Rating: ★★★☆☆
The Flash, a highly anticipated DC film, recently premiered in New Zealand, and we had the opportunity to attend. In this review, we’ll share our thoughts on the movie without delving into spoiler territory. While there may be a future spoiler review, for now, let’s discuss the film in a non-spoiler manner.
To set the stage, The Flash didn’t quite meet the sky-high expectations set by early hype and praises from executives and Tom Cruise. It falls short of reaching that level, but it still manages to deliver an excellent experience. In fact, it stands as one of the better entries in the DC Extended Universe since James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad.
The movie draws heavy inspiration from the Flashpoint storyline. Without revealing too much, it involves the Flash going back in time to save his parents, resulting in a drastically altered timeline. The Atlanteans and the Amazonians are at war, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman, and Martha Wayne transforms into the Joker. Flash is on a mission to restore the timeline, while grappling with the consequences of his actions. The film offers its own spin on these events, paying homage to Flashpoint while avoiding becoming a mere rip-off.
One aspect that shines is the portrayal of the Flash by Ezra Miller. Previously, I’ve been critical of his performance in the role, but this time he truly impresses. Miller brings more depth and emotion to the character, showcasing a range of acting skills that include humor, heartfelt moments, and physicality. This is easily his best portrayal of the Flash to date.
Michael Keaton’s return as Batman in this altered timeline is a nostalgic treat for fans of the 1989 version. Keaton does an excellent job reprising the role and his inclusion adds value to the film. Additionally, Sasha Calle delivers a solid performance as Supergirl, despite her limited screen time. With more opportunities, she could have truly excelled.
In terms of the storyline, The Flash juggles humor and heart exceptionally well. Unlike certain comic book movies where humor can undermine emotional impact, here the balance is maintained. Barry Allen’s naturally funny character is well-executed, and the film manages to strike the right chords at the right moments. The exploration of paradoxical concepts related to timelines and multiverses adds thought-provoking elements without becoming overly confusing. Unlike Avengers: Endgame, which struggled to handle time travel coherently, The Flash maintains clarity and allows the audience to follow along.
Visually, the movie delivers a mixed bag. Some scenes showcase fantastic camera work, such as the creative opening action sequence involving falling characters. However, the film suffers from average CGI and inconsistent visual effects. While there are standout moments, there are also instances where the VFX falls short, which has unfortunately become commonplace in big-budget movies.
The score, while not outstanding, doesn’t detract from the overall experience. It neither elevates nor distracts from the film’s aesthetic, existing in a satisfactory middle ground. The score does justice to the narrative without making a lasting impression.
Despite its flaws, The Flash manages to satisfy viewers. It carries a strong message about letting go and moving on from pain, which resonates throughout the film. While it occasionally loses focus and deviates from Flash’s central goal, it still presents a satisfying narrative arc. The action sequences are well-executed, particularly in showcasing Flash’s powers, which are notoriously challenging to portray effectively on screen.
The Flash just falls just short of greatness, but it remains an enjoyable journey into the speed force. The film successfully balances humor and heart, presents compelling performances, and offers thought-provoking concepts.
Review by: James & Nayan
Disclaimer: This film review has been summarized with the assistance of an AI language model. Podcast version attached below.
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