It’s hard to imagine this coming from the same director who made earlier movies of his. This film was adapted from Marvel comics that I hadn’t previously explored. So, going in, I expected to see a different facet of the Marvel universe and a fresh group of (super)heroes. And it turned out to be quite enjoyable; aside from the characters having superpowers to battle evil, it didn't resemble other Marvel stories or heroes. Initially, seeing Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead in a Marvel film felt like something that might not work. I’d always thought of him as a strong supporting character, but he completely changed my perception here. He was fantastic, and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment since they announced it at the end. The story's core themes are similar to many superhero narratives, but some new ideas were incorporated—specifically regarding the superpowers—which made it stand out. Like 'Thor', this movie uses spiritual beliefs as a foundation, with fantasy (illusions) and science blended together in the rest of the plot. That means it appeals to both religious people and those who don’t believe. I wasn't fond of 'Inception,' which I considered an average action film with unnecessary complexity. However, this one was really impressive and is perfect for viewers like me who felt that 'Inception' didn't quite hit the mark. The visuals were stunning; I wish I had seen it in 3D. Its nomination for Best VFX at the Academy Awards speaks volumes about its quality. It’ll be a close competition, even though I’m rooting for 'Jungle Book,' but I wouldn’t mind if this one took home the prize. Marvel's winning formula continues to work. Not everyone reads comic books, but moviegoers make up the majority of audiences. Adaptations like this are ideal for people such as myself; I hope they keep making them. This film has something for everyone—youngsters, adults, families, and kids alike—so I suggest you don’t miss it. _8/10_

Source on TMDB