Have You Been Watching...? The Flash (2023)

 

The Flash is a Detective Comics character which first appeared in the January 1940 “Flash Comics” issue number 1. Without going into too much depth on the comic aspect, there have been several iterations of the character. The recent DC universe movies have featured the Barry Allen incarnation, played by Ezra Miller. In short, he is a forensic scientist. One day, a bolt of lightning struck his lab, dousing him in chemicals and electricity, and then giving him the superpower of speed. Together with other DC heroes such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg and Aquaman, he forms part of the Justice League. He appears in previous DC movies Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Justice League and its alternate Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Now, he headlines his own movie, even though the Justice League features throughout.

In his eponymous movie, the plot is motivated by the murder of Barry’s mother many years previously. Barry’s father is incarcerated for the crime, but Barry knows his father is innocent. His father’s new hearing (following new evidence) is due the next day. Reminiscing about the day his mum was killed, Barry accidentally discovers he can travel fast enough to break the speed of light and thus travel in time. Against the advice of his best friend and mentor, Bruce Wayne aka Batman (Ben Affleck), he travels back to just prior to his mother’s death and sets in motion a chain of events that should stop it occurring. However, on his return trip to the present, he is knocked out of the timestream and finds himself on the day he received his powers.  He then has to team up with his younger 18 year old self to ensure these events take place as planned. Needless to say, they don’t. Barry creates a whole new timeline that erases Affleck’s Batman, and replaces him with the 1989 incarnation played by Michael Keaton. Aquaman is never born, there is no sign of Wonder Woman, Cyborg never became a cyborg, and Clark Kent aka Superman is killed off as an infant. Replacing the Man of Steel in this movie is the Woman of Steel, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, played by Sasha Calle. They then face off against General Zod from Planet Krypton during the now alternative incidents portrayed in the Man of Steel movie.

Having two Barry Allens is a great idea and watching Ezra Miller playing two versions of himself is rather neat. He begins to understand others’ frustrations about him and allows for some character development. Michael Keaton is wonderful as Bruce Wayne/Batman and it’s a great nostalgia hit seeing him in the role so long after Tim Burton’s “Batman” and “Batman Returns”. Sadly, Michael Gough has long since passed and we don’t see an alternative to the Jeremy Irons portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth. Gal Gadot does make a short appearance as Wonder Woman and she plays the role so well, it’s always nice to see her.

As with most superhero movies, there is an abundance of CGI effects. While some of these work extremely well, others work less so. There is a great sequence involving the destruction of a hospital during which Barry has to rescue falling babies (I kid you not), a screaming nurse and a therapy dog within seconds, all while trying to handle running out of energy (hey, being a speedster uses up a lot of juice!). This scene is then played again over the end credits, concentrating on the dog’s experience and it is HILARIOUS.

There are some lovely deeper moments for both Barrys too, and a very poignant resolution to the timelines conundrum. As Barry realises the damage he has caused to the timelines, we see alternative versions of our heroes, allowing for many cameos including Batman’s Adam West, Burt Ward and Cesar Romero from the 1960s series, George Reeves in black and white, Christopher Reeve and Helen Slater as Superman and Supergirl from the 80s movies. There are also cameos from other stars but I won’t reveal those here. Let’s just say, the DC universe will never be the same again.

The Flash Movie is a lot of fun, an allegation that has seldom been put to the DCU films. There are many laugh out loud moments and a cast that resembles the end of an era where everything but the kitchen sink is thrown in. As the news suggests the DCU gets a reboot soon, this does seem like a nice way to end this “phase” of movies, if you wish.

The plot is thin and doesn’t make a lot of sense, but is the plot the real reason anyone would want to watch such a film? Maybe for some, but if you are in the mood for around 150 minutes of just pure popcorn munching bliss, you won’t be disappointed. While the movie does reference the previous features, I don’t think an in-depth knowledge of them would be a requirement to enjoy this one, as a lot of exposition is spoon-fed to the audience.

Year: 2023

Availability: Currently available to purchase digitally from online streaming retailers.

Rating: 7/10