Warner Bros. and DC Studios have faced a long and challenging road in bringing “THE FLASH” to the big screen. With various director dropouts, multiple production delays, and some shocking headlines about the film’s lead, the film hasn’t had what you would call an easy journey. And yet, here we are. Rather here I am talking about a film that did something not many films have been able to do – it made me cry at the end.

Directed by Andy Muschietti, “THE FLASH” follows Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), as he travels back in time to change the events of the past and this time, they are twice the trouble. However, when that attempt, made with nothing but the best intentions, to save his family inadvertently alters the future, he becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod (Michael Shannon), has returned, threatening world annihilation. With no other superheroes in this new timeline to turn to, Flash/Allen looks to coax a very different than the one he is used to (Ben Affleck) Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton), out of retirement. The new/old Batman has stark reservations over Barry’s idea, despite sharing childhood tragedies. This is all to rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian — albeit not the one he’s looking for.

The Flash manages to balance a lot of elements, including a large cast of characters, with nods to the comic-book storyline, and a bunch of complex multiverse elements. Giving us enough background here and there to remember where we last left off and despite all of the goings on in the background, Muschietti manages to deliver a decent cohesive story that never feels overwhelming or disjointed. Despite the movie’s high-octane action sequences and fast-paced storyline, the emotional aspects are never overlooked. Humour, drama, and heart, are neatly balanced making the audience invested in Barry’s journey and maybe even rooting for him along the way.

Moving on to the cast, Ezra Miller’s performance as Barry Allen/The Flash is quite good. There are moments when you feel “Damn he is so good here right now” but it’s also hard at those exact moments to not experience all his personal real-life problems enter your thoughts as well. Maybe that’s just me, I don’t know. Doing my best to separate the two while watching as Miller breathes new life into this iconic character, giving him with a sense of relatability and vulnerability that makes the character, not the actor, more likeable than one would think. Playing not one but two versions of Barry Allen with distinct personalities and character arcs, Miller delivered completely different performances for each of them. The ability to differentiate and bring unique traits to each side of the characters so that they never felt like the same person, and each added something key to the film. Being tasked with playing an alternate, younger Barry for much of the movie isn’t an easy thing to do, and Miller truly does well at this playing well into his endearing awkwardness and bumbling charm. Despite Miller’s disturbing string of personal scandals, you will find he’s possibly one of the best things about the film – that is – if you can separate the art from the artist.

As for the supporting cast, Michael Keaton’s return as The Batman is undoubtedly a highlight. The actor delivers a darker look at the Batman we all remember as an older Bruce Wayne/Batman, and he’s clearly having a lot of fun with his return as the caped crusader. I think almost anyone who sees this film can agree, when he utters the words “I’m Batman;” there is a chill sent down your spine to be had. Sasha Calle is more than impressive as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, although we don’t spend as much time with the character as one would’ve liked, she is hypnotizing in her portrayal. As well as being a total badass, Calle brings a level of vulnerableness and sensitivity to the character that makes her instantly captivating, and she shares some touching moments with Miller’s Barry Allen character. Oddly, the least compelling character here is Michael Shannon as Zod. As much I as I j’adore Shannon and pretty much everything he has ever done in his career, this felt like a phoned in performance. Almost like he clearly didn’t want to be there and his character arc as the villain was the least impressive thing about this film. Your villain can make or break a movie and he made barely did it adequately here so maybe it’s lucky he isn’t featured as a main character.

So, while Shannon’s performance as the villain doesn’t knock you out, The Flash does do a good job of showcasing Barry’s powers, with action sequences highlighting the powers in creative ways, from dodging bullets and phasing through walls to simply punching bad guys and saving lives. All the while ‘teaching’ the other Barry how to use these same powers offers the films moments of comedy as well. While the action scenes are slightly let down by some messy cheap looking CGI, by 2023 standards at least some of the computer graphics in here look a bit phony and almost cartoon-like at times. Even with all that, there are more than a few sequences in here that might just leave you on the edge of your seat.

With some great action sequences and relentless narrative, The Flash can be a fast-paced, exhilarating ride. However, the film could’ve benefited from slowing down in certain moments to allow the audience to fully appreciate the character development and emotional beats. Certain scenes or plot points fly by too quickly, leaving little time to at moments to connect with the characters or fully grasp the weight of the situation. Had the film taken a bit more time to slow down and explore these moments in greater detail, it could have elevated the depth of the story and made for a more well-rounded and probably for many, a more satisfying watch.

Going back to the CGI briefly as although the film is one of the biggest and most expensive of the year, a lot of the CGI falls short in a very noticeable way. While certain scenes are nicely done with the CGI working alongside the camera to create the visuals, others look like video game cutouts or effects from the early 2000s. It’s a shame that it does fall as short as it detracts from the overall watch and prevents the audience from fully immersing themselves in the story.

It would also be remiss to not mention all the cameos – of which there are so many some just aren’t meant to be spoiled – though that seems to be de rigueur amongst the haters on social media. Even if you hate it, don’t spoil films for others – it’s not a good look. Ever. And while some made me gasp, and some made me smile – however you feel about it all is up to each individual. For me, the reveal at the end of Barry with his mother Nora Allen (Maribel Verdú) was the one that broke me. If you’ve lost your mother – than this too will probably resonate and hit you as well.

Despite a few pacing issues and some of the not so good CGI for a movie of this size, The Flash delivers a decent watch experience that with more heart than expected and balances the humour and action. BUT… it also falls into many time travel, multiverse formulas that can drag the rather predictable story at times. Overall, it’s a mixed bag that was enjoyable enough – if you can separate the art of film from the lead actor of the film.

Stay for the end credits.. and by end..I mean all the way through all of it.

Grade: B-

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“THE FLASH” FROM WARNER BROS PICTURES IS OUT IN THEATERS FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023

Review Screening: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 ~ Courtesy of Warner Bros.