"The Flash" (12A, 144 mins) is an Action/Fantasy/Adventure/Sci-Fi film set in the DC Extended Universe, directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ben Affleck, Maribel Verdu, Ron Livingston, Kiersey Clemons, and Antje Traue.
In this film, Barry Allen, also known as "The Flash", is a member of the Justice League who is haunted by the tragic loss of his mother and the false accusation of her murder against his father. Driven by remorse, Barry attempts to alter the past and reunite with his mother, but his actions lead him to encounter his younger self in a different universe.
Although the film features the controversial actor Ezra Miller in the lead role, it manages to offer some enjoyable aspects.
Drawing inspiration from the comic Flashpoint Paradox, the story incorporates emotional elements while reshaping the existing DCEU and paving the way for future actors to take on iconic roles.
Controversial star Ezra Miller delivers a convincing performance, skillfully portraying both versions of Barry Allen with authenticity and staying true to the character's previous incarnations in the DCEU.
One notable aspect of the movie is the exploration of two different versions of Barry, highlighting the complexity and growth of the character. The screenplay by Christina Hodson effectively balances the younger version's learning journey and the older version's maturity, avoiding the common pitfall of rapidly advancing character development in DC movies.
The film successfully explores the poignant mother-son relationship that Barry yearns for, adding some refreshing emotional depth to the superhero narrative. The best parts of the movie are around Barry's storyline and the comedic moments that ensue due to his awkwardness.
However, the film suffers from certain shortcomings. With the knowledge that Ben Affleck's Batman and Henry Cavill's Superman will no longer continue in their respective roles, The Flash becomes a reset button for the DCEU.
This knowledge, coupled with the film's lengthy production period, creates a sense that the stakes in the movie are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, as if every actor in the DCEU could be easily replaced.
While the return of Michael Shannon as Zod and the inclusion of Michael Keaton as Batman offer moments of nostalgia, their characters feel underutilized and fail to contribute substantial depth or consequences to the story.
One crucial ingredient for the success of superhero movies lies in the presence of a truly captivating antagonist. Unfortunately, The Flash grapples with an antagonist problem that detracts from its overall impact.
General Zod's character feels like a retreaded villain who has already been defeated, lacking the depth and charisma necessary to pose a compelling opposing force. Moreover, the film introduces a younger version of Barry Allen as a secondary antagonist, but even this clash fails to ignite the desired sense of tension and intrigue.
Sasha Calle's portrayal of Supergirl, although believable, suffers from a lack of character development and takes a backseat to the overarching conflict.
Furthermore, the CGI in the film falls extremely short of expectations, especially when compared to the high standards set by other superhero franchises like Marvel. In moments it feels like you're watching an animated movie.
In conclusion, "The Flash" presents an average cinematic experience. Despite the controversies surrounding the lead actor, Ezra Miller's performance stands out, and the exploration of Barry Allen's character growth and his yearning for a mother-son bond adds emotional depth to the story.
However, the film's lack of significant threats from its villains, underutilised characters, and mediocre CGI contribute to its overall shortcomings.
