I watched The Flash and I liked it. 3/5
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The Flash, the long-awaited solo film centered around Ezra Miller‘s speedster superhero, finally arrived in theaters in 2023. Unfortunately, while the film boasts dazzling visuals and a handful of exciting action sequences, it ultimately stumbles under the weight of a convoluted plot, problematic character choices, and a general lack of emotional depth.
The film’s strengths lie primarily in its technical aspects. The visual effects are truly impressive, particularly those showcasing Barry Allen’s super speed. The action sequences, while not particularly innovative, are thrilling and visually captivating. The film’s score, composed by Michael Giacchino, is energetic and well-suited to the superhero genre.
However, the film’s visual spectacle often feels like a facade, masking a narrative that lacks depth and coherence. The plot, which involves time travel and alternate timelines, is overly complex and convoluted, making it difficult to follow at times. The film’s reliance on exposition dumps and clunky dialogue further hinders the narrative flow.
The character development in The Flash is uneven, with some characters being well-developed and others falling flat. Ezra Miller’s portrayal of Barry Allen is energetic and charismatic, but the character’s decision-making throughout the film is often questionable and irresponsible, making it difficult to fully connect with him.
The film’s attempt to address the ongoing legal controversies surrounding Ezra Miller feels fumbled and superficial. While the film acknowledges Barry’s reckless behavior, it ultimately fails to provide any meaningful consequences or character growth. This lack of accountability leaves a sour taste in the mouth, particularly for viewers aware of the actor’s real-life actions.
Despite the film’s high-stakes plot and emotional beats, it struggles to evoke genuine feelings in the audience. The dialogue often feels forced and unnatural, and the relationships between characters lack depth and authenticity. The film attempts to tug at the heartstrings with a number of emotional moments, but these fall flat due to a lack of genuine connection with the characters.
The Flash had the potential to be a groundbreaking film, exploring the complexities of time travel and the multiverse while delving into the emotional core of its characters. However, the film ultimately squanders these opportunities, prioritizing spectacle over substance. The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot twists leaves it feeling unoriginal and derivative.
The Flash is a visually stunning film with a few exciting action sequences. However, its convoluted plot, problematic character choices, and lack of emotional depth ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film feels like a missed opportunity, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than exhilaration. Any good will generated by the film is undone by a nonsensical joke thrown in at the end.