‘The Flash’ review: An electric, universe hopping thrill run through fan moments

So, yes, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding the release of this movie. Its leading star, Ezra Miller, has had their troubles. Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker James Gunn is the new co-head of DC Studios, and he already has a ten-year plan. What does it all mean? Should we take all of what happens in The Flash and prepare to see more adventures with these actors as these characters? Who knows?

Let’s put all that aside for a minute and focus on what’s here. What should superhero and popcorn-hungry movie fans expect? Well, for starters, it’s a mess of fun that’s emotionally charged to run into your heart. Also, many wow moments will make your head spin. 

I’ll just go ahead and say director Andy Muschietti’s brief use of Ben Affleck’s Batman/Bruce Wayne is the best use of the superstar’s talents, and it’s saddening that this is likely the last we’ll see Affleck wearing the cape and cowl. As seen in the trailer, Affleck’s Batman is sliding down the highway like a water skier, chasing after some baddies, which couldn’t be a cooler Batman moment. His batcycle is equipped with smart tech to make fans squeal out of delight. And that’s just one Batman in this movie.

Of course, the big draw that marketing didn’t keep a secret is that The Flash features the return of Michael Keaton’s Batman. How awesome is it to hear Danny Elfman’s classic musical score and see Keaton dressed up as the caped crusader, saying lines like, “Let’s get nuts?” It’s incredibly special, mainly because you get to see Keaton’s Batman do things comparable to the hallway scene in Rogue One when Darth Vader is flexing his powers like never before. Get ready to watch Keaton swoop down and disarm goons like he truly is THE ultimate Batman. 

How about Miller as the title character? I think they’re great in the part (as seen in Zack Synder’s Justice League). The Flash’s fast-talking, stoned bro-like chuckle and joke-a-second characteristics are a joy to behold, and this new movie gives us a double dose. Miller portrays the Flash, a.k.a. Barry Allen, at two different periods in his life. 

In the story, the present-day Barry navigates the loss of his mother (Maribel Verdú) and the unjust system that has pinned Barry’s father (Ron Livingston) for her murder. Cue an emotional run so fast that the Flash manages to enter an interdimensional pathway, affording him the opportunity to right any wrongs – or leave the universe splintering off because the butterfly effect flaps some mighty, nasty wings. 

Who could blame Barry for wanting to save his mother and father despite the consequences? It’s a better motivator than Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in No Way Home, wanting everyone to forget who he is to make life easier and inadvertently opening the multiverse. It’s all good fun. All movie franchises these days seem to be interested in the multiverse concept. We get to see other famous takes on iconic characters come together on screen, and who could say no to that?

But this isn’t just one giant party for the hell of it. The narrative has to have purpose and value, and The Flash delivers. We have a strong emotional arc for our central character. Then Muschietti and Co. weave in other characters — including Sasha Calle’s Supergirl — who individually have goals to accomplish and matters to overcome while being supporting players. Even Keaton’s Batman is more than a nostalgic trip. Where he’s at in his life and the questions he wrestles with have tremendous significance.

Action-wise, there are plenty of scenes that have pizzazz. You may notice the computer-generated images doing most of the heavy lifting. Still, it’s the act of what the characters are doing (like Batman skiing down the highway or the Flash saving babies in super slow-mo) that widens your eyes. You’ll forgive the digital polishing, most notably during the final showdown, where all these characters take on the central villain, General Zod (Michael Shannon returning after 2013’s Man of Steel). 

So, not everything runs cohesively together and doesn’t pop as it could have. However, The Flash remains an electric, time-and-universe-hopping adventure with some lovable characters/actors and many delicious fan moments. It slaps a goofy smile on your face that just won’t quit. 

Here’s to hoping the DC future is bright and that it answers some lingering questions after this entry. Prepare for the final few seconds to have you scratching your head. (Note: The theatrical cut of The Flash includes a “secret ending” that differs from the CinemaCon version that played for attendees earlier this year. I have seen both, and I have to admit, I wish the studio had stuck with the original ending because it excitingly opened up the possibilities, while this new ending wraps things up with a joke. But maybe I'm wrong and each showtime has a different ending. I doubt it, but that would be genius.)