Note: This review contains no Spoilers
It's an unusually dicey move when a film is positioned as being a resetting point for a cinematic universe, that's experienced uneven results both financially and critically, while simultaneously operating as an origin story for its main character. With Warner Brothers The Flash, the hope is that the long-awaited superhero origin story can operate at performing both in addition to reversing the misfortunes that the DCEU has experienced over the course of ten years since it's initial liftoff with 2013's Man Of Steel. Plagued by nearly a decade of production troubles regarding filmmakers leaving the project, mismanagement regarding the current state of the DCU, and off-screen controversy regarding the films main star Ezra Miller, it seemed unlikely that the film would ever land a release. Thankfully, despite those troublesome issues, The Flash finally dashes its way to theaters and does so with decidedly mixed results.
The plot has Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) using his super speed to save his family by changing the past. However, he ends up creating a world without superheroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future with the help of another Barry. What's catchy about The Flash's plot is how it's able to draw from different timelines set within the DC universe, while offering up dozens of cameos including past variations of characters. Such a twist rightfully sets the precedent for a fun and exciting experience, though ultimately not a great one. Whereas The Flash delivers in extremely generous amounts of nostalgia, it lacks when it comes to properly fleshing out it's key supporting characters, some of who often steal the show from its main character.
In terms of performances, The Flash's cast delivers strong work, particularly Ezra Miller and Michael Keaton. Ezra makes for a relatable Barry Allen with him most impressing at playing two different variations of himself in the film, going from an alternate jittery younger version of himself to an older and more corrupted version of the same Barry called "Dark Flash." Keaton gives a commanding presence as an older Bruce Wayne with him once again donning the suit ranking among the films most thrilling moments. Sasha Calle delivers strong work as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl despite her role feeling a bit shortchanged. Reprising his role from Man Of Steel is the exceptional Michael Shannon as General Zod, who much like Calle, delivers solid work but whose characters feel unfulfilled in terms of receiving their proper screentime. Other notable performances include Ron Livingston as Barry's father, Henry Allen whose wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder, Maribel Verdu as Barry's mother Nora, and Kiersey Clemons as Barry's love interest, Iris West.
Whereas the acting stands as being one of the films strongest points, the direction by Andy Muschietti produces uneven results with him finding the the right balance of action, humor, and seriousness that works while struggling to create an immersive experience visually with the CGI often looking intentionally fake at times. Examples include scenes involving the use of the Speed Force and Chronobowl, in addition to the films climactic battle which ranks as being CGI overkill. The superhero violence shown is intense with the action sequences effectively capturing the scale of people with otherworldly powers that results in massive background chaos. In terms of cinematography, the film is well-shot with the most stunning images being those involving the original Batcave and Bruce Wayne mansion. At 150 minutes, The Flash finds itself on rather shaky ground with the first half of the movie being fast-paced with the second occasionally stalling to advance character and plot points with the overall story feeling unnecessarily long for two and a half hours. As far as soundtrack goes, the score is appropriately orchestrated and stylized with the handling of the classic Danny Elfman Batman theme driving the audiences nostalgia whenever it spontaneously kicks in.
Some of the questions the story poses include asking whether one would go back in time and change anything if they're capable of doing so, as well as showing the reality of how such a decision would affect the present and potentially bring negative consequences. The main problem with the the script is not the interesting ideas and themes it generates, but how unfulfilled many of the films elements feel after watching it. Some prime examples include Supergirl and General Zod's characters being introduced, yet lack the proper amount of character depth to make their characters not appear as being statues. Keaton's Bruce also appears questionable at times with his knowledge of the speed force. As much as the filmmakers wish to make audiences care about the romance between Barry Allen and Iris West, their relationship can't help but feel undercooked as they're not given enough time for audiences to become invested.
Overall, The Flash comes with its share of strengths and weakness, mainly regarding what it wants to be. It feels like the film wants to have it as an origin story for the main lead despite lacking a true villain for him to fight like Reverse Flash, while serving as a bridge between the old DCEU with some notable cameos ultimately operating as fitting farewells, and the new universe being laid out by James Gunn and Peter Safran. What helps the story work is the combination of witty moments of humor delivered by both versions of Barry Allen, as well as the dynamic between him and his family that's often surprisingly heartfelt at times. When it comes to the number of DC cameos, most are often fun to see with familiar faces popping up along with fandom wishes come true. However, it can't be helped the feeling that there was some legitimately missed opportunities here (Grant Gustin's cameo would've been a clever wink to fans of the CW TV show. ). Despite its many issues, there's enough action, humor, and heart present in The Flash to make it a enjoyable experience for fans, even if the end result feels a bit underwhelming.
Final Verdict: Worth seeing for both comic book and DC fans, though it's nowhere close to being among the greatest comic book films ever made.
Images Courtesy Of Warner Brothers Discovery
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