The Flash
Two Flashs, two Batmen and one Supergirl what else can you
ask for. The movie is a bit convoluted, but it is lots of fun. For all his
emotional and legal issues Ezra Miller gives a strong performance. He has great
comedic timing and the audience laughed aloud. A running gag because of his
super metabolism he has to consume food anyway he can get it.
The Flash lacks the square jaw righteousness of Superman or
the moodiness of Batman. The Flash is vulnerable; ironically he has a problem
with being on time and is awkward around women. Uncharacteristically for a hero
he is sometimes uncertain.
The story deals with alternate time lines/ alternate realities.
The base story is Barry Allen (the Flash) trying to prove his father’s innocence
in the murder of his mother. This quest takes him to another reality and this is
when things get complicated. The Flash is assisted by other super heroes, Batman and Supergirl. There are two Batmen,
Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, one does more than the other. Supergirl is
introduced to the pantheon of super heroes. Her performance is more in line
with what super heroes do, they battle. She is dynamic and her story is a subplot of the film . She fights General Zod,
a villain from a prior Superman movie. In an alternate reality it does not matter
if you died in another movie.
The film has lots of Easter eggs. Many pay homage to past heroes
living and deceased. A level of geekiness may be necessary to ID them. Some heroes
only us old folk will recognize (hint black and white). There are also fun cameos.
The film has been anticipated for a long time generating lots of buzz. Rotten Tomato gave
the film a modest 68%. I think this movie is critic proof and audiences will
not be deterred. The box office is more challenging. The production cost is
$200-$220m, which does not include advertising which normally is about 50%. With out a profit a sequel is questionable.
As for Ezra Miller, he needs all his
super powers to remain as the Flash.
p.s.- Stay after the credits run.
