by Kevin Muller

After years in development, countless directors, and other factors, The Flash has finally arrived in theaters. This is one of the final films in old DC cinematic universe, which will reset in 2025, under the guidance of the new DC head James Gunn. Superman will be the first hero to fly in two years, along with other known and unknown heroes coming out of the gate. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like the speedster is going to be seen anytime soon. To hold us over to whenever the new Flash appears, we have Andy Muschietti’s epic multi-verse action spectacle. Is it slick adventure or does it stumble off track?

When we last saw Barry Allen, played magnificently by Ezra Miller, he had just told his father, who was convicted of killing his wife, Barry’s mother, that he had gotten a job at the Central City Police Department, in 2021’s Justice League: The Synder Cut. Barry plans to use as many resources as he can to prove his father’s innocence. Fortunately, he has something that can change his father’s fate, his speed, which he uses to go back in time. After he alters the events to have his parents back to normal, he then realizes that the change has brought on something more troubling. His superhero buddies: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aqua Man, and Cyborg cease to exist. This wouldn’t be a problem until it is discovered that General Zod, played again by Michael Shannon, still exists and wants to take over Earth, as he did in 2013’s Man of Steel.   Additionally, he meets the version of himself who resides in this universe. Together, the two must find a way to stop Zod and put everything back to normal.

Muschietti has stated that if Miller wasn’t coming back, he wasn’t interested in doing a sequel, since he admires what the actor has brought to the character. Before the movie starts throwing Batman, Supergirl, and other cameos, there are a lot, the film is on Miller’s shoulders. While Muschietti stumbles with some of the comedy, he works well when Miller is asked to bring out his physical comedy skills. The script maybe a bit mediocre, but the actor can do so much with his movements and facial tics. It truly is one of the better aspects of this film. Many people don’t realize how challenging it is to act off yourself, which Miller is doing for much of the film. As with the script, the effects aren’t a strong trait, but Miller is a joy to watch as he both argues and converses with himself. Other than the comedy, Miller additionally sells the dramatic aspect of the film. He is a young, flawed, but good-hearted guy who wants to do right. The character’s journey feels genuine because we all have one or plenty of life decisions that we’d do anything to change. It is a relatable theme, combined with Miller’s work, that makes half of this story work so well.

The second half of the story is where it loses its momentum. The film has been hyped with the  return of the ’89 Batman, Michael Keaton. Since his departure, there have been five cinematic interpretations of Batman, and his name is still at the top, or close, whenever you ask someone who their favorite one is. Keaton has still got it. The problem is that Muschietti does so much around him and then Miller. He even throws in Super Girl, played with intensity by Sasha Calle, into the mix. Michael Shannon has stated that he was disappointed with his comeback in this film since he is just there, serving no purpose other than being a shallow villain. This is entirely true. In Man of Steel, he was given depth and a beautiful monologue about how his actions were justified since it was for the good of his planet. Not even a tiny bit of that is here. It is in this section of the film that the actors become chess pieces in the insanity of Muschietti’s overstuffed vision. As you have heard, the CGI is underwhelming, looking as if it was rendered through a PS2. Worst of all, the film is completely frantic and becomes what most big-budget films are today….bloated. Spiderman: No way Home, had similar problems, but was far more cohesive in its storytelling. Where the webslinger’s story was given time to breathe, the Flash just skips so many steps to get to the good stuff. Unfortunately, that is not how a good story is told.

Many have said this film is suffering for many reasons, but mostly because the public is aware that this means nothing since the universe is being redone. Why pay for a ticket then? The Flash, despite being messy and bloated is a fun time at the movies. It showcases a great performance by an actor that you wish made better life choices because he is that good. Even though the cameos are overabundant, there are some in there that will make you smile. This current version of the DC cinematic universe may be a memory, but don’t let that stop you from checking this one out, it is an entertaining film.

I am giving The Flash a 3 out of 5 Hairpieces!

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