Should you race to see 'The Flash'?

By: Tim Wolak

Posted: Jul 6, 2023 7:00 AM EDT

"The Flash" hit theaters in the US on June 16 and I raced to see it opening weekend with high expectations and hope for the future of DC Comics films.

This review will have spoilers.

"The Flash" (2023) revolves around Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) using his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his mom creates a world without superheroes, forcing him to race for his life to save the future. Along the way he works with fellow heroes, Supergirl and a very familiar Batman.

Trailer courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Andy Muschietti, with a story by Joby Harold and screenplay by Christina Hodson, The Flash finally made its way to theaters after a decade of development and a delay in release due to COVID and the uncertainty of the theatrical market on top of creative shifts in the DC film universe's direction.

Outside of the many controversies of the title star's personal life, which I won't be discussing, the big reason why comic book fans are talking about this film, is the fact that Michael Keaton has reclaimed the iconic cowl of Batman that he hasn’t worn since his last adventure in 1992's "Batman Returns", directed by the legendary Tim Burton.

I'm one of those many fans who showed up for Keaton. I also enjoy Ezra Miller's Flash performance and have since their first appearance on screen.

I really enjoyed seeing newcomer to the franchise, Sasha Calle, as the Supergirl to Henry Cavill's era of Superman.

I felt like Calle's performance captured the core emotions of Supergirl, sadness, rage, and yet hopeful.

The Flashes and Batman save her after she'd been captured by humans and locked away from the sun. As a result, she became weak and fragile in this alternate universe.

We find out Michael Shannon's General Zod intercepted the infant Superman and killed him before coming to Earth to use Supergirl's blood to rebuild the Kryptonian race.

This film utilizes Miller in not one, not two, but three roles in this film. They play the Flash in three unique and memorable ways.

Miller makes it look easy as they slip between alternate younger naïve Flash, to a mature present Flash, and ultimately, BIG SPOILER, the Dark Flash, a mutilated aged Barry Allen that ends up being the true villain of the film.

Keaton's return to the cape and cowl is nothing short of amazing. It's like he never stopped being Batman 31 years on. Every scene with him is engaging and for those of us who grew up with him as the caped crusader, a return to what we knew.

During the film's two hour and 24-minute runtime, I can confidently say I felt engaged with the film in a multitude of ways.

I understood Barry Allen's frustration as The Flash being able to do so much good for others, but seemingly can't help his dad get out of jail or bring his mom back to life. Miller's acting brings that pain and sadness to a real place.

When Barry's at his lowest point, he runs so fast that he breaks the speed of light and realizes he can time travel. Unfortunately, it causes a multiversal disaster.

Everyone can relate to losing someone. A core element to every character in this story. Barry Allen's mom, Bruce Wayne's parents, Supergirl's home planet and cousin, Superman. Their losses guide their actions.

There are moments in this film that will shock you and even make you teary eyed if you relate to the characters' human struggles.

In my opinion, this film is a perfect example of what a modern DC Comic film can be. It also makes me even more disappointed that Warner Brothers killed the Batgirl film in which Michael Keaton also returned.

Overall, I'd say check this film out. All the hard work and love that went into this can be seen on the screen. With Andy Muschietti rumored to be the director for "Batman: The Brave and The Bold", I couldn’t be more excited to see where James Gunn's DC Universe goes.

To me, there are only a few cons:

CGI looks muddy at times
For me, Batman is in the sunlight far too much (he's the "Dark" Knight, Adam West's "Bright" Knight not withstanding)
Not enough time with Dark Flash
Not enough time with Supergirl

SPOILER CAMEOS! Look away if you don't want to know:

Adam West as Batman
George Reeves as Superman
Christopher Reeve as Superman
Helen Slater as Supergirl
Nicolas Cage as Superman from the aborted Tim Burton film, "Superman Lives"
Teddy Sears of "The Flash" TV show was rumored to play this role, but WB announced it was played by a yet to be named actor, as Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick
George Clooney as Bruce Wayne when Barry "fixes" the timeline
Jason Momoa as Aquaman in a post-credit scene