The Flash
The Flash, the latest addition to the DC Studios superhero movie roster, is, simply put, a breath of fresh air. Most fans can probably agree that many of the DC Studio films have been lacking since the release of Patty Jenkin’s Wonder Woman back in 2017. Christopher Nolan’s Batman films aside, the DC Studio offerings have had a laundry list of misses and overly complex story lines that seemed to be the norm for the Warner Bros. movies. The Flash does an amazing job of righting the ship. Ezra Miller does a wonderful job as the title character, playing both superhero and comic relief throughout the film. Something we saw “flashes” of in Justice League. For all his off-screen shenanigans, Miller is truly a wonderful actor to follow throughout the film and shows his tremendous range during the entirety of the movie. Andres Mushcietti, best known for directing Mama and Steven King’s It films, has now cemented himself into the DC Universe with this DC debut by displaying an impressive balance of action, drama, and comedy in this feature. His homage to nostalgia and previous DC comic movies throughout history will have moviegoers smiling and cheering as the cameos and references are non-stop during the 2 1/2-hour trip. As a teenager who waited hours in line back in 1989 to see Batman in the theater, watching Michael Keaton don the cowl as the caped crusader once again makes the movie worth the price of admission alone. Once again, Keaton does not disappoint in the role.
The story is not overly complex or dark, like many of the recent DC or even Marvel releases have been. The well-rounded cast does a magnificent job all through the film, including Michael Shannon returning as the Man of Steel’s General Zod and DC newcomer Sasha Calle, who plays Super Girl quite impressively. Spin-off anyone? The Flash is by no means a perfect film or in the running for a Best Picture nominee, but it is entertaining, funny, exciting, and fun. Thankfully for Warner Brothers, The Flash is a quick step in the right direction.
8 out of 10
Lead image courtesy of Warner Brothers
