It’s been a long time coming for The Flash, one of those movies that has been in development for so long, being through a number of writers and directors over the years. Finally though the next chapter in the DCEU has finally arrived, starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash. The film is written by Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey, Bumblebee) and directed by Andy Muschietti (It).
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. Barry thinks he has found a way to prevent his adolescent trauma from ever happening. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
Multiverses seem to be in style these days. With a huge catalogue of films exploring the concept from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel has been exploring the concept for a while. Even the Oscars Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once, followed this concept. So it was only a matter of time before DC went down the same path, which ultimately brings Barry Allen into the same world as Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’.
Miller does a great job playing both original Barry, who is full of nervous energy, and multiverse Barry, who has a loving home and no burden of responsibility. Switching between the two is not an easy task, but Miller does it with ease.
The biggest highlight for any 90’s alum, is of course the return of Michael Keaton as “The Dark Knight”, of course Batman. Keaton fully commits himself in a role that goes far beyond a cameo, and the movie really hits its stride once he enters the picture. For any fan of Batman, you are going to love Keaton’s appearance in this. While you won’t get Superman, you do get the outstanding performance from Sasha Calle, who commands the screen as Supergirl. She is definitely one to watch out for in the future, and will hopefully return in her own Supergirl movie. The cameos stacked at the end of the film, which I won’t spoil, brought a sense of joy to the audience.
The Flash is a must-watch movie for DC fans, it may not rank among the best superhero movies ever, but it does prove that DC is heading in the right direction.
The Flash is out now.
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