The Flash Review: Emotional & Incredibly Nostalgic!

Directed by Andy Muschietti (known for helming the “IT” franchise) and starring Ezra Miller in the titular role, The Flash marks the 14th film in the DC Extended Universe. Serving as a poignant farewell to Zack Snyder’s “Snyderverse,” the movie cleverly utilizes the concept of the multiverse to conclude the journeys of the beloved characters we’ve grown to know over the past decade.

With Ezra Miller’s involvement in multiple horrific controversies in the recent past and all the drama surrounding the release, The Flash still remains an entertaining and emotionally captivating flick. It also serves as a fantastic throwback, filled with surprises that pay homage to past DC movie characters, and Muschietti masterfully crafts a cinematic experience that seamlessly blends nostalgia and excitement.

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First off, I must admit I underestimated the emotional depth of The Flash, which was a mistake on my part. Considering director Andy Muschietti’s previous works like Mama and IT: Chapter 1, it’s clear he excels at creating sentimental settings. In this film, the crux lies in Barry’s journey of confronting his traumatic past, showcasing personal growth instead of the typical clash between good and evil. Notably, the introduction of the alternate timeline and multiverse acts as a personal catalyst for Barry rather than a global catastrophe, bringing a profound sense of depth and originality to the plot.

In addition to its emotional depth, this movie shines bright with exciting and nostalgic surprises which are skillfully integrated into the narrative, generating a continuous sense of excitement and momentum throughout the film’s extensive 144-minute runtime. As an individual who deliberately avoids trailers and movie news to evade spoilers, I was very pleasantly surprised by the seamless and fitting cameos blended into the storyline, without any sense of awkwardness or displacement.

Additionally, despite its outlandish story setting, the makers, including screenwriter Christina Hodson, ensured that the film contained a decent dose of comedy and highly entertaining action sequences. The opening rescue scene, in particular, was remarkably gripping and funny. While CGI may not achieve perfection, its flaws can be easily overlooked in the face of engaging storytelling.

The performances were decent. Ezra Miller shines in dual roles, skillfully portraying both the wise and thoughtful Barry as well as the starstruck and humorous version. He strikes a perfect balance between the two interpretations. Also, Michael Keaton delivers a splendid performance as Batman, evoking nostalgia, dry humor, and a sense of awe. Sasha Calle delivers a decent performance, adding to the overall ensemble of talented actors in the film.

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In conclusion, The Flash is a surprising and highly entertaining film that strikes a balance between emotional depth and nostalgic elements. It stands out by focusing on Barry’s journey rather than a conventional world-saving narrative. While there are moments of uneven CGI and pacing, the movie shines as one of the most well-written and genuinely satisfying entries in the DCEU in a long time.

‘The Flash (2023)’ Rating – 3.5/5