‘The Flash’ Movie Review: Ezra Miller Dashes Into Fan Service Spectacle
Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics
From Jeff Nelson
The Flash propels its eccentric title character into his biggest adventure yet, sprinting his way through the multiverse. The final result is action-packed and bursting at the seams with humor, although its overambitious sights hold back its greatest strengths.
Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) works in a criminal forensics lab, dedicated to clearing his father’s (Ron Livingston) name after he wrongly went to prison for his wife’s (Maribel Verdú) murder. When Barry mistakenly taps into the ability to run back in time, he devises a plan to save his family. However, he ultimately causes unspeakable destruction in the timeline that leaves the world without superheroes. Barry will have to work with a younger, less mature variant of himself to save the world from the disaster that he created before it’s too late.
The Flash further cements Barry’s role within the Justice League, calling himself the “janitor” of the team with the task of cleaning up after Batman’s messes. Unfortunately, he holds a similar thankless position in his criminal forensics workplace, where his hero responsibilities regularly clash with his career duties. Barry has romantic desires, but they’re secondary to the burden that he carries every day. Nevertheless, he possesses the potential to accomplish a great deal more in both his professional and personal lives.
Director Andy Muschietti finds a rhythm in his comedic timing from Christina Hodson’s screenplay, crafting many scenes around short and long-term payoffs. He earns success with physical and situational humor, although it soon becomes an onslaught of silliness that only occasionally calms its nerves for emotional moments to shine through. Barry and Batman share trauma in their family’s fate, providing the young hero’s journey with guidance from a familiar face.
Recent comic book movies continue to swim deeper into their respective multiverses, giving studios and creators the opportunity to mold their storytelling universe to their will. The Flash packs in the exposition, yet it reminds the audience that there doesn’t always have to be an answer, which is the film itself giving us permission to put aside any plot holes.
Miller turns in half of a good performance, deftly delivering pathos and comedy as the current-day Barry. However, it’s occasionally at odds with his over-the-top presence as a younger Barry that becomes increasingly irksome. Meanwhile, Sasha Calle is a solid addition as the newly-introduced Supergirl and Michael Keaton makes a delightful return as Batman.
The Flash nearly drowns itself in excess and profuse fan service, but this colossally-scaled superhero adventure hits the right notes when it maximizes on rousing personal stakes and nimble humor. A wobbly third act turns into an absurd light show with sub-par CGI work, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had along Barry’s journey to save his family.
Rating: 3/5 stars
