The Flash

14. Juni 2023, PG-12, 2 h 24 min

SPOILER-FREE
The Flash was my first comic superhero … and only because the comic books featuring him, Green Arrow and Wonderwoman were so difficult to get in my hometown, I switched with a heavy heart to Superman, then Batman… Naturally, I was thrilled when the stories with and around Barry Allen had their DC TV series and I welcomed the Flash appearance in Justice League; for me the best thing about the film (besides the Aquaman introduction) in every version.

And now finally, the movie I had been looking forward to – the content:
Barry Allen was struck by a bolt of lightning and gained an extraordinary power: The Speed Force. When he uses this power to run back in time and save his mother, he creates huge chaos, a parallel world without super heroes – and it’s up to him and a retired crime fighter in a bat costume to save the future.

Luckily, pretty much all my expectations were absolutely met and partly even exceeded – but there were also a few small less successful issues (CGI in some scenes). However, all in all, DC finally has another successful film adaptation of classic comic tropes, because the 2.5 hours don’t get boring and even offer some philosophical depth. And several scenes are visually stunning – the Flash Speedforce, the classic super slow motion fun … In addition, this is one of the more successful multiverse movies. Those alternative worlds are a lot of fun: Michael Keaton as Batman once again – this alone should be worth the ticket!

However, before watching, you should be familiar with various Flash, Superman and Batman screen adaptations and projects that were not actually filmed… only then you can fully enjoy the various Easter Eggs. (Guess that was the reason why it was only me laughing about those cameos in the movie theater).

Conclusion: Not perfect, but extremely well-done entertainment. AND: stay until the very, very end!!

Director
Andy Muschietti
Script
Christina Hodson, Joby Harold

Cast
Ezra Miller – Barry Allen / The Flash
Ben Affleck – Batman
Sasha Calle – Supergirl
Michael Keaton – Batman
Michael Shannon – General Zod
Ron Livingston – Henry Allen
Maribel Verdú – Nora Allen
Kiersey Clemons – Iris West
etc