IR Film Review: THE FLASH [Warner Bros]
The motion to screen for a property is always an interesting transgression but also has to do with evolution and context. "The Flash" is a mult-tiered beast, at once both nostalgic, moving and thrilling and yet with other points that are derivative and self-serving. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses and the movie succeeds more than it doesn't. The context works because Barry's essence of redemption is that he is sort of listless and always searching for something. That balance is what serves him well in his eventual run in with Keaton's Batman. The set up at the beginning is necessary to build how Flash sees himself as the garbageman of the Justice League while still being undeniably innocent in certain ways. The problem is that certain contexts of Ezra Miller's off-screen life have impacted certain readings of the film. An almost slapstick sequence of a hospital collapse is done quite well with a sense of mischievousness and without real world context would have played much better.
Andy Muschietti as a director knows how to make this material and you see his love for it. There are parts of this movie in its nostalgia and subtlety that rival parts of his original "IT" but not "IT Part II" (which didn't work as well). The aspect is inherent but also problematic in the structure but it is the way this film needs to move. On 2nd viewing (even with slight changes -- NOTE: this reviewer had seen the first but unreviewable cut at CinemCon in April), the movie runs crisper because one is not looking so much for the easter eggs and cracks. There are some slight editing differences especially in the last act but not overwhelming pne. The best parts still reflect in a certain sacrifice and realization. In this way, Keaton as Batman (when he is not wearing the suit) actually brings a sense of gravitas, regret and intelligence that perhaps was there in a different form than 1992 but is so much more powerful in a way now (though repeating certain lines from his original films borderson overkill). It would be great to see more but this is inherently a very unique structure for this movie.
Sasha Calle as Kara is great in so many ways because she encapsulates a certain rage at times that is different than Kal-El in her actual form. We see the decision making process but also what can happen when you push Kryptonians in a corner (as we did in a much more world-shattering way at the end of "Man Of Steel"). Muchietti shows this perspective and this creates some of the best moments in the film when she has a realization because of Allen's intent and sacrifice that make her re-evaluate her own point of view. All that said, Miller does pull off an interesting duality, not because of sacrifices but the sheer exercise of what he is doing. Some of the filler with his family, roommates and banter are a little excessive but it is meant to show self-awareness which ultimately is what the film is about. The final act, especially in relation to the multi-verse is cool but in terms of the perception, it is almost, in certain ways, too close to "Interstellar" with only a fraction of the existential angst (though as a nostalgia and perspective piece, it is still pretty cool). It also allows for a certain reset of angle which was adjusted as early as January of this year. "The Flash" is not one of the greatest superhero movie ever made (as some have claimed early on). However it is a sign when you put a good director in with an authentic love of the material, you will always get something interesting. B+
By Tim Wassberg
