The Flash has been a staple in DC comics since the 1940s, and has continued to be a fan favorite for decades. However, in this last installment of the now defunct DCEU, Warner Bros. took a huge chance and gave The Flash a stand alone film. The story was a mixture of The Flashpoint Paradox with a little bit of Crisis on Infinite Earths and it worked really well.
The movie opens with Barry Allen a.k.a. The Flash (played by the notorious Ezra Miller) trying to get his morning cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich to be interrupted by a transmission from Alfred Pennyworth (played by Jeremy Irons) who needs The Flash to help Batman in Gotham City with situation at a hospital (one of the most wackiest and fun scenes in the entire movie). I won’t go into details but let’s just say there’s literally a “baby shower” and The Flash has to catch them all before they hit the ground. After rescuing said babies, he goes to help Batman #1 (played by Ben Affleck) to stop a human killing viral strain from falling into Gotham City’s waters. Things look bleak until Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot reprising the role she was meant to play) to save the day and then The Flash runs right back to the cafe he left earlier to finish picking up his breakfast.
Later, Bruce Wayne/Batman #1 sends a flash drive to Barry to help his Dad (now played by Ron Livingston because Billy Cudrup was probably “not available”) try to clear his name for the murder of his Mom (played by Maribel Verdu who made me wish she was my mom…sorry Mom). Barry sends the evidence to his dad’s legal counsel and turns out it wasn’t enough to help. Barry, grief stricken, tries to run his pain and sadness away to the point where he breaks time and discovers that he can now time travel to any point in the past. Excited about this new “power”, he goes back to Batman #1 to tell him what he can now do and offers to save his parents, too, but he refuses to accept the offer because of his fear of what it can do in the present timeline. Unfortunately, Barry doesn’t listen to Bruce and that is when hell breaks loose on the infinite Earths of the DC universe.
I won’t go into anymore details because I really feel like it’s better seen on an IMAX screen so you can experience the full scope of this film. It’s a thrilling ride from beginning to end. Director Andy Muschetti (who directed the last two It films) does an excellent job bringing this beloved comic book hero to the big screen again. Most of the special effects are top notch and the rest of the cast delivers stand out performances. Batman #2, played by Michael Keaton is the perfect blend of brooding and determined, while the supporting cast, including Sasha Calle as Supergirl and Michael Shannon reprising his role as General Zod, are equally impressive
But what makes this film stand out from the previous DCEU films is its emotionally charged story. The alternate universe that Barry finds himself in is a bleak, dark world where the stakes are high and the consequences of failure are dire. Each character is dealing with their own set of struggles, and it’s heartbreaking to see how some have strayed from their typical personas.
The film’s themes of hope, sacrifice, and family are also a major highlight.Barry’s love for his mother and his desire to save her is what sets off the events of the film, and it’s a relatable and emotional motivation for viewers. Throughout the course of the movie, Barry is forced to confront consequences of his and make sacrifices for the greater good.
The Flash isn’t without its flaws, though. The plot can feel a little convoluted at times, and viewers may feel lost trying to piece together the rules of this alternate universe. Additionally, the ending feels a bit underwhelming, and some viewers may be left wishing there was better closure for certain characters.
Overall, The Flash is a must-watch for any DC fan. It’s a thrilling, emotionally charged ride that delivers and a welcomed final addition to the DCEU.
by Carlos Ojeda