These Scars We Have Make Us Who We Are.
★★★★☆
Released in UK Cinemas: 14th June 2023
Directed by Andy Muschietti
When his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry Allen becomes trapped in a reality in which there are no Super Heroes to turn to.
It's nowhere near faultless or 'The Best Superhero Film of All Time' as every marketing post suggests but The Flash is an energetic celebration of DC fuelled by an animated duel-central performance and cinema's latest currency: nostalgia.
Officially announced back in 2014 and stuck in development ever since, though an entire 9-season television series managed to fill the gap, I didn't think The Flash would ever see the light of day.
There is a lot resting on this film's shoulders - an extended wait, a seemingly never-ending list of writers & directors leaving the project, cast members that aren't without their own controversies and being headlined as the major 'Reset Event' before James Gunn and Peter Safran take over the DC Universe. No Pressure.
DC has never had the strongest slate of films, full of highs and lows, successes and failures, so it was a welcome relief that The Flash embraces its fast-paced energy in a timeline-smashing adventure full of humour and heart that is easily one of the strongest films DC has in years.
Like many modern superhero adventures, this is packed with visual effects including impressive technical wizardry to bring two interacting versions of Barry Allen to the screen at the same time. Though the effects throughout seemed to struggle when it came to consistency. One minute you're watching a breathtaking run through the speed force, giving a new and unique perspective into Flash's superhuman speed. The next, a vacant deep fake slapped onto a 3D model, instantly throwing the film deep into the uncanny valley, ultimately leaving many sequences feeling unfinished and jarring.
This trip through the multiverse brings the now-expected cameos and familiar faces that don't do much to benefit the story, only for audiences to point at the screen and immediately spoil on social media. It was great seeing Michael Keaton return as Batman in a supporting role that goes way beyond a cameo as he dons the cape again to show what made his portrayal so iconic.
Perhaps I was going in with low expectations, but I pleasantly enjoyed The Flash. It breathes new life into the centre of the DC Universe in more ways than one. A bold, inventive and thrilling adventure that sets the stage for an intriguing future.
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