The Flash (2023) Movie Review

Synopsis:

In an attempt to prevent his mother’s death, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) resets the entire universe. In doing so, he emerges into a world without metahumans. This also leads to the return of General Zod (Michael Shannon). In an attempt to save this world, Barry must also protect the future.

Review:

With the current state of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) being in flux, director Andy Muschietti alters it yet again with The Flash.

This film's positives are Michael Keaton’s Batman and some vibrant multiverse antics. Otherwise, The Flash stumbles in other important areas.

For context, The Flash is a multiverse film. Taking that into consideration, audiences should expect cameos from other DC characters.

This film does have several cameos that audiences may appreciate. Despite this, their inclusion makes little sense.

Most of the cameos in The Flash contribute nothing to the story. They also have questionable visual effects.

The Flash’s visual effects, whilst vibrant at times, aren’t well animated or rendered.

There are a few of Barry Allen’s action sequences as The Flash that produce good effects. Regardless, most other visuals are shoddy in comparison.

Take, for example, the film’s opening sequence, which involves Barry saving babies.

It's clear that these babies aren’t real, yet the visual effects for them border on laughable.

After so many consecutive reshoots, it’s no surprise that this film’s visual effects resemble a video game.

These questionable visual effects are also present during the film’s final battle. This leads to a clutter of unfinished green screen-heavy action.

Aside from these examples, the film does offer some above-average action and visuals.

As mentioned earlier, Michael Keaton’s Batman returns to the silver screen. To no surprise, he's the film’s most entertaining character.

Keaton’s Batman also receives some updated action sequences. This is thanks to the advancement of modern filmmaking technology.

Each one of his action sequences is fun to watch, involving a mix of martial arts and bat-themed gadgetry.

Also returning are The Batwing, The Batcave, and Danny Elfman’s catchy score.

In tandem with the action, these scenes provide Keaton fans with much to appreciate.

As a whole, Keaton’s return to form as the Caped Crusader is welcome. Despite this, there are times when his Batman appears out of place.

Given the film’s irritating “comedy” from two versions of Ezra Miller, Keaton seems to also fall prey to this at first.

Given how entertaining Keaton’s other scenes are, though, this may not be a major issue for most fans.

A new addition to this franchise is Sasha Calle’s Kara Zor-El, a.k.a. Supergirl.

Sasha gives a competent enough performance as the character. She also acts as a replacement for Henry Cavill’s Superman.

Still, Sasha’s lack of screen time limits what her version of Supergirl could have accomplished.

This film's main antagonists do not have much bearing on the narrative.

Michael Shannon reprises his role as General Zod from Man of Steel (2013), yet lacks much presence.

The Flash’s other antagonist would be a spoiler, even though there isn’t much to spoil.

This antagonist’s appearance is too sporadic and limited for viewers to get invested.

Also, the film’s inconsistent visual effects don’t do this character many favors either.

Yet another familiar return is Ben Affleck’s Batman. He's featured during the film’s opening action sequence.

As a whole, DCEU fans should appreciate Ben’s appearance. This is despite his limited screen time in a sequence that includes shoddy visuals.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, The Flash does present some good concepts. Despite this, its execution of them needs refinement.

Take the very inconsistent, sometimes laughable CGI. This is distracting, to say the least.

The Flash’s visuals can be above average at times, though, such as when the film highlights Keaton’s Batman.

As stated, Keaton is the film's most competent actor. He also provides the most entertainment.

Danny Elfman’s returning score is also welcome, adding fun to the proceedings.

Where the film’s characters can falter is with the two Barry Allens’ “comedic” interactions. This film's antagonists also lack presence.

The Flash's antagonists don't hit their stride either. As an example, Michael Shannon’s Zod is a talking head that fights on occasion.

As mentioned with the other antagonist, the appearances are far too brief. This is alongside a questionable character design.

Ezra Miller’s dialogue as Barry in this film is insufferable at times.

This film's multiverse plot and Keaton's Batman should've been the primary focus.

As with Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, the actress shows promise. Despite some promise, her lack of screen time limits her character's potential.

As a whole, her appearance was welcome, yet it should have had more of a purpose.

Ben Affleck’s brief return appearance as Batman is also quite limited.

His one purpose was to appear in an action sequence, disappearing from the rest of the film after that.

Affleck's return may have pleased some fans. Despite this, others may feel disappointed that Affleck wasn’t given more time to shine.

The Flash’s action sequences are competent at times. Its most entertaining sequences involve Keaton’s Batman.

From the use of gadgets to the imposing Batwing, these sequences are the most fun that this film offers.

The Flash's visuals are inconsistent, providing above-average effects for multiverse sequences.

Other sequences, though, fail because of the film’s consecutive reshoots.

For a display of the inconsistent visuals, look no further than the opening and final sequences of the film.

Certain cameo appearances from other characters are also meaningless. They provide little more than cheap fan service.

If these appearances weren't in the film, the final result would be no different.

As a whole, The Flash can provide entertainment. These are scenes with Keaton’s Batman and some vibrant multiverse visuals. Still, its visual style needed major finishing touches.

As a whole, The Flash is a cluttered, if on occasion, entertaining experience.

If DCEU fans can look past its flaws, though, it's a slight recommendation.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 5.5/10

Action - 6.5/10

CGI and visuals - 5/10

Soundtrack - 6.5/10

Overall score: 5.9 out of 10