The magic/VFX were fun and interesting. I loved Doctor Strange creating giant purple hands to fight the Shuma Gorath in the beginning, or conjuring serpents to attack Wanda. And I was really tickled by the musical fight against the evil Doctor Strange.
Quiet moments really stood out to me too, included the small cameo from Nicodemus West at Christine's wedding -- his conversation with Strange was poignant and just a great way to set the stage for the film's proceedings.
Of course, everyone is talking about the Illuminati. For me, the standout was Patrick Stewart as Xavier -- loved him trying to help Wanda escape the Scarlet Witch's hold in her mind. And the X-Men animated theme playing during his entrance. The other Illuminati members I can take or leave--I like the idea, and I understood their roles in the film but it was ultimately introduced and wrapped up all within Act II. I wonder if we're actually getting Krasinski as Richards now. Hopefully a better costume
I liked seeing Wanda as a full-on villain. The WandaVision post-credits had her already consumed b the Darkhold and searching for her children. While this was certainly a leap for those who didn't see the series and last saw Wanda in
Endgame, I did watch the series just like Feige told me to lol so I found this a totally natural progression for the character. Better to just get into then needlessly spend the whole movie building up a confrontation between Strange & Wanda.
The one surprise that really got me was Charlize Theron as Clea. Sign me up for Doctor Strange III!