In 1940, now defunct comic book company All-American Publications introduced Jay Garrick as “The Flash.” After a lab accident, he gains super-speed using his powers for good and becoming a member of the Justice Society of America. After World War II, Jay’s popularity ended. In 1956, comic anthology series “Showcase” introduced Jay’s successor, Barry Allen. While working as a forensic scientist, Barry gets hit by a combination of lightning and chemicals giving him super-speed, following in his idol’s footsteps to use his powers for good. Over the years, Barry faced off against a rouge gallery of villains including his archenemy Eobard Thawne/Reverse Flash, Captain Boomerang, Gorilla Grod, Trickster & Captain Cold. Barry’s a member of the Justice League helping his allies to stop bigger threats.
The Flash appeared in several cartoons. Most notably, “Superfriends,” “Superman: The Animated Series,” “Justice League,” “Justice League Unlimited” & Young Justice.” He starred in his own live-action TV show on The CW set in the Arrowverse from 2014-2023. A playable character in “Justice League Heroes “Injustice” its sequel & “Lego Batman” 2-3.” My first exposure to The Flash was the Justice League cartoon. Ezra Miller portrayed the Scarlet Speedster made his cinematic debut in “Batman VS. Superman” set in the DC Extended Universe of DCEU for short. Ezra appeared in other installments including a cameo “Suicide Squad,” Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” and a cameo in Peacemaker’s Season 1 finale. Joss Whedon’s theatrical cut of Justice League isn’t canon.
Ezra signed on to play Barry in a solo film. Several production problems caused the film to be delayed a few times due to COVID-19, rewrites regarding James Gunn’ rebooting the entire DC Universe and Ezra’s legal problems like beating up a fan, grooming an underaged kid and running a cult in Hawaii. After enduring major setbacks, The Flash is finally out.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler review.
Fast & Slow Aspects
Fast: Ezra Miller did a solid job portraying the two Barrys. I’m only praising the performance. Ezra’s a weirdo.
Michael Keaton reprises his role as Tim Burton’s Batman. He did an excellent job as the film’s saving grace.
Ben Affleck did a great job playing Batman one last time.
Michael Shannon reprises his role as General Zod. He did a decent job for his performance.
Newcomer Sasha Calle did a decent job for her performance as Supergirl.
Andy Muschietti (Mama, It: Chapters 1-2) did a solid job directing the Scarlet Speedster’s solo film.
Christina Hodson (Bumblebee, Birds of Prey) wrote the script.
Filmmaking duo John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein wrote the story.
Action Sequences showcase Flash’s superspeed, Supergirl’s powers and Batman’s combat skills reminiscing the Arkham games.
Cinematography captures immersive imagery.
Chemistry between the two Barrys serve as the main highlight. They must work together if they want to fix the timeline.
Humor has a lot of funny moments that made me laugh so hard.
The Tone manages to balance seriousness and comedy. Be glad Flash isn’t emo like Superman in “Man of Steel” or obnoxious like “Teen Titans Go.”
The story loosely borrows elements from “Flashpoint.” Unlike the storyline from the comics, Bruce Wayne factors in, rather than his father Thomas.
Like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Flash’s film involves the multiverse. The concept was also featured in the Arrowverse.
Batfleck wears the classic blue and grey outfit.
Batman 89’s armory contains a variety of batsuits. The first two costumes from Tim Burton’s films, a classic blue and grey outfit with the yellow emblem. and the last one with pointy ears and guns from his first appearance Detective Comics #27.
Batman doesn’t overshadow Flash’s presence. We’ve already followed many iterations of The Caped Crusader numerous times.
There are few cameo appearances. See if you can recognize a familiar face.
A Post-Credits Scene is optional. It has no ties to a future installment.
Slow: Visual Effects are uncanny. They resemble a PS4 game. Am I watching a DC Comics based film or an “Injustice 2” cutscene?
Andy mentioned there’s a four-hour cut of the film featuring additional materiel left in the cutting room floor. One of them includes Henry Cavill’s cameo as Superman. WB done Henry dirty booting him out after he made a cameo in “Black Adam” right after he left Netflix’s “The Witcher.” YIKES!
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRIGHTFUL DAY!
Despite production problems, The Flash is a great film worth your hard-earned cash. If a four-hour cut streams on Max, I’ll bump the grade to an A- while the theatrical two-and-a-hour cut’s a solid B. There’s only two DCEU films left. “Blue Beetle” & “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” I hope James Gunn’s DC Universe becomes a huge success. It’s time to replace Ezra Miller in favor of a suitable actor who doesn’t get in trouble with the law or sexually harasses twelve-year-olds. I’d like to see Angus Cloud (Fez from Euphoria) as Flash in the upcoming DC Universe.
I wanna see a Slade Wilson/Deathstroke film. Which character in the DC Universe deserves a film or TV series? Please leave a comment and I’ll respond back.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 