'The Flash' (2023) Movie Review: Everything You Expect from a Superhero Movie

‘The Flash‘ is a 2023 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Produced by DC Films, The Flashpoint, Berlanti Productions and Kroll & Co. Entertainment, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is the tenth film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Christina Hodson, and stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash, alongside Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck, Sasha Calle, Kiersey Clemons, Maribel Verdú, Ron Livingston, Antje Traue, and Paul Dano.

Movie Review

What do you expect from a DC character movie? Spectacle, entertainment, some jokes, agility, many superheroes, and above all, a plethora of special effects and a state-of-the-art action-packed show. ‘The Flash’ delivers all of that and more, exceeding audience expectations.

However, if you are looking for an “auteur cinema” experience, this movie may not be for you.

‘The Flash’ handles numerous characters, incorporates countless jokes, and provides a nostalgic touch by bringing back Michael Keaton as Batman (and Nicolas Cage, who never goes out of style). It handles the characters with ease and offers a time-traveling storyline that not only complements the narrative perfectly but also adds an excellent element to the action.

But it’s true, if you despise superheroes with all your heart and wear a neorealist t-shirt, this film won’t convince you.

And if we take a “quantum physics” approach. . maybe not either.
However, it is an exceptionally well-crafted film that offers a captivating spectacle. The screenplay is skillfully constructed to fulfill its intentions, even displaying intelligence. It strikes the perfect balance of nostalgia, action, humor, spectacle, and, of course, outstanding production that may leave some directors envious, thinking about what they could have achieved with all those millions.

‘The Flash’ is clearly intended to please a specific audience, and we are confident it will succeed. Is it the best film in the history of cinema? Probably not. Does it revolutionize the superhero genre? Not really. However, it does provide another (yes, similar) spectacle within the DC Universe, which, let’s admit it, is spectacular.

Synopsis

‘The Flash’ follows Barry Allen, a forensic investigator who becomes a superhero with super-speed. Barry uses his powers to fight crime and protect the innocent. One day, Barry decides to travel back in time to save his mother, who was murdered when he was a child. However, his actions have devastating consequences that alter the universe.

Barry finds himself in a new universe where Batman is portrayed by Michael Keaton, and Superman is dead. Barry must find a way to restore the universe to its original state while also facing the consequences of his actions.

Production Background

The production of ‘The Flash’ began in 2014, with Seth Grahame-Smith directing and writing the screenplay. However, the project faced delays due to various issues, including Grahame-Smith’s departure and Ezra Miller’s exit from the film. Muschietti and Hodson joined the project in 2019, and filming commenced in April 2021.