Worlds collide in the most ambitious and exciting movie that DC comics has put together. Bringing together favourites from the past in characters like Michael Keaton’s Batman from 1989 and forging them with new ones like Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, The Flash does something that 5 movies from another studio failed to do, explain the Multiverse clearly so it makes sense and allows for anyone without a knowledge of the comic books to follow this story. An extraordinary performance from Ezra Miller helps this as two versions of Barry Allen and Keaton and Calle make Batman and Supergirl their own which make this feel like a true multiverse of madness.
Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) aka The Flash is living in Central City and attempting to find his way into fitting into the Justice League post the previous film’s events. Barry’s father Henry (Ron Livingston) is currently in prison for murdering Barry’s mum Nora Allen (Maribel Verdu) Barry is not convinced that this happened and is working in forensics to reexamine the evidence to clear his father’s name. Barry is aided by Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) to help him, when Barry steps into the Speed Force and realises he can run back in time and alter the events surrounding the day his Mum died to save her possibly.
A bunch of events leave Barry stranded in an alternate universe with a younger and more immature version of himself. Together they must track down this world’s Batman (Keaton) and Supergirl (Calle) to help stop General Zod (Michael Shannon) from invading Earth and using his world engine to bring Krypton back to Earth and destroy Supergirl.
It’s no secret that this movie has been gestating for a very long time, 10 years exactly, so finally seeing it come to the big screen feels quite surreal. From the second the Warner Bros and DC logos run through a historical montage, the action immediately showcases the unique special effects used for The Flash to run and save a literal baby shower. It’s in these moments that we get a great sense of Andy Muschetti’s direction for this film. Coming out of previous projects like Mama and the IT movies, seeing a playful and joyful side that suits this character and universe perfectly.
Keaton’s highly advertised return to Batman doesn’t disappoint as he steps confidently back into the role of the billionaire vigilante. The movie doesn’t overuse him and the introduction of the Danny Elfman score every time there is a hint of Bat action soars through the cinema.
Visually this film is bold. It steps out of the superhero norm and takes a few swings that will jar audiences and fans. The CGI effects are not perfect by any means, there are two scenes in particular with falling babies that look for obvious reasons they had to go with effects and when you have to slow time down and have Flash move through them, yeah it’s going to look very effects heavy. This doesn’t take away from the importance of that scene or the incredible action piece that surrounds it. The second is anytime spent in the Speed Force, a place in between worlds and dimensions that looks like sand constructions. It does take some time to get used to and if you struggle with letting your mind go and just falling into it, you won’t like this. Personally, I thought it was an interesting design choice and for me, it worked.
A scene that shows Barry running from Central City to Gotham at super speed both looks and sounds incredible thanks to composer Benjamin Wallfisch compliments the action scenes with an incredible score with notable tracks “Worlds Collide” and “Run.”
It’s been a long road to get to The Flash solo movie through universe resets, company takeovers and the looming presence of a new studio that will reboot everything again. Fortunately The Flash rises above all of that delivering a true superhero spectacle that is perfect for this years blockbuster season.
The Flash is in cinemas now.
