The Flash (2023) Review

SPOILERS AHEAD! 

 Barry travels back in time to prevent his mother's death, which brings unintended consequences.

Director Andrés Muschietti delivers a briskly paced, enjoyable superhero film. One of the standout aspects of The Flash (2023) is its ability to generate genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Christina Hodson's screenplay provides a refreshing balance to the tired action sequences. The comedic chemistry between the characters, particularly the titular hero played by Ezra Miller, is a joy to watch. Even if Hodson’s Back to the Future shenanigans ‘What if…’ the movie had been completed with Eric Stoltz instead of Michael J Fox is a little repetitive and too on the nose.

Michael Keaton steals the show in his return as Batman. His portrayal of the iconic character brings a sense of nostalgia and gravitas to the film, and his inclusion is a true delight for fans. Additionally, Miller's dual performance as both Barry Allen and his alternate universe counterpart showcases his versatility as an actor and adds depth to the story. Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl is memorable, although she doesn't get a lot to do. Michael Shannon returns menacingly as General Zod, and Ben Affleck, along with Gal Gadot (with limited screen time), offer welcomed appearances.

The special effects are a mixed bag, and it's hard to tell what falls short and what is stylized. Nevertheless, Benjamin Wallfisch's score is fitting and includes many themes from other films, as well as callbacks to Danny Elfman's work in keeping with Keaton's inclusion. John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, and Joby Harold's story seems to lazily draw inspiration from the Lost in Space (1998) storyline, exploring parallel universes, time travel, and the consequences of altering the timeline, so some may be unsurprised by the plot reveal.

While the fan service nod to the rich history of the DC universe with the inclusion of George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Helen Slater, Adam West, and Nicolas Cage as their iconic characters is fantastic, they do little to impact the overall story. However, they provide a wonderful treat for DC fans. These appearances offer a sense of nostalgia and pay homage to the actors who have portrayed these beloved characters in the past. There are fun cameos from Jason Momoa and George Clooney, along with an array of sub-characters from other films, including archival recordings of other characters.

Overall, it balances humor, action, and nostalgia with a heartfelt storyline and solid performances. Despite superhero fatigue, The Flash (2023) is a must-watch for fans of the DC superhero genre.