- THE FLASH
- Starring: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle and Michael Keaton
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
- Rated: PG 13
- Running time: 2 hrs 24 mins
- Warner Bros.
Whoever said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day must have known Barry Allen. Because of his quick metabolism, brought about due to the fact that he is the fastest person on Earth, Barry must constantly eat. And when his usual sandwich maker takes a day off, things quickly go from bad to worse for the Scarlett Speedster.
I promised a SPOILER FREE review so here goes…
Action packed from beginning to end, “The Flash” is the DC movie fans have been waiting for. We find Barry Allen (an excellent Miller) working at a crime lab while continuing to prove the innocence of his father (Ron Livingston), who is in prison after being found guilty of killing his wife. Barry can’t help but think back to a better time when he was a young boy and Sundays were spent in the kitchen with his mother. While zooming around Barry discovers that, if he can generate enough speed, he can go back in time. Despite a warning from his friend Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Barry decides to turn back the clock, hoping to prevent his mother’s death. But things are never as easy as they seem.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this movie. When I first heard the word “Multiverse” in previews I thought this would be a rip-off of “spider-man: No Way Home.” I was wrong. The script, by Christina Hobson and Joby Harold, is full of surprises, both good and bad. New characters are introduced, most notably Kara Zor-El (Calle), cousin of a certain well-known Kryptonian. We also see some familiar faces, including General Zod (the always solid Michael Shannon). And, damn it, we get to reunite with the amazing Michael Keaton, returning as Batman. He is older and wiser, certainly, but when he utters two words – “I’m Batman” – all is right with the world. All of the performances are strong and I must give special kudos to Ezra Miller, who does double duty as both present day and past Barry. To me, Miller’s dry-witted Flash was the highlight of the “Justice League” film. In this film, two Millers are better than one!
Despite its length, the film moves quickly. Director Muschietti, who helmed the two “IT” films, keeps a smooth pace, melding drama and action seamlessly. The production design captures the various time periods well, and fans of 1989’s “Batman” will enjoy reuniting with some familiar modes of transportation!
Phew. I did it. NO SPOILERS! No matter where you are in the multiverse, take a trip to the cinema and see “The Flash.”
“The Flash” earns five stars out of five.
“The Flash” opens on June 16, 2023.