The Flash movie takes us to the post-Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ era, where we see Barry Allen, played by Ezra Miller, taking on his role as the group’s “janitor”. However, he is haunted by emotional trauma from his past, including the loss of his mother and the wrongful imprisonment of his father.
The story takes an interesting turn when The Flash’s speed takes him to the ‘Chrono Bowl,’ a place that can be compared to a data server for all the timelines in the multiverse. Imagine having the power to infiltrate any timeline. Barry Allen takes this opportunity to try and change the past, hoping to bring back his dead mother. He enlists the help of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Supergirl (Sasha Calle), along with a group of allies, to undo the chaos he never intended.
Marketing for this film focused heavily on Michael Keaton’s Batman appearances, Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, and rumored cameos. This strategy aims to divert attention from the controversies surrounding Ezra Miller, the lead actor. However, it is difficult to separate the actor from the character, and this moral dilemma remains throughout the movie.
The Flash relies heavily on slow-motion shots to capture the lightning-fast world of its protagonist. The film cleverly incorporates 600 FPS shots using impressive CGI and props to create a visually captivating experience. For example, Flash’s phasing ability allows him to go through walls to get beers, and when he returns, the bottles explode due to the speed at which he took them. The story is filled with clever plot twists, and the film’s humor stands out, offering one of the best superhero comedy experiences.
Director Andy Muschietti, known for his work on “It” and “It: Chapter 2,” brings his expertise in emotional character arcs to elevate Ezra Miller’s performance. Miller successfully navigated the two roles given to him, delivering a memorable performance that connected with the audience.
While Michael Keaton’s Batman brings nostalgia to the screen, his age becomes a noticeable factor when witnessing him in action. However, Keaton’s charm helps to overlook this and allows the audience to enjoy his portrayal of the Caped Crusader one last time. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, however, lacks a well-developed character arc, leaving her character feeling underutilized.
Muschietti’s background in horror films is evident as he incorporates a dark tone into the film, balancing the fun and games that take place on top with a touch of drama. The film’s soundtrack brings back Danny Elfman’s iconic Batman theme, much to the delight of fans. Additionally, the song choices during the action sequences and the emotional climax are apt, although the overall background score may not be particularly memorable.
In conclusion, The Flash provides a trippy and fresh take on the multiverse concept, injecting a comic book-like experience into the movie. It caters not only to Flash fans but to all comic book lovers. The CGI sometimes shows its age, reminiscent of 2016, but it doesn’t spoil the overall experience.
The good:
- Fresh take on the multiverse concept
- A successful return to the comic book roots of superhero movies
- Amazing slow motion shots and CGI
- Cleverly written plot with charming twists
- Unforgettable performance by Ezra Miller
The bad:
- Occasional outdated CGI
- Not enough character development for Supergirl
If you have reservations about Ezra Miller, give The Flash a chance and watch it for Barry Allen’s character. Fans of Flash and Batman will no doubt enjoy this multiverse adventure.
