Finally saw the new Marvel movie this week. Knowing the origin of the titular hero, there weren't any surprises for me. However, the visuals were amazing. I deeply appreciate imaginative movies, something that gets my mind going. Inception was one of those movies. The remolded architecture, the mirror dimension, the weapons, there were so many images that stuck with me. 

Benedict Cumberbatch always does a great job, and he was more appropriate for this role than a generic musular actor. Tilda Swinton did a good job as the Ancient, even though I am reluctant to embrace changes to the subject material. Scott Adkins had a bit part as a minion (I'm not even sure they named him at any point). I have seen a lot of B-movies with him as the star. I like Mads Mikkelsen in anything, but his character was not particularly memorable. 

The movie is just shy of 2 hours long (these Marvel movies keep getting longer) but it moves pretty quick. I didn't find myself becoming disinterested. The ending is not really a typical superhero battle, but this isn't really a typical superhero movie. I won't spoil it, but the ending was handled creatively. 

After the credits is a scene with Thor, but I'm not sure which movie that's leading to. Are they doing another Thor movie? The after-after credits scene was not a surprise, having read a lot of the comics, and it typically sets us up for another movie. 

The everpresent Stan Lee cameo has him reading an Aldous Huxley book. There are too many references to the comics and other movies to be mentioned, and dozens I didn't even catch. 

IMDB gives it a 7.7 right now, but I gave it a 7. I am very grudging with 8's and up. It's as tho those nigh-perfect ratings will become meaningless if I give them out flippantly.