I had been so looking forward to seeing ‘The Flash’ ever since it was confirmed that Michael Keaton would be returning as the legendary Batman from the 1990’s.
Before I begin, I must point out that I thoroughly enjoyed Ezra Miller’s take on the older and younger Barry, despite all the bad publicity associated with him. Due to movie politics, I think the film was always doomed to fail thanks to new DC supremo James Gunn.
James Gunn, who has done wonderful work with Guardians of the Galaxy I feel has been the architect of ‘The Flash’ film’s downfall.
Like every person who takes over a large franchise, they want to make their own stamp of authority. With the film having spent millions, they were not in a position to cancel ‘The Flash’ when Gunn took charge. I feel that he (Gunn) knew by keeping Ezra on, it was never going to bring in huge box office takings. Gunn even had the audacity to say that ‘The Flash’ was one of the best superhero films ever made, knowing full well that by raising the stakes, fans were going to end up disappointed post film, I know that I certainly was.
Before Gunn took over DC along with Peter Safran. It was alleged that Michael Keaton was to take over as the old but new Batman, leading the Justice League into a new era. Gunn, I felt clearly did not want this. He axed the movie Batgirl starring Keaton, he is also alleged to have Keaton’s cameo removed from Aquaman 2 and his final appearance at the end of ‘The Flash’. Please note that everything I have said about Gunn is just pure speculation that I have read on social media.
The film admittedly was incredibly silly in parts, reminiscent of Superman 3 when they tried to make it funnier. The CGI was awful, but it was lovely to see the cameos, although I do wish they would use DeepFake technology, CGI just doesn’t cut it anymore. The film’s plot line of time travel and multiverses was very confusing. Yes, I can fully understand that by changing the past it would change the future, but why would it change the superheroes? I’m sure that this was explained in the film.
I know I haven’t spoken much about the film’s story line, but the truth is that it was all about Barry wanting to save his mum. Everything else including Zod were just sideline objects. Michael Shannon in ‘The Man of Steel’ had a huge presence, but in ‘The Flash’ he was just there to fill the space, he just didn’t feel real. Also, without trying to say too much, I really wished that the cameos were more involved. It really could have been something so very special.
I am giving the film 6.5 out of 10, this is largely due to Ezra Miller and Keaton’s performance, yes I admit I am biased where Keaton is concerned, after all he’ll always be my Batman!
6.5/10