Marvel fans have been anticipating seeing Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) in “Multiverse of Madness” since the teaser was shown. I began to follow the hype and became excited to see the film as well; however, it didn’t follow my expectations. Rather than making the list of the best modern Marvel films, it barely reached the top 10. 

(Warning: Spoilers ahead)

The movie follows the story of a Marvel character new to the screens, America Chaves (Xochitl Gomez). Following her short series “Wanda Vision,” Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), is depicted as the main antagonist, attempting to take America’s power for herself. Strange is then put in the position of protecting the child from Wanda’s clutches, leading the two through the multiverse.

Wishing to be with her children once more, Wanda goes on a rampage not thinking through the consequences. Marvel did not fail when introducing a large action scene within the first 10 minutes of the film. However, what intrigued me the most was the transformation Olsen’s character went through. Once a hero, Wanda is now the main villain creating a needed change in the Marvel cinematic universe. While it isn’t new to see a Marvel hero turn slightly to the dark side, there hasn’t been a major change until now. 

In this film, Wanda destroys everything in her path that may prevent her from getting America’s ability to jump through the multiverse. This puts the Scarlet Witch above many of the Marvel heroes when it comes to raw power as well as magical abilities. She was able to bead the Sorcerer Supreme for goodness sake. If that doesn’t show that Wanda is one of the most powerful characters there is, nothing will. 

America, on the other hand, is the basic depiction of a new hero. She is unable to control her powers and needs a mentor to show her the way, who in turn learns something from the newly developed hero. While this is the concept of a hero accepted by many, it would be refreshing to see something new come to the big screen when it comes to the development of a hero. 

One thing that is interesting about her development is Marvel’s depiction of a canon lesbian couple. The film has been banned from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries because of this depiction. The new line of films Marvel has released, however, has shown a huge improvement in their acceptance of the LGBT+ community. This film in particular will be a catalyst for future films to further incorporate aspects that will include the community. Bravo to Marvel for being inclusive. 

Another interesting aspect is the acronym created by the title of the movie: M.O.M. This is more creative than any title I have seen in the Marvel franchise. While many don’t make the connection at first, the title hints at the wants of Wanda and her wish to be with her children, which is the fuel for her newly formed destructive nature. It gives meaning behind a title, something I haven’t seen in a Marvel movie until now.

While all these aspects make this film different from the rest, the entirety of the film can’t just stand on the sexuality of characters and the title of the film. The plot itself needed work. It did not keep me engaged throughout the entirety of the film. There were points when I started to doze off in my seat in the theater. Other parts of the movie woke me up, but that was only when a major action scene came onto the screen. Anything else would have put me right to sleep. If a film only relies on its action scenes, then count me out. I like a good action sequence, but I also need good plot development to stay engaged in a film.

“Multiverse of Madness” has its qualities; however, I can’t give it a perfect review knowing the plot practically put me to sleep. I hope Marvel continues to develop their movies by making them more inclusive and creative like this one; however, they need to focus on scenes other than action sequences. A perfect balance of all those would make the perfect film, and for now, we have to wait because M.O.M was just not it.

3/5