Thomas Storai 
EZRA MILLER as Barry Allen in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE FLASH,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
“The Flash is an amazing DC movie with a lot of heart, emotion, fun and also big on action.”
After multiple delays caused by director changes and then the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a bumpy road for The Flash. Let’s not also forget that the lead Ezra Miller has been in some troubles in the past year. Though, he has kept a low profile recently. Nevertheless, The Flash is finally here ready to close the book on the DCEU before the big reboot lead by James Gunn and Peter Safran. This film is bringing back fan favorite Batman Michael Keaton, 31 years after Batman Returns, giving Batfleck a final goodbye and introducing Sasha Calle’s Supergirl. So, is this movie a successful entry in the DC universe or is this another misstep like Black Adam?
STORY
First and foremost, this is a movie about Flash, the character is front and center. We follow Barry Allen (played by Ezra Miller) on his quest to prove his father’s innocence for the murder of his mother. It is a touching story about family bonds that will definitely make you cry in some scenes. Though, it finds the right balance between emotion, fun and action. The film delivers on every front. It is exactly what you would expect from a superhero film. It always finds the right pace and knows when to let the story breathe and have the emotional moments sink in with the audience.
This film asks the question whether it’s right for Barry to go into the past and change what happened so that his mother could live. It has real consequences making full use of the concept of Multiverse. And yes, there are some cameos, some of which I was so happy and surprised to see and some that I didn’t care much about. But it never turns into a cameo fest or full nostalgia, always keeping track of what the story really is. It is about learning on how to let go. This sends a strong message to the audience.
On top of that, a film that is set to reboot the DCEU had to go back to the beginning with a new version of the events of Man of Steel. Though, Michael Shannon and Antje Traue respective return as Zod and Faora-Ul isn’t quite fulfilling. They only serve their role in the story but don’t do anything more.
From its fast paced opening chase to its bonkers ending, I had an absolute blast seeing this film. And when I say bonkers ending it is not an understatement. I saw the film twice and I love this ending even more the second time around. It is just so unexpected. So make sure not to get spoiled before seeing the film. There is also a fun post credits scene.
EZRA MILLER
Moreover, despite Ezra Miller’s personal troubles, there is no doubt that they (Ezra uses the pronouns they/them) have been perfectly cast as Barry Allen/Flash. Zack Snyder made the right choice all these years ago. And this movie proves it. Every scene they are in, I see Barry Allen, I see the Flash. It is their best performance to date. Ezra delivers an heartfelt and profoundly touching performance while also bringing the awkwardness of Barry Allen, which is a lot of fun. They are a versatile actor who can pull off two versions of the same character in an outstanding way. They carry the character with heart and grace.
So I surely hope if we only look at their talent, they deserve to return as Barry/Flash in a sequel and stay in the role for the new DCU. That is if on the personal side, they can get fully out of trouble, if it is not already too late for that.
BATMEN RETURN
The Flash not only features Batfleck but also brings back Keaton’s Batman, the more the merrier. Ben Affleck’s return as Batman is as great as he was in Batman v Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. You can feel the evolution of his version of Batman throughout his performances in these three movies. We may only see him as Batman for one scene but this scene delivers in every way. It is an intense chase, it doesn’t get any more Batman than this.
We see him as Bruce Wayne as well. This time, he is more controlled, you can tell he has found a family again within the justice league. As a fan of the Snyderverse, I do appreciating seeing Alfred, Batman, Wonder Woman and Flash interacting again. I really loved this cast. I cannot deny that it is sad Affleck’s tenure as the caped crusader is already over.
On top of that, Michael Keaton makes a triumphant return as Batman and reminds us why he is the best Batman ever. He is the Batman we see the most in the movie. After 31 years, he is still having so much fun playing the character. Things may have changed but he is still the same Bruce Wayne and Batman we all loved. Undoubtedly, he is the MVP of this movie. But then again, it couldn’t have been any other way with Michael Keaton’s return. This seasoned version of Keaton’s Batman still kicks ass. Whether you are a fan of Snyderverse of the Burtonverse (or both) you will be pleased.
SUPERGIRL
Furthermore, Sasha Calle leaves her mark as Supergirl. We see a different version of the character, one who is broken but who in the end is the hero we know. I think she has her place as the DCU’s Supergirl and it would be a mistake not to keep her for the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. For me, she still has so much to do with the character especially that this movie doesn’t use her a lot.
SOUNDTRACK
Benjamin Wallfisch has crafted an epic score worthy of the best superhero films. He has been able to incoporate Danny Eflman’s classic Batman theme while extending that theme with his own themed for a seasoned Batman. He also uses other DCEU’s themes which blends everything together nicely. This man needs to score other superhero films. I could definitely see him giving us a fantastic new Superman theme for James Gunn’s movie.
VISUALS
Finally, I have to talk about this film’s problem – the visual effects. In all the action scenes and heavily CGI scenes, the effects feel cartoonish and not up to what we have seen before from John ‘D.J.’ Des Jardin’s work. He was the production visual effects supervisor on the DCEU’s Snyder films and the visuals all looked breathtaking. Thus, I have to wonder whether this was a stylistic choice or that Warner Bros didn’t want to invest any more money into a film that is set to reboot the DC universe? Anyway, I am disappointed on that part. Nevertheless, there are some wonderful shots in this film and I do love the cinematography. It has bright colors and makes it feel like it is actually a comic book coming to life.
I also have to acknowledge the costumes. Alexandra Byrne has done an incredible work. Flash’s suit is on point, it is a true superhero costume that still feels modern. Plus he has the golden boots, it is an important detail! Supergirl’s costume takes inspiration from Henry Cavill’s Superman costume which is the best source of inspiration and makes it fit with the Kryptonian designs of the DCEU. Keaton’s Batman costume also gets an update. I love how it keeps the signature of this Batman’s style while making it more easy to move in for action scenes. On the other hand, Batfleck’s costume isn’t the best one. Though, it makes sense why it is that way when you see his scene and the blue cape is a nice touch.
VERDICT
The Flash is an amazing DC film with a lot of heart, emotion, fun and also big on action. This is a comic book coming to life. It serves as a beautiful swan song to the DCEU while also bringing back the best Batman ever – Michael Keaton. But make no mistake this is a Flash film and Ezra Miller delivers an heartfelt and profoundly touching performance, they truly are Barry Allen/Flash. Andy Muschietti knows what he is doing and I have no doubts that he will succeed on every level with Batman The Brave and the Bold. However, the visual effects are not up to the quality that they should have been.
The Flash is released via Warner Bros and is playing in theatres everywhere now!
Collectables Editor at Future Of The Force.
Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert
