The Mosley Review: The Flash
Oh how the DCEU has had its ups and many downs. Each character for the most part has taken a turn in the spotlight and now we finally get a solo film for our favorite scarlet speedster and it was as fun and exciting as I hoped it would be. The excellent opening sequence sets the sometimes quirkie and hilarious tone of the film that is very reminiscent of Back to the Future. I was especially surprised by the emotional depth the film carried for not only the titular character, but the supporting characters as well. If you know The Flash's history through comics, animation or the excellent CW series, don't worry. This film follows a familiar plot point, but takes a fresh approach to it. The consistent pacing of this multiversal adventure was great and I loved when it actually slowed down to deliver the thematic elements of choice and living with your past. Not all the characters worked but the ones that do, steal the film and get you excited to see how they react as the story progressed.
Ezra Miller came off more as Wally West humor and personality wise in earlier films but in this film, he finally plants his feet firmly in the role of Barry. Ezra takes Barry on the familiar emotional rollercoaster of his origin story and it was fun to see a fresh take. I loved his balanced amount of humor and heart in many great moments with his father Henry, portrayed by the wonderful Ron Livingston. The chemistry between them really hammered home the motivation and emotional turmoil of Barry's decisions. Ezra does double duty as Barry deals with a younger alternate version of himself and it was a great mirror for him to look into. Their interactions made older Barry more mature and centered. Ben Affleck reprises his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman and I enjoyed the mentor nature of their friendship the most in this film. It carries over from both Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon's versions of the Justice League film so well and it was great to see Ben again. The great Michael Keaton returns as the 1989 Bruce Wayne / Batman and he hasn't skipped a beat. He has evolved the character in a fascinating way and I liked what he became. It answers the question that many have had. What would retired Bruce Wayne / Batman be like? When you finally see him move and fight in his new batsuit, he shines and is as badass as you remember. I couldn't get enough of him and I loved that he acknowledges his mortality in many great scenes. Sasha Calle was fierce, strong and a massive standout as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl. I loved the much darker and violent take on the character as we get to see a more stoic version of the character through her intense eyes. There is so much more to mine out of that character and it is a shame that we will never get to see her interact with Henry Cavill's Superman. Now the one person that stole my heart as the emotional core of the film, Maribel Verdú as Nora Allen. I loved every second we got of her and especially the grocery store scene. It is the emotional peak of the film and both her and Ezra delivered in spades.
The score by Benjamin Wallfisch was good and kept the sense of speed and tension alive during the many action sequences and the emotional core alive in the more tender scenes. It was great to once again hear Danny Elfman’s iconic Batman theme and I loved Benjamin’s use of it. I did have a bit of a problem with the pacing in some scenes. The pacing of the film was great as it moves at a brisk pace as expected, but I would've loved for it to slow down for a few more seconds toward the last 20 minutes of the film. You could almost feel the amount of fat that was trimmed off the film in some scenes. Visually the film was stunning and of course most will comment on the CGI in the film. Some of it was really cartoony in the still shots, but it worked the best while in Barry's speed vision. The cameos all are amazing and one in particular made my heart flutter with joy as I know the late filmmaker Jon Schnepp would've approved and loved as well. This was a quick paced and action packed story that featured an emotional core that shines bright over the impressive visuals. There is a fun end credit scene that conitnues that connectivity that Barry has with the rest DCEU. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
