‘The Flash’ is Fast-Paced, Multi-Versal Fun

Some may not know this, but a film adaptation focused on ‘The Flash’ has been in development since the late 1980s. Over the next few decades, numerous writers and directors have tried to get a ‘Flash’ film going for some time.

Now, after countless delays and many other hurdles, ‘The Flash’ finally arrives on the big screen. And, the very long wait is worth it!

Worlds collide when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no superheroes to turn to.

That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian - but not the one he’s looking for.

Ultimately, to save the world that he’s in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

‘The Flash’ is definitely one of the better films from the DC Extended Universe, which is now gearing up for a soft reboot. This DC film delivers some amazing action, awesome surprises and the return of Michael Keaton as Batman.

This is one of the films I have been looking forward to for some time. And, after finally seeing it, the filmmakers really did a great job. ‘The Flash’ has some really great action scattered throughout, which will really get all the DC fans excited. The action-packed third act is greatly paced and the final battle is extremely entertaining.

‘The Flash’ also has a compelling story, which can actually get a little emotional at times. Some of the emotion comes into play when we see Barry Allen (aka The Flash) interact with his mother after he ends up traveling to a universe where she is still alive. There is a scene towards the end that involves Barry and his mother that is incredibly acted and is really touching.

This movie also does a good job with the multiversal story that’s featured. The moments where Barry Allen interacts with himself can be really hilarious at times and this film slightly dives into the Flash’s origin story (which is interesting). There are also quite a few amazing surprises once we get into the DC multiverse that you’ll really enjoy. I also got a kick out of the return of the Michael Keaton iteration of Batman. The film’s iteration of the Supergirl character is also one of the many highlights of the film and I hope we get to see this version of the character down the road once the shared universe gets the reboot.

Before I wrap up my initial thoughts of the movie, I just have to say Michael Keaton really steals the show as a retired Batman. I really enjoyed seeing him back as the Caped Crusader and I love the 1989/1992 movies that Keaton starred in. Keaton has a few moments that can be humorous and has a few lines that actually calls back to the 1989 ‘Batman’ movie. Also, hearing the Danny Elfman Batman theme from the first movie again will give any Batman fan a nostalgic feel.

Overall, ‘The Flash’ does a great job telling a multiverse story and wrapping up the DCEU before the DC universe gets rebooted over the next couple years. There are tons of great action-packed moments and lots of surprises. The only nitpick I have for this movie is that some of the CGI really needed some work. Other than that, make sure to check out ‘The Flash’ at the Dietrich!

The cast: Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash; Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Shannon as General Zod; Ron Livingston as Henry Allen; Antje Traue as Faora-UI; Jeremy Irons as Alfred; Kiersey Clemons as Iris West; Maribel Verdu as Nora Allen; Sasha Calle as Supergirl and Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

‘The Flash’ is written by Christine Hodson (Birds of Prey; Bumblebee) and directed by Andy Muschietti (It; It: Chapter Two; Mama).

‘The Flash’ is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity and has a running time of 144 minutes.