With it’s 9-year gestation period The Flash has hardly raced onto our screens, but now it’s here I can say it does offer something of a rollercoaster ride of time-travel and multiverse madness. The film’s first two-thirds successfully captivate audiences with an energetic and fun-filled narrative that embraces the inherent goofiness of its superhero premise. From the moment Barry Allen (alleged sex pest Ezra Miller) dons the crimson suit, his charismatic portrayal injects a vibrant energy into the story, making him a likeable and relatable hero to root for.
Michael Keaton’s return as Batman adds a nostalgic touch, and his performance brings a gravitas and complexity to the character. Sasha Calle impresses as Supergirl, infusing the role with both strength and vulnerability. Their chemistry with Miller’s Flash creates engaging dynamics that drive the plot forward.
The time-travel elements of the film provide a thrilling spectacle, as Barry Allen navigates through alternate realities and encounters familiar faces from the DC universe. These moments of fan service, while satisfying on a surface level, occasionally overshadow the film’s overall storytelling and character development. The inclusion of various cameo appearances may be a delight for hardcore fans, but it risks detracting from the core narrative and diluting the impact of the main characters. What’s more, in his own hastily inserted brief appearance George Clooney seems to be in full Nespresso mode.
Unfortunately, the film stumbles in its third act, succumbing to the pitfalls of excessive CGI and an overload of action sequences. The once-engaging story takes a backseat to a visual spectacle that becomes overwhelming and chaotic, leaving the audience longing for more substance and emotional depth. It is in this final stretch that The Flash loses some of its earlier momentum and struggles to leave a lasting impression.
Despite its flaws, The Flash delivers moments of excitement and entertainment, particularly in its exploration of the multiverse concept and the character dynamics established in the first two-thirds of the film. The performances of Miller, Keaton, and Calle, along with the film’s fast-paced narrative, keep the audience engaged and invested. However, the reliance on CGI and the lack of a coherent third act prevent The Flash from reaching its full potential.
In the end, The Flash is a modestly enjoyable superhero adventure that delivers on its promises of fast-paced thrills and nods to DC’s extensive history. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it provides a fun ride for fans of the Scarlet Speedster and the multiverse concept – the same concept that’s due to be utilised by incoming DC lead creative James Gunn to imminently wipe this adventure from the canon.
The Flash is in UK cinemas from today.
Whitlock&Pope 