Moviegoers are flocking to see Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is now in theaters, and audiences seem to agree that the Sam Raimi-directed film is unlike any other installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

According to review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, Multiverse of Madness currently holds an audience score of 89% out of over 2,500 verified ratings, compared to a critics score of 77% at the time of writing. Many praised Raimi's directing, pointing out that his distinct directorial style, as well as the film's horror elements, set Multiverse of Madness apart from previous entires in the MCU. However, while many praised Multiverse of Madness, others described the story as "cheesy" and underdeveloped. Overall, it seems that the Doctor Strange sequel made for a darker movie than Marvel audiences might be used to.

RELATED: Why Doctor Strange 2's Sam Raimi Didn't Add Any Self-Indulgent Easter Eggs

Critics shared their early reviews for Multiverse of Madness ahead of the film's worldwide premiere. Similar to reactions from audiences, critics described the film as visually stunning and praised Raimi's ability to find a balance between beautiful and bizarre. Others pointed out the ambitious story, which will push the MCU into a new direction as it enters its next phase of stories.

Raimi took over directorial duties from Scott Derrickson, who directed 2016's Doctor Strange but departed the sequel over creative differences. Before his departure, Derrickson had described Multiverse of Madness as "the first scary MCU movie." Raimi, who has helmed several acclaimed horror movies throughout his career, described what it was like to helm Marvel's first step into the horror genre.

"It was great," he said. "When Kevin announced that this movie would be the first entry into the Marvel [Cinematic Universe} putting their toe into the world of horror, I was thrilled that he called me to come in and talk about the possibility of directing the picture. I was able to take those horror films that I made in my youth and [use] what I had learned from them building suspense sequences, titillating the audience."

RELATED: Bruce Campbell Hilariously Comments on His Doctor Strange 2 Cameo

Multiverse of Madness will pick up after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and tie directly into two of Marvel's Disney+ series, WandaVision and Loki, both of which dealt heavily with the multiverse. However, while the Doctor Strange sequel will delve further into the multiverse, writer Michael Waldron has explained that the multiverse will not be used as a plot device or a "MacGuffin," and instead will act as the film's emotional core.

Following the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, it was reported that Multiverse of Madness would have "more fun with the multiverse," with reshoots including even more cameos and character introductions than originally intended. Among the possible cameos are Patrick Stewart as Professor X, an appearance from Captain Carter, who was introduced in Marvel's What If...? series, and the live-action debut of America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now in theaters.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes