scottwilliamfoley.com

(No spoilers; I’m not a monster.)

The wait is finally over–I saw The Flash last night.

We need to start with two very simple facts: First, I am a DC apologist; I love DC unabashedly and am somewhat incapable of remaining objective with these characters. Secondly, the Flash has always been my second favorite super hero behind, of course, Batman.

Overall, The Flash proved an engaging, fun experience. At times it was laugh out loud funny, and at other times it was deeply moving, but throughout it was action-packed, quickly paced, and focused on a (mostly) comprehensible plot.

As you likely know, The Flash features Ezra Miller playing Barry Allen, a holdover from Zack Snyder’s Justice League DCEU era. Despite Miller’s personal issues in real life, their depiction of Barry Allen has become even more charming. Miller’s Allen is relatable, quirky, hilarious, conflicted, and–most importantly–a fully realized hero. The Flash from earlier movies didn’t have the confidence or ability of today’s Flash, and it’s very cool to see him at his peak. Again, while I don’t condone Miller’s poor choices in their personal life, their Flash is an absolute joy.

Speaking of which, can we talk about that Flash costume? When I first saw it, I hated it. The head looked a little weird to me and it seemed way too tight. Seeing it in action within the context of the film completely changed my mind. It’s a beautiful piece of work and mesmerizes while in motion.

As you know from the previews, Ben Affleck’s Batman is also in The Flash, and he’s wearing the classic blue and grey! (Yes!!!) If this is indeed Ben Affleck’s last appearance as Batman, he’s going out on a very high note. His action scene is incredible, and I adore the partnership Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen have developed by this film. I’ve always supported Ben Affleck as Batman and would have happily enjoyed many more films with him playing the legendary character.

Speaking of Batman [cue the Danny Elfman theme], you know from the trailers that Michael Keaton is also back as Batman. As a lifelong bat-fan, 1989 proved a seminal moment in my life. I’d never seen anything like Tim Burton’s Batman and it has influenced me to this very day. Seeing Keaton in that suit again overjoyed me, especially because his Batman is now even smarter and better at tactics after decades of cleaning up Gotham City. Furthermore, they finally allowed Keaton’s Batman to kick all kinds of ass. Could a man Keaton’s age really move like that? Who cares, it’s Batman! Remember that backhanded punch Batman landed on the thug without even facing him in the 1989 movie? That’s nothing compared to what Keaton does in this film. Repeatedly.

Sasha Calle plays Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, in The Flash. Her depiction of the character may come as a surprise to you if you watched earlier Supergirl movies or the TV show, but it’s in total keeping with a very popular comic book storyline. I won’t go any further than that, but this version of Supergirl made total sense to the plot. I’m hoping to see more of Calle and her take on Kara Zor-El. I don’t think they even scratched the surface of her potential.

Let’s discuss the plot. As you know, Barry Allen is constantly struggling with the death of his mother and his father’s incarceration in connection to that tragedy. Barry decides to do something about it, despite Bruce Wayne’s warning. As you’ve seen from the previews, his tampering with time radically changes everything, which results in our version of Barry Allen meeting this other reality’s version. Events ensue that, for the most part, make sense and can be easily digested. However, if you haven’t seen the Zack Snyder movies, you may be a little lost. Man Of Steel is especially important to The Flash’s storyline.

Consequently, that could be substantial barrier for the audience while watching The Flash. While I personally loved all of the callbacks, gags, and easter eggs, I’m not sure a casual fan would totally understand them. I won’t ruin any of the references, but this film expects you to be fairly well-versed in the previous DC movie history. Like … all of it.

I’d also like to address the director, Andy Muschietti. Muschietti seems to truly understand what makes a movie like this work. The Flash is funny, to be sure, but it’s also deadly serious at times and, like I said, even heartbreaking at others. Stories about heroes losing a parent is beyond cliché at this point, yet the scenes between Barry and his mother, Nora, will absolutely touch you. That’s in part because Ezra Miller is frankly fantastic, but it’s also because of very deliberate choices by Muschietti. Yes, the script called for it, but the way Muschietti directed it–the way those scenes unfold, the angles, the close-ups, the subtleties. It’s impressive particularly when taking into account the accompanying bonkers, over-the-top action in the movie. Muschietti seems to be able to do it all while staying true to the core of what makes these characters so charismatic to begin with.

Obviously, I highly recommend The Flash. It beautifully wove nostalgia into a storyline that very much pushes the DCEU forward. And, even more so, it’s flat-out good. It’s a good movie. Not just a good super hero movie–a good movie. Let me know what you think!