Few films have been talked about more than The Flash. The film delivers a massive multi-timeline story with implications on the future of the new DCU. Its leading star had a string of legal and media controversies. There were reshoots, delays, and so much more wrapped about this project. However, despite all this noise The Flash is finally here, and it delivers the epic crowd-pleasing adventure you want for a huge summer movie. There are flaws in this film that we’ll get into in a second, but the positives more than outweigh them. This time-traveling story is filled with humor, genuine emotion, family, nostalgia, visually appealing action sequences and I had a blast with this movie.
The performances were excellent across the board. I think Ezra Miller delivers the dual performances this film needs to thrive and their relationship with their younger self was a huge bonus. This dynamic between a younger Barry Allen and current day Allen was the main thread of this plot and it was a constant source of both humor, and heartfelt drama. Miller’s Flash has always served as supporting comedic relief but the writing here is able to ground this character a bit to add more serious human qualities. Something that was desperately needed in a story such as this with so much dramatic weight and Miller’s thrives in delivering this emotional layering.
But The Flash remembers to never take itself too seriously and the result is such an inviting tone. It’s not as serious as the past DCEU films, and not as cute and sweet as the current MCU movies. You can easily have fun with this movie, but also find yourself engaged in the story layers, invested in the emotionally troubled characters, and completely intrigued by its refreshing unpredictability. Time-travel movies don’t often work but The Flash does. It’s a compelling story, there are heavy stakes involved that you aren’t sure how the characters are going to figure out and that curiosity factor, blended with creative action, and likable characters make The Flash a fast moving and highly engaging two-and-a-half-hours.
There are loads of Easter eggs to the past DC films and fun cameos as well to fill this movie with fan service. However, the story stands on its own with a compelling progression. It’s fan service with meaning and purpose. Plus, we get Michael freaking Keaton returning as Batman and this movie gives him plenty to do. Keaton’s Batman has a solid impact on the story, there’s a reason for him being in this movie so his addition is able to serve nostalgia as well as having a meaningful impact on story elements. Supergirl is added to this movie and her condensed origin was nicely done. And that was the overall vibe of this movie, everything was done with thought. There’s a lot going on in this story but it’s concise and easy to follow with nothing really feeling too slapped on.
As you would expect this is an effects heavy movie and for the most part, I think the visual appeal of The Flash is way up there on the meter. Barry’s abilities are captured with awesome visuals, more than just simply slowing things down. This makes his characters’ abilities feel completely unique and when Flash is doing his thing this movie delivers completely inventive visuals. The final act does feel like effects overload, like many of these movies do. This is when some of the details start to make this movie feel like a video game. This is also when the story gets a bit rushed, and it feels like there were too many writers at the table because the narrative does get a bit messy. But again, nothing that hinders the enjoyable thrill ride this movie delivers.
The Flash isn’t a perfect movie, but it’s the perfect movie for the summer season. It’s a sight to see on the big screen and something all audiences can enjoy. It tells its own story but also feels like a time-traveling saga throughout the entire history of DC comics on the screen. And in an era where too many CMB’s feel the same, The Flash manages to feel unique to its own.
Grade: B-
Cast: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck, Ron Livingston, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Shannon, Antje Traue, Maribel Verdú Director: Andy Muschietti Writers: Christina Hodson, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Joby Harold Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Running Time: 144 minutes Rating: PG-13 (For sequences of violence and action, some strong language, partial nudity) Year: 2023 Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy
Anthony J. Digioia II © 2023 SilverScreen Analysis. All Rights Reserved.
