The Flash – Film Review

Director – Andy Muschietti
Writers – Christina Hodson, Joby Harold
Stars – Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller

This film throws us in at the deep end. There is no introduction to characters, no origin story, and for that alone, we praise the lord! We meet The Flash/ Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) on his way to work in his civilian job. He gets a phone call from Alfred (Batman’s manservant played by Jeremy Irons), as a hospital in Gotham City is about to collapse! And so, we are plunged into the highest of high-speed chases, as the Flash uses his super speed to help all and sundry. While Barry’s life as the Flash continues to go well, his civilian life is less successful. His father, Henry Allen (Ron Livingston), is in prison for murdering Barry’s mother, a crime he did not commit. As the day of the court case for Henry’s appeal arrives, Barry stumbles upon how his superpowers could change the past, and set things right in his life!

First off, the elephant in the room! Lead actor Ezra Miller is the subject of a series of allegations. The film company decided to stand by them (Miller is non-binary) and they attended the LA premiere of the film. We shall have to wait and see how these allegations affect Miller’s life and career. The other issue is whether the viewing public will be put off by these issues. While it may have a small impact, I suspect many will not even be aware of them.

The director, Andy Muschietti, is mainly known for his work in the horror genre, having directed It and It: Chapter Two. This is his first attempt at a superhero movie, and it is a largely successful one.

This film has so many moments to delight comic/ movie nerds, with a series of in-jokes and ideas throughout. It reminded me of Ready Player One, which had a similar level of fan service. Expect a lot of cameo appearances from actors associated with the DC universe.

While at one level it is similar to many other superhero movies, it also has touches of films like Back to the Future and Tom Cruise’s 2014 Sci-Fi film, Edge of Tomorrow. The story is an enjoyable ride and doesn’t get bogged down in too many of the usual pitfalls of superhero films. Ezra carries the film well, and it is great to see Michael Keaton back as the caped crusader, for possibly the last time? If you’re looking for a light-hearted family film, it should tick most of the boxes.