The Flash is an attempt by the DCEU to explain all their movies so far and consolidate their cinematic universe into a coherent setting. And, while The Flash seems to be a good movie with an interesting, albeit cliche plot, it will not be able to resuscitate a drowning DC cinematic universe. Ezra Miller plays an insecure and very sensitive Barry Allen, whose interactions with not only a younger self but also people who are not from his timeline, are fun to watch but can get needlessly forced from time to time.
The action sequence seems fine but the CGI is definitely in a hit-or-miss situation depending on the scene of the movie. While the music score is incredible, it sometimes distracts the viewer from the scene.
The story follows the Flash who almost always finds himself cleaning up behind the Justice League and especially Batman, referring to himself as their “Janitor” at one point. However, he still considers Batman his best friend. One night when talking to his dad about the trial to be held the next day, he finds himself with the ability to travel back in time when running at superfast speeds. Following a discussion with Batman regarding how he should handle his powers, and then with Iris West on how to save his father, he travels back in time to the day his mom died and attempts to save her. Here starts the story where Barry meets his mom, an 18-year-old version of himself, a different older Batman and other characters who, though not central to the plot, play exciting roles.
While Barry’s motivations for his actions seem clear and interesting, what stands out are the emotions that drive him. The loneliness of losing both his parents, the awkwardness from interacting with people, and the responsibility of being The Flash, all play an important role in making Barry who he is. And this is made even more clear when we meet Barry’s 18-year-old self. We see Barry’s social ineptness change into a very obnoxious behaviour, with Barry (the younger Barry) being a spoilt child who does not seem to want to listen to anyone before doing what he feels like. However, the movie progresses to show some sort of growth for both the versions of Barry.
The interactions between the two Barrys at some points seem real and yet at other times disrupted by the janky CGI that the movie has. The movie has a varying degree of realness and crispness to its animation, with some scenes being outstanding while the rest are downright bad. It distracts one from what is going on in the scene and shifts their focus from the movie. Especially when one comes to watch a superhero movie and expects to see spectacular fight scenes.
The movie revolves around an overused plotline where the hero wants to save those that matter to him no matter the cost. The Flash also tries to explore the multiversal theory even though so many other movies have been there and done that. It could seem boring, and yet it brings in a fresh perspective to the multitude of theories that we keep learning. However, this is not enough to save the movie.
It is ironic seeing Miller play a superhero who learns to accept his fate and mistakes, given his recent disappearance from the media due to his controversial actions. Barry actively tries to “save the world” from a disaster caused by his own doing and does so while sprinkling humour throughout each scene. Most of these would crack you up, the others fall flat. Watching Michael Keaton take up the role of Batman, with his iconic lines and even more iconic suit, will definitely hit you with a wave of nostalgia.
Yet,The Flash does not seem like a movie that could save what is left of the DCEU. It is a good movie with all the cameos, action and story to a large extent, but not good enough.
Movie: The Flash (2023)
Directors: Andy Muschietti
Cast: Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon
Rating: 3/5
