Filmgoers who are not informed fans of the machinations of the Marvel universe might want to skip this one, because it delves deeply into the stories and characters from that complex world. Benedict Cumberbach returns as the mystical magician and is joined by a few other heroes, all of whom only have gestural powers, which means their conflicts have them slinging fierce rays at each other. After a fun opening sequence involving a giant one-eyed octopus, the rest of the action takes place among various types discussing the multiverse a lot. Eventually, they spend their time in a massive quantity of attractive visual effects. While the pacing never lags, the confusing mythology and noisy battles eventually merge into one long, unexciting fracas. NOTE: As usual for Marvel, stay thru the mid credits for a scene with Charlize Theron and the end credits for a cameo by director Sam Raimi’s friend, Bruce Campbell. 
(2.5 / 5)
