fair to say that director Scott Derrickson has done a fine job with the material. 

Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a successful and popular neurosurgeon, who chooses his patients based on whether the surgery is difficult enough for his talents, is yet another Marvel superhero who starts off as arrogant and self-centered (Marvel fans are well-acquainted with the moral growth of heroes such as Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Thor, etc.). As the result of a horrific car accident, due to his reckless driving, Stephen Strange finds himself with badly damaged hands which now render him unable to perform the delicate, precise surgical procedures which had given him his fame and fortune. Thus he embarks on a spiritual journey to Nepal, in a quest to heal his hands with the power of the mind and of magic. This brings him into contact with a revered spiritual leader called The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), whose vast knowledge of the mystical arts enables her and her followers to open doors to other realms and realities, and to tap into various magical powers. Stephen Strange quickly becomes adept at performing The Ancient One's teachings. By the second hour of the movie, he has become the classic Marvel superhero, complete with signature costume. He will then, of course, have to use those newfound powers to combat sinister otherworldly forces and save the world (as is required of any self-respecting superhero).

DOCTOR STRANGE is yet another winner for Marvel, among a whole slew of winners. Surely the winning streak will eventually end, and Marvel will eventually make a few stinkers? The law of averages suggests as much, and yes I've become more cynical in my old age. But all kidding aside, I've greatly enjoyed the majority of the films that have come out of Marvel Studios thus far, and I hope that they will keep on releasing such quality products. We currently live in an age where any quality escapism is most welcome.