The Flash
Dustin Chase
We have entered an era so saturated with superhero movies that now the potential success of these films is measured in cameos and crossovers. Multiverse superhero films have become a specific subgenre. Every comic book character must have one now; it’s all about outdoing the last one.
“The Flash” might be the first superhero film where fans are more excited to see the supporting players than the title character. Michael Keaton suiting up as Batman again makes him the oldest actor to do so and breathes life back into the ’90s era iconic role. Here is where we encounter the film’s most significant divide. More than half of “The Flash” is nostalgic fan service. If you don’t get goosebumps when Barry finds a velvet laughing bag, then much of the film might go over your head.
Alfred (Jeremy Irons) phones Barry, aka The Flash (Ezra Miller), because Batman (Ben Affleck) needs some help in Gotham. Working diligently in criminal forensics to prove his incarcerated father (Ron Livingston) is innocent of murdering his mom (Maribel Verdu), Barry takes time out of his busy schedule to save the day. A friend from Barry’s past appears and sparks an idea that sets Barry on a dangerous path back in time to change what happened to his mother. Bruce Wayne warns against this, advising that some tragedies shape who we become. Barry throws caution to the wind and finds himself face to face with his 18-year-old self and a Batman he doesn’t recognize.
This film uses every AI and CGI special effect possible. Some look great; others distort faces and bodies to a disturbing degree.
A movie like “The Flash” couldn’t have been made back in Keaton’s day of playing Batman, when directors like Tim Burton mainly relied on physical stunts and special effects. This film uses every AI and CGI special effect possible. Some look great; others distort faces and bodies to a disturbing degree. They don’t even look human. Recreating the sets and art direction from the 1989 Batman is worth the price of admission. The wooden breakfast table where Bruce and Vicki Vale had dinner, the waterfall hiding the entrance to the bat cave, subtle mannerisms, the way Keaton’s Wayne always licked his lips before he said something important. The little details are there for the hardcore fans who have seen the groundbreaking first Batman movie over 20 times.
Following Miller’s scandals and horrid behavior, he might not be the performance you are most eager to see. He may be mentally unstable, but his talent on screen is undeniable. Having two versions of Barry showcases Miller’s range in every scene. His ability to emote and make us care for his cause is missing in many other DC movies. Like most multiverse stories, the plot is chaotic and often excessive, but at least it’s always coherent. It’s Miller’s performance that continually keeps the film grounded. Some cameos work — some really well — but others are unnecessary. One, in particular, is entirely digitally created and won’t make sense to some unless they know Tim Burton’s superhero trivia.
Final Thought
The nostalgia factor will leave fans satisfied. The overreliance on not-always-perfect special effects will leave most a bit winded.