In the Detective Comics (DC) universe we have now seen the origins of the many characters that exist, like Wonder Women, Batman, Aquaman, and now Flash. Throughout these films the heroes have won over our hearts and have established their persona on the motion picture screen. With the joining of Batman / Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) with Superman as friends, and including Wonder Women, Aquaman, and Flash, the unique group of heroes can work together to protect the planet from its villains, forming a union called the Justice League. Now that this alliance has been established the world now has its protectors that can help them defend against any obstacles that they may face going forward, or do they?
Now we have a chance to get a deep look at one of these individuals and find out why he even wants to be a superhero. What brought him to this point in his life and what he wants to do going forward? Flash / Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) has a deep pain that haunts his life. With his dad, Henry Allen (Ron Livingston), in prison for the murder of his mother, Nora Allen (Maribel Verdu), Barry must try and clear him of any wrong doing before his court date. After years of knowing his father is innocent and trying to find information that will prove this, he finally has come to the conclusion, the evidence he has is not clear enough to save him.
Discovering that he has the ability to go back in time to change things from the past, Barry decides to save his mother to restore his family. In the past he meets his younger self (Freshman College Self) and has to convince him to help solve the problems that lead up to his mother’s death. Here is where he meets the protectors of this timeline, retired and much older Batman / Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), and Superman’s Cousin Kara Zor-El / Super Girl (Sasha Calle). Now they must face the wrath of General Zod (Michael Shannon) and his soldiers, while they attempt to attack the world without its famous protector.
With an excellent storyline, director Andy Muschietti, goes even further to establish a great narrative that brings us into a domain that makes Barry Allen feel like he is in a bizarre realm. Andy also built up the fantastic computer generated imagery (CGI) and wonderful special effects that establish the events to come in this different version of earth and helps develop the outcome that unfolds. Along with the spectacular performance by the cast, this film dives into a world that can easily lose the viewer, but explains the tale very smoothly to the audience.
I especially loved the emotion between Maribel Verdu (Nora Allen) and Ezra Miller (Older Barry Allen / Flash) as they expressed true love between parent and child that was spectacular and felt so real. They were able to show the pain that Barry felt from losing his mother and now being able to once again see her brought out so many emotions. Also the concern that Nora showed toward Barry was so real it was as if this mother knew the pain he endured and wanted to help him be able to move forward.
This two and a half hour event was very detailed and informative about the life of this special character. The emotions and feelings that we learned about his life and the presentation of this performance at the theater were well worth it. All in all this was a fabulous experience and a brilliant night of entertainment for the evening.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the outstanding storyline, the remarkable special effects, and the magnificent performance.
Stars 4.5 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller, Ron Livingston, Michael Shannon, and Michael Keaton.
Directed by: Andy Muschietti
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity.
Running Time: 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
