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MOVIE REVIEW
'The Flash' Is A Fun - But Flawed - Superhero Flick
By Sal LoCicero | June 18, 2023
In 2013, Warner Bros. Pictures released ‘Man of Steel’; the first entry in the (controversial) DC Extended Universe, and now, in 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery has officially released the long-awaited movie ‘The Flash’; one of the final entries in the DC Extended Universe, and just like most other entries, ‘The Flash’ became another comic-book feature that was cursed with a ton of dilemmas - due to COVID-19, and the infamous Ezra Miller crimes from last year. If anything, it is fair to say that this movie did not arrive in theaters without injuries, despite the praise it received from Hollywood’s stuntman/movie-star Tom Cruise.
With his father serving time in Jail after being falsely accused of murdering his mother, Barry Allen, aka The Flash discovers a way to travel back in time to prevent his mother’s death from ever happening, but in doing so, Barry accidentally ruins the timeline in his universe where he eventually becomes faced with the consequences of the multiverse. In a time where pop culture is obsessed with the multiverse (and Spider-Man), does this flick sound like it has the most generic plot to ever be conceived? Yes, without a doubt! As a matter of fact, ‘The Flash’ is aware of that, and while it does not offer a brand new story, there are still enough redeemable fun - and surprising - moments that should keep audiences entertained.
The best compliment that can be given to this movie is that it is superior to ‘Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness’. Despite certain fan expectations that were hovering over, ‘The Flash’ manages to remain in control of its story.
As shown in the trailers, Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman (89’), and it is nice to see him kicking ass again in his original batsuit. Danny Elfman’s original score is still both iconic and nostalgic when it plays. However, this version of Keaton’s Batman is not very compelling. Since this is supposed to be set in an alternate universe, the character is presented as a washed up old man who has retired as the caped crusader, and his personality completely differs from the character that Tim Burton presented us with almost 35 years ago.
Ezra Miller still gives a great performance as Barry Allen/The Flash. Ezra shows off the quirky (and somewhat shy) characteristics of Barry Allen and sometimes it works, while other times it can get annoying; especially when two versions of the character appear on screen together. Sasha Calle as Supergirl outshines the entire cast, her performance is fantastic, and Supergirl shows herself to be a very interesting superhero who you will want to see more of in the future. After appearing in ‘Man Of Steel’ (2013), Michael Shannon has returned to the role of General Zod and, at this point, it’s fair to say that Michael Shannon is way too talented as an actor to place himself back in this universe.
There is one tremendous flaw that may take viewers out of the movie, and that is the VFX. ‘Justice League’ (2017) had a ton of noticeable green screen sequences that made it laughable, however ‘The Flash’ takes home the award for most atrocious VFX of all time. What worsens the issue is when the visual effects continue to downgrade as the movie continues.
‘The Flash’ is an entertaining superhero flick that should leave fans mostly satisfied, or will get them eager for James Gunn to reboot this entire universe.
Grade: B-
What are your thoughts?
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