Welcome back to the blog readers. I recently saw the newest film in the fading DCEU, The Flash, and I wanted to share my SPOILER-FREE thoughts on the film. I was continually excited for this film, even though there were major issues plaguing it both on and off camera. From multiple directors and screenwriters leaving the project due to creative differences to the antics of Ezra Miller after production wrapped, this film was filled with uncertainty and controversy. Luckily, better heads prevailed and we have a film to talk about.
The Flash is directed by Andy Muschietti from a screenplay by Christina Hodson, and stars Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, and Michael Keaton. In the film, following the events of Zack Snyder's Justice League, Barry Allen decides to go back in time to save his mother's life, an event that brings about unintended consequences for not only his timeline, but many others.
Before we get to the review, I need to get something out of the way first. My thoughts on the antics of Miller in no way reflect my thoughts on the film. I cannot condone anything they did after cameras stopped, and I will not. But at the same time, I have the ability to separate the artist from their art. I understand that they did some terrible things and I hope that they can get the help they need to move past everything, but I will not be influenced by these feelings to judge a film that was made before all of this shit happened. This will be all I say about Miller's situation, and everything you read from here will be reviewing the piece of art that you came here for.
With that out of the way, I have to say that I had medium-to-high expectations for this film, but I was not prepared to be as blown away as I was. This film is incredible from electric start to jaw-dropping finish. Andy Muschietti has done the impossible here: create a film with a satisfying story while allowing for characters to be fully developed and fleshed out. This absolutely is my second favorite comic-book film of the year behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Well fucking done boys.
Like I previously said, I an judging the film based on the film itself and not on outside factors. Speaking of outside factors, Ezra Miller gives one hell of a performance as Barry Allen, so much so that they give two hells of a performance as Barry Allen. By the way, if you didn't get that, Miller plays two versions of Barry. Miller plays both versions of Barry to perfection, and makes the two so distinct it is almost like two different people. I really hope that Miller gets the help they need because they are a brilliant actor.
I also want to point out two more actors: Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle. Keaton returns to the role of Batman for the first time since Batman Returns (1992) and absolutely kills it here. He plays an older, more tired version of the character akin to something like Batman Beyond. I love the creative approach they took with Keaton, and he seamlessly melts back into the role. Shame we won't be seeing Batgirl. And Sasha Calle. Talk about a breakout role. She plays Kara Zor-El/Supergirl in a killer way. She has a ruthlessness and a bitterness about her that is just infectious. I really hope James Gunn chooses her to be the DCU's Supergirl, because we did not really have a lot of time to fall in love with her Kara.
I also want to praise the action for being fresh and unique. When you have action that involves the Flash, it has to be different from anything else seen before. It is refreshing to see action that is involved and treated with the same precision and care as the action of other big franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, John Wick, and Mission: Impossible series. I did also like the visuals, despite all the complaints from the lame fans. It got so bad the director had to come out and explain the decision. It is unacceptable to blame the director, especially when it was a creative decision.
And finally, I have high praise for the score by Benjamin Wallfisch. A Warner Brothers Discovery vet who has composed the scores for Shazam!, It Chapter Two (both 2019) and It (2017), he really knows how to deliver the goods. He more than does that here, adding tension and angst to every scene. His dramatic and bombastic score is my favorite of the year so far. I cannot wait to jam to this in the car.
In conclusion, The Flash cooks up a hell of a good time with fantastic performances and engaging action that equates to one of my favorite theater-going experiences this year so far. Thank you so much for reading, and I will see you for my review of the first episode of Secret Invasion.
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