The much-delayed DCEU multiverse adventure has finally arrived. The landscape of the superhero genre has changed exponentially between production and release. Not only is the DCEU now effectively over with James Gunn in creative control of the DC superhero pantheon at Warner Bros., but the multiverse film as a cinematic sub-genre has been extensively explored with varying degrees of success. Coupled with the numerous problems surrounding its star and you get a film with the odds stacked overwhelmingly against it. It’s amazing really The Flash is as good as it is.
The film’s primary issue is also the most obvious, the CGI. Whilst not all terrible, it is frequently, frighteningly ghastly in ways utterly inexcusable for a major studio film. It’s a real shame because the sets, costumes, and production design overall are quite strong. The central performance by Miller in a dual role is highly commendable, the humour works and is balanced well with the more serious elements. Most importantly, The Flash is about relatable consequences, and remains anchored to the idea that no matter how powerful you might be, you can’t save everyone irrespective of how desperately you want to or how hard you try. Hardly original, after all, this is one of Spider-Man’s recurring internal conflicts, but it works well with Barry Allen and justifies Batman’s prominance in the story.
Incidentally, and I’m sure it comes as no surprise, Keaton is the film’s best attribute. The costumes, fight choreography, and dialogue make you firmly believe this is a continuation of Tim Burton’s interpretation of the character. Keaton’s performance, as in Batman and Batman Returns is so effortlessly enigmatic you can’t help but be immediately enthralled.
I don’t share many criticisms I’ve read of the third act becoming an overwhelming mess of action. In fact, it deliberately robs the audience of the typical giant set piece so common in the genre, instead bringing its central characters harshly back to earth. The only casualty of this is Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, who does an excellent job with very little screen time.
Fun, fast-paced, and at times surprisingly touching, The Flash is a long way from a masterpiece, but there’s plenty of heart with strong performances, and a brilliant swan song for one of the most beloved Batman actors of all time. Always nice to see Saoirse-Monica Jackson too!
3/5
