While some may argue that the delightful cameos are what carried the whole film, it feels unforgivable to dismiss Miller’s zestful and heartfelt take on the scarlet speedster.
ACTORS: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Michael Keaton
Genre: Sci-fi, Action, Adventure
Premise: The Flash enlists the help of his younger self and an incomplete Justice League, to return to present, after his attempt to prevent his mother’s death in the past, failed, and created unwanted strain in the multiverse.
Running Time: 144 minutes
Screenplay: Christina Hodson
Direction: Andy Muschietti
Official Release: June 14, 2023 (Philippines)
Why You Should See It:
Packed with familiar superhero beats, surprisingly heartwarming moments, as well as heartbreaking surprises, The Flash, turned out to be an enjoyable cinematic experience. Though hurdled by many but mostly tolerable hiccups here and there, and the initial impression that Miller would mess up big time, the Andy Muschietti-helmed adaptation of the iconic scarlet speedster delivers a solid work. More than enough to merit a sequel. Hopefully it’s one that still stars Miller.
Forensic scientist, Barry Allen (Miller), is hellbent to prove his father’s innocence on his mother’s death. He travels back in time to prevent the incident, but instead, he created a temporal anomaly in his timeline that accidentally set the entire multiverse into chaos.
Humor and nostalgia stand out in this satisfying take on the beloved DC character, Thanks mostly to Miller’s unutterably infectious comic timing, The Flash soars, as a buddy comedy, as a time-travel adventure, and as a stand out superhero flick, all at the same time. Action teems at moments they are needed most, but concurrently, emotions run aplenty on unexpected sequences, enough to make your eyes well. Cameos are a delight that fuels the film’s massive sense of nostalgia; brace yourselves for some unexpected appearances, because they’re ones that can definitely make you go ‘nuts’, in a very good way (wink).
The biggest coach in The Flash’s nostalgic train is undeniably the one containing Michael Keaton’s Batman. There seems a conscious effort to make his scenes visually stand out, with his iconic vehicles made front and center, in every wonder he makes. Like Ezra’s Barry, Keaton’s Bruce—and possibly every superhero that made an appearance in this film—entails a great sacrifice. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl is a force to reckon with, both as a member of a fractured Justice League, and as a character in a story that intends to put the spotlight on The Flash. Her moments in Barry’s story truly feels like a lead to her own—hopefully, a standalone film that explores more of her own adventure.
In the end, while The Flash remains yet another strong entry to the ‘multiverse’ mania, the film’s underlying themes like hope being indestructible, the importance of moving forward, and honing the gifts of the present, are what makes this superhero flick, remarkable.
5 – Excellent
4 – Very Good
3 – Good
2 – Tolerable
1 – terrible
The Flash opens in cinemas in the Philippines on June 14. Watch the official full trailer below:
