Review of The Flash (2023) by Jones76 — 17 Jun 2023

After so many terrible superhero movies I'm probably rating a decent one to high. But at the very least I had genuine fun watching the Flash, a childlike grin on my face and I wasn't dying inside like in Guardians 3 or the abysmal Thor Love & Thunder. So take this review with a grain of salt.

What works for me? First and foremost the Batmans. I always like Ben Affleck in the role and he rocks Batman again. Michael Keaton is a scene stealer, it is so good seeing him in this iconic role again, to a big part he carries the movie. Sasha Calle is a surpringly good supergirl. She doesn't get the screentime she deserves, but it is easy to see, why she was cast. Most of the effects are good, once again especially everything centered around Batman. The soundtrack is pretty iconic, I liked it a lot. And I loved all the chameos, some of them are really nuts, never thought I will ever see Nic Cage playing Superman, or George Clooney as Bruce Wayne again. And finally, the movie works in blending over the top action with some heavier, emotional moments. What doesn't work? Unfortunately Ezra Miller as the Flash. He is a very limited actor, kind of a one trick pony, he only can do weird and he does the exact same weird as in e.g. the Phantastic Beasts franchise. He has some really good scenes with proper acting, but most of the time you kinda wish for Grant Gustin to take over. In addition, all people around him are very weird too, there is not a decent human being in sight. Some of the effects are terribly bad, especially the showdown. It is not PS3 level of graphics, as some are saying, but it is simply too much. And finally, the story is paper thin and very straightforward, if you are looking for something to sink your teeth in, better bring snacks.

All in all, it is not a masterpiece, but it surely is on of the best post Inifity War superhero movie out there.