In “The Flash,” the latest entry in the expanding DC Comics’ universe, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) wants to use his superpower to travel back in time and alter an event that greatly impacted his life: the horrific murder of his mother, which was blamed on his father.
Ezra Miller has previously appeared as the Flash in 2016’s “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Suicide Squad and in 2017’s “Justice League.” In the latter film, when Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) shows Barry a surveillance photo taken of the Flash, Barry resplies: “This is a person who looks exactly like me, but who is definitely not me. Very attractive Jewish boy …”
Though Miller has been quirky and funny in supporting roles in other films, it was not a foregone conclusion that he would star in a superhero film. “The Flash” had a troubled production; several directors were hired and departed, with Argentine director Andy Muschietti ending up in the director’s chair. He was clearly the right person for the job.
Miller nails the dual role of Flash and Barry, a somewhat nerdy but good-looking guy who is uncertain about many things, but badly wants to rectify injustice. There are moments of great humor, including a very silly, yet still credible scene, when The Flash momentarily loses his superpower. It’s a treat to see Michael Keaton reprise his role as the Batman (even if he’s in an alternate universe) and it’s always a pleasure to see Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, even if it’s tinged with sadness by the announcement that she will not play the role in future films. Affleck, who plays Bruce Wayne and Batman, is solid as usual.
It’s a shame that the villains aren’t up to the same level. Only Michael Shannon, menacing and frightening as General Zod, makes an impression, but he doesn’t get enough screen time.
Maribel Verdu, as
Nora, Barry’s mother, is a woman who loves her son and husband and seems to not have a care in the world. Barry has a flirtation with Iris (Kiersey Clemons) and the scene where he goes through a wall to magically get them beer is an instant classic.
The film has some great action sequences and is wonderfully shot. Screenwriter Christina Hodson delivered a twisty story that strikes an emotional chord.
While not on the level of “Batman” or some of Marvel’s Spider-man films, “The Flash” certainly ranks as the best superhero film in the last few years.
A bona fide hit, “The Flash” is a movie that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages and reminds children that while they often take it for granted, the moments they have with their parents are precious.
