Film review: The Flash – A riveting and emotional journey through time

Shopping Guides

Movies

Published on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 08:41

Last Updated on 14 June 2023

Monica Costa

0 Comments

The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, is the highly anticipated 13th instalment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). After years of development and multiple director changes, the film finally arrives, bringing with it the promise of an exciting superhero adventure. With a storyline heavily influenced by the beloved Flashpoint comic book arc, The Flash takes audiences on a thrilling ride through time as Barry Allen attempts to alter the past and save his mother. This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, exploring whether The Flash lives up to its high expectations.

Plot: a multiverse collision and a hero’s redemption

The Flash follows Barry Allen’s journey as he travels back in time to prevent his mother’s murder, inadvertently altering the future. Barry finds himself trapped in an alternate reality devoid of meta-humans, where General Zod threatens the world. With the help of his younger self, an older Batman (played by Michael Keaton), and Supergirl (portrayed by Sasha Calle), Barry must navigate this new reality, restore the timeline, and save his own universe from destruction.

The film’s storyline expertly combines action, humour, and emotional depth. The time-travel aspect allows for thrilling sequences and unexpected encounters, creating an intricate web of parallel universes. The emotional core of the film lies in Barry’s relationship with his mother, exploring the sacrifices one is willing to make to protect loved ones. This adds a layer of depth and relatability to the narrative, making it more than just a typical superhero film.

 

The trailer

 

The verdict

Performances: Stellar cast shines bright

Ezra Miller’s portrayal of Barry Allen/The Flash is a standout performance in the film. Miller brings a perfect balance of charm, vulnerability, and comedic timing to the character, making Barry Allen relatable and endearing. Despite the controversies surrounding Miller’s personal life, it is clear that the actor has dedicated himself to the role and delivers a captivating performance.

Michael Keaton’s return as Batman is a delightful treat for fans. His seasoned portrayal of the Dark Knight adds gravitas and nostalgia to the film. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl brings a refreshing energy and charisma to the story, complementing Barry Allen’s journey with her own heroic presence. The supporting cast, including Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, and the returning Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, all contribute to the film’s success with their solid performances. Even Nicholas Cage, Christopher Reeve (ghostly image), and George Clooney have a cameo in this movie. Too many cameos for a movie that already has a good enough storyline to be standing on its own feet without adding any VIPs to spice things up.

Humor and emotional depth: A winning combination

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to strike a balance between humour and emotional depth. The Flash succeeds in recapturing the essence of the DC universe by infusing the story with well-placed comedic moments. The humour adds levity to intense action sequences, providing the audience with much-needed relief. The witty dialogue and comedic timing of the actors make for genuinely enjoyable viewing.

However, the film also explores poignant and heartfelt themes. Barry Allen’s relationship with his mother, beautifully portrayed by Maribel Verdú, showcases the lengths one is willing to go to protect and save loved ones. The emotional beats are well-executed, evoking genuine empathy from the audience. The juxtaposition of humour and heartfelt moments creates a well-rounded and emotionally engaging experience.

Technical aspects and visual effects: A feast for the senses

The Flash boasts impressive visual effects, particularly during the time-travel sequences and action set pieces. The utilisation of state-of-the-art technology brings the Flash’s superpowers to life in stunning fashion. The cinematography captures the speed and agility of the character, immersing the audience in the high-octane action. 

One standout scene that immediately grabs your attention is the baby rescue sequence at the beginning. It is a hilarious and captivating moment that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The balance between comedy and action is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

While The Flash delivers an overall enjoyable experience, a few unanswered questions linger. For instance, it remains unclear whether Ezra Miller received a double pay for portraying two roles. Additionally, the presence of Nicolas Cage dressed up as Superman with long blonde hair piques curiosity, leaving fans wondering about the story behind it. Finally, the approval of Christopher Reeve’s ghostly appearance is intriguing, warranting further exploration.

The Flash is a highly entertaining and emotionally resonant movie that successfully rejuvenates the DC universe. Warner Bros has done a commendable job in capturing the essence of what fans loved about the franchise, particularly the humour. Although a few unanswered questions leave us curious, and too many combat scenes, these elements do not detract from the overall quality of the film. I highly recommend The Flash to all DC fans and moviegoers alike, including families with 9+ children.

London Mums’ rating: 8/10