The Stream: A bit annoying and corny

The Big Screen: Good action sequences with a touching story told

The Final Bill: DC Comics not wholly messing up solid movie ideas but still not the greatest thing since sliced bread

– S2S: Movie Review
Director: Andy Muschietti
Writers: Christina Hodson, Joby Harold
Stars: Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity
Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
Production Companies: DC Comics, DC Entertainment, New Zealand Film Commission
Platform: Released in theater June 16, 2023 and Max to come

We’re back in a flash, Streamers! No, literally, this week we were able to see DC Comics/Entertainments, The Flash. Long believed to be called Flashpoint but if you know you know what the movie is going to be about. The fastest man on the planet Barry Allen/The Flash uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without the superheroes he’s come to know, which then forces him to race for his life to save the past and future he knows. Fast and Flash things ensue. Let’s see how it goes.

This movie is one of those conundrums. It’s been made in a DC universe that has underachieved a lot so now it feels like with new management they want the movie to make up for all of their past wrongs. Now, The Flash is a solidly entertaining movie. There are some nice action sequences that are hard-hitting and true to the characters many have come to love. The storyline has a few really touching moments that keep the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions.

Like the MCU, this movie is throwing in a bunch of cameos from very recognizable faces but not in a throw away manner, which is slightly cool. The biggest one is not a surprise – good old Bruce Wayne played by Michael Keaton. Keaton along with the others does a valiant effort reprising his almost thirty-year-old role. Anyway, seeing these worlds collide with the Ezra’s Flash was interesting and a nice touch even though this version of the Flash seems to fit a bit better with the cornier Mr. Freeze Batman franchise. Nevertheless, this leads to the most annoying parts of the movie. Both versions of Barry/The Flash played by Ezra Miller are a bit too annoying and corny even for the Flash. They definitely should’ve tapered that writing back to be more like the Grant Gustin Flash. I just wanted to shout out my guy Gustin because my show is ending *cries*. Anyway, the story feels a bit forced rather than organic and when that occurs the movie felt a bit predictable. Even in that, the movie was still watchable, especially once you get to the action sequences, which it does take a while to get to.

Ultimately, The Flash isn’t the greatest movie, but the way DC operates this feels like a vast improvement. The Flash is one of those movies where you have to see it on the big screen to get the full effect but eventually, you’ll be watching this on Sunday afternoons on FX for sure. There is a good amount of action, cameos, corny humor, sentimental moments and etc. that keeps a viewer watching for 2 hours but is it perfect, nope. Grab a big box of popcorn for the Flash.