The Flash

Where to even start when reviewing The Flash?

The controversy of opting to release the film amongst the ongoing allegations against Ezra Miller?

The controversy of opting to release the film amongst those allegations and also after the decision has already been taken to end the existing ‘DCEU’ and have James Gunn unleash an entirely new ‘DCU’ on the world next year despite the Shazam and Aquaman sequels also arriving in 2023?

The seemingly lukewarm cinema takings vs. the strange hyped up social media press declaring the film an elite-level superhero film (who is writing this stuff?!)?

The fact that it rides so hard on Marvel’s coattails in regards to the multiverse aspect that it’s, frankly, a little embarrassing? (There’s even what I took to be a subtle dig at Marvel’s way of explaining timelines which, if intended, is possibly the most forehead-slappeningly, maddeningly pathetic jibe ever made in the history of cinema)?

The fact that it’s an absolute joy to see Michael Keaton back in the Batsuit (with the fanfare!) despite the surprise being absolutely ruined by the marketing (clearly a response to the Miller stuff)?

Or the fact that the film is actually pretty good and near the top of the DCEU output so far?

Take your pick I guess.

The Flash is thoroughly enjoyable and, alongside Shazam! Fury of the Gods, a sign that, ironically, DC are starting to settle into a style right before ripping it up and starting again. Real world stuff aside, and from a purely cinematic point of view, Miller puts in a brilliant dual performance as he sends himself back in time to prevent his mother’s death, running into a younger version of himself along the way to take for the ride.

Oh yeah, and it conveniently enough changes lots of other aspects of the past as well which means DC didn’t have to cast Henry Cavill as Superman because, for reasons unfathomable to civilisation, they no longer want him in the cape.

This does mean we get Keaton’s return, and an excellent Kara Zor-El in light of Supes, as well as a brilliant opening third which is effectively a mini Justice League set piece (and better than pretty much the whole of the theatrical Justice League film.)

It is simply too late to the party though and pales next to Marvel’s multiversal output. It screams so much of chasing coattails that it hurts. The joy of seeing old faces link to this universe (and there are some proper surprises that they did keep hidden) are plenty but lathered with cynicism.

Take all of that away and we have an entertaining superhero film that stands on its own two feet. A film that DC could have used (and maybe will if the post-credits is a scene from their next movie rather than an outtake) as their base moving forward.

Unfortunately, absolutely everything else around the film itself from Miller’s actions to DC’s baffling decisions cause too much of a problem right now to judge this properly.

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