REVIEW: ‘The Flash’ is a Visually Spectacular Superhero Epic

Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) has been the speedster superhero “The Flash” for several years now, working with the likes of Batman (Ben Affleck), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to protect the world. But with Barry still dealing with his trauma from seeing his mother murdered and his father unjustly incarcerated for it, and overall deep dissatisfaction with his life, will he make a terrible decision that has universe-changing ramifications for himself and everyone he loves? The Flash stars Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Kiersey Clemons, Maribel Verdú, Ron Livingston, and Ben Affleck. Andy Muschietti is the director, and Christina Hodson and Joby Harold are the writers. DC Studios, Double Dream, and The Disco Factory are the producers, and Warner Bros. Pictures is the distributor.

There has been fervent and wide speculation on what this movie will mean for transitioning the DC Expanded Universe (DCEU) into James Gunn’s new DC Universe (DCU). Many believe that with Barry’s infamous changing of the timeline, this change will occur. And while we do see a unique take on Flashpoint in this movie, Muschietti, Hodson, and Harold smartly keep the story character-focused. Barry undergoes a personal journey of self-realization in more ways than one. While acknowledging the actor’s various crimes and abuses, their performance as Allen in this film deserves commendation.

Miller plays effortlessly through the motions of Barry’s stresses and emotional wrangling on his journey, making for one of the best lead superhero performances in years. And indeed, the film works best when it marinates in character beats, such as in building the (all too brief) relationship between Barry and Iris West (Kiersey Clemons), rather than the scenes of heavy exposition we get towards the start. Ranging from painfully awkward to endearingly heartfelt with their co-stars, Miller makes a compelling lead performance that keeps Barry at the center. This is especially impressive with everything else going on, and when the film occasionally buckles under its heavy plot.

Although this is titled “The Flash,” the marketing features Michael Keaton’s Batman/Bruce Wayne and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl/Kara Zor-El prominently as well, and neither disappoints. We get so much of Old Man Batman in this film that fans of the original Burton films will be grinning ear to ear when they see Keaton deliver his iconic lines and feats with Danny Elfman’s classic score backing him up. This is a Bruce who isn’t sure whether he has made the difference he needs to, but rises to the call to action once again. While we don’t get as much of Calle’s Kara, she delivers a performance of quiet strength and emotional upheaval, both delivering in the more dramatic and lighter moments that fans of Supergirl love. It makes her all the more suited to be the Supergirl who will star in the announced Woman of Tomorrow film.

While some may be looking forward to the return of Michael Shannon as Zod, this antagonist is more of an afterthought. But in some ways, this works to the film’s benefit, as the real villain is far more compelling. Hodson and Harold’s script is a well-paced crescendo that shines when character choices drive the plot, rather than dealing with heavy exposition that the film occasionally stumbles into. But on the whole, it’s a thrilling story to engross yourself in.

Besides their performances, virtually all of the characters look spectacular in this visually engrossing film. Muschietti has an amazing eye for visuals, making brilliant use of color and lighting. There are so many psychedelic shots of universe-bending antics and enthralling visuals of Barry’s speed at work. The Flash offers a unique take on time travel and multiverses, backed up by the mind-bending visuals that Muschietti and his team have come up with. The cinematography is also spectacular, with various beautiful shots and keen use of angles and movement, particularly in the thrilling fight scenes for Batman.

The Flash is a visually spectacular superhero and sci-fi drama that works best when it keeps its characters at the forefront. While it may not change the superhero film game quite as much as people expect, it does boast some of the most daring visuals the genre has ever done. With stellar direction from Muschietti, a mostly solid script from Hodson and Harold, great performances across the board, and spectacular cinematography and CGI, it makes for a great time at the theaters. With this excellent first outing, I hope we get to see more from Andy Muschietti in the superhero space

The Flash (2023) is in theaters June 16, 2023, you can buy your tickets with our Fandango affiliate link.