Adapting Flashpoint to Say Goodbye to the SnyderVerse (The Flash 2023 spoiler-free review)

 

Is the DCU so far from saving that no matter how hard James Gunn attempts to, it sinks lower and lower to irrelevance even if a movie is good? Despite the new leadership at the new sub-studio at Warner Bros, The Flash was made almost 3 years ago when DC was at its most controversial and it finally gets its time on the silver screen after many delays and successful test screenings. 

This iteration of the fastest man alive releases at a time when the Grant Gustin-led iconic show comes to an end with the hopes of this film being the Flash of a new generation. Despite Ezra Miller's abuse cases, this adaptation of one of DC Comics' most famous events lives up to its intention. Being a clear-cut play-by-play of the original comic with twists that pay homage to the SnyderVerse, we say goodbye to an unappreciated vision of the franchise. With that much pressure packed into a 2-and-a-half-hour movie, The Flash manages to still be compelling and relatable as we see Barry Allen deal with his compulsion for the world to move as his fast he does to his grief of losing both parents in one day and attempting to bring them back to live the life be never had. 

The Flash is loaded with Flashpoint rules that true fans of the character and the infamous comic run will appreciate. Ezra Miller is a great Barry Allen by not bringing the character to life but by putting their own spin on it. Miller's portrayal is much similar to what they have done in their better roles while it is a new taste to the many actors that have played Barry Allen, especially different from Gustin. Miller also does not act like everyone else. Here their chops work differently, that no average viewer will understand let alone like or hate. It is just different. They also do well playing 2 different versions of the character which shows how talented Miller is. 

But as you can see from the poster, he is not the only staple character to look out for. Michael Keaton returns from Tim Burton’s ‘89 classic to play a much older, retired Batman. This was a nostalgic play towards a specific audience that appreciated that vision of Batman but not many people remember Keaton’s version of the caped crusader because it was 34 years ago. It is hard to believe that general audiences would care for this portrayal while younger audiences might not even know who he was. However, (even if it was clear it was a stunt double or CGI) Keaton's Batman is nimble, fast, and satisfying to see on screen but he does not have the it-factor that Matt Reeves seems to be bringing to the character currently in the recent iteration of the dark knight. 

Sasha Calle is the one that steals the show when she is introduced. Her short and depthless portrayal of the Girl of Steel was without a doubt the best part of the film. When I say depthless, it is because the script does not spend enough time dealing with her part of the plot. Fair enough that the plot focuses on more Barry Allen's journey but instead of bringing back Henry Cavill to fill Superman’s arc that took place in Flashpoint, it was given to her to not only relive the events of Man of Steel but play his role in the adaptation. Not only was she being introduced, she was forced to carry the weight recreating Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel main plot line which I am sure a few will not be happy with. HOPEFULLY, they bring her back for the Supergirl-led film that Gunn plans to develop when his vision of the franchise comes to fruition where they can better utilise her for a worthy story fitting for Kara Zor-El. 

The one thing that brings down the value of the film is the heavy CGI. It is almost too obvious and distracting when visuals tend to like a video game. It wouldn’t be a surprise if CW watchers will wonder if they are actually watching an episode of the series on the big screen. Luckily the CGI can be overlooked - occasionally - to enjoy the film as it is. According to director Andy Muschietti, the visual choices for this film was intentionally made which can dwelled upon further. Nonetheless, It is is not hard to be taken aback, reminded in split seconds that there is only Miller on screen due to bad CGI. 

The film is not problematic as the behind the scenes drama that ensued for the last 3 years. It is indeed a love letter to DC stories entirely. That itself is a heavy burden for one movie to do. Flash may able be up to the task and this causes the third act to be overshadowed by certain expectations both the studio and some audience members have been holding too close to their hearts. It is unfortunate that a lot of the movie is memorable, hilarious and just charming enough to entertain longtime fans and casual viewers as well.

It does manage to show how Flash is an iconic character in his own right. The Flash works due to this hero’s journey being familiar as the character fixates on his mothers murder and having the ability to change that outcome, eventually dealing with the consequences. Unlike most superhero movies, the end goal is as sombre and impactful as one would expect for a story that centers around any version of Barry Allen. For those who do not have a snidge of an idea what I am talking about, then you are in for a marathon of new information.