I watched The Flash, and I would watch it again.
I enjoy superhero films as an escape—something I don’t have to think too much about. The Flash was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won’t share because I wished I hadn’t known them).
For example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in Spider-Man: No Way Home when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they’re coming.
Outside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of The Flash and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen’s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother’s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.
After the events of Batman v Superman, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that’s where the movie starts.
This version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It’s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.
There aren’t many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I’d happily join them. That’s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won’t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.
I really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry’s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.
While DC hasn’t had a lot of hits on their hands, The Flash manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, The Flash is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.
★★★★
