Review: “The Flash”

As the first version of the wildly inconsistent DECU wheezes to an end, and the current Justice League is being almost universally recast, “The Flash” awards us with one of the most enjoyable movies in the series.  Factoring in the criminal accusations made against the lead actor, how each hero is the best they’ve ever been, and knowing this is likely the last time we’ll see Keaton in the Batsuit, this fun ride is a bitter pill to swallow.

“The Flash” is a much, much lighter take on the infamous “Flashpoint” comic book run, which was previously more accurately adapted to the 2013 animated film “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.”  After years of hearing the current Justice League movies were too dark and serious, and seeing how successful James Gunn’s looney “Suicide Squad” was, WB apparently felt this movie was the one to lighten up.  Comic Book purists might not appreciate all the levity, but it goes a long ways towards making this a truly fun film.

After an absolutely brilliant opening sequence, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) learns taping into the speed force can give him the ability to traverse time.  His entire path as a hero has been defined by the death of his mother (Maribel Verdú), for which is innocent father (Ron Livingston) was blamed.  What would be the implications to his growth as a person if he was able to prevent that tragedy?  Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) warns him what we already know, “The scars we have make us who we are.”  Of course, Barry ignores the warning, and finds himself trapped in an alternate reality where his parents are still alive and the Justice League never came to be.  All the heroes he knows either never existed, have been killed, or are entirely different people.  He even runs into an alternat version of himself, a Barry that seems to be channeling prime 90’s Pauly Shore.

Anyone remotely interested in this movie is really here for one thing only. The return of Michael Keaton‘s Batman.  Fear not, he is the crowned jewel of the movie and not just a glorified cameo. It’s almost hard to imagine this movie without him stepping back into the iconic role.  He still has that sparkle in his eye, his perfect bat-smirk, and all his wonderful toys.  Ironically, the one thing “The Flash” does best, is make us want more of this Batman.  As much as I love some of the more modern takes on the character, I haven’t had this much fun since the Burton years.

Visually the movie is stunning… almost.  It somehow manages to include both the best and worst CGI we’ve seen in the DCEU.  Barry’s high speed runs and some of the battles are near perfect, but every sequence inside the speed force time bubble is terribly rendered.  It’s so consistently bad that it seems to be an artistic choice.  Unfortunately, this choice puts almost every human character, and some of the best cameos, deep within the uncanny valley.

“The Flash” is a very fun, highly entertaining yet bittersweet movie.  You’ll leave the auditorium with a smile on your face, but a nagging feeling of loss.  And then there’s that guy WB put in hiding to avoid any more negative press, and still hasn’t answered for the crimes he’s being investigated for.  There’s even a cringe moment early on when Ezra Miller suggests someone “Seek out the help of a mental professional.” It’s hard not to think about how the rich and powerful can dodge consequences while watching a movie about heroes making massive sacrifices to protect the common man.

 

 

 

 

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