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Description

So after years of production hell, delaying & much drama, The Flash has finally been released and… It’s a Green Lantern level of commercial failure! The movie just came out and its weak first weekend was enough for everyone to call it a flop, and given that the reactions are mixed at best after questionable claims it’s one of the best CBMs ever made. But now I saw the movie and I think it’s worth discussing, because like it or not, it’s a one of the kind CBM that is bound to be remembered for various reasons.
There will be minor spoilers, you’ve been warned!
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Context

The Flash’ solo movie was actually greenlit almost a decade ago, right after the CW show took everyone by storm and Grant Gustin quickly stole fans’ hearts with his portrayal of Barry Allen. So when Ezra Miller was cast as Snyder’s version of the Flash, a lot of eyebrows were raised, and very few people were convinced by this iteration of the character after Josstice League (and the Snyder Cut didn’t help much either).
But a solo film for Miller’s Flash was still on the table, and by the time most DCEU solo flicks made their way to movie theaters while the CW show became unwatchable, the project couldn’t find its footing. Nobody could decide what the story would be, with numerous reports suggesting the initial idea was for The Flash to face the Rogues, but a Flashpoint adaptation idea was also on the studios’ mind. Numerous directors would agree to helm the project, only to leave it due to creative differences. Another thing that held the production back because Miller was also busy with the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
The movie only started to take shape when It director Andy Muschietti took over the project, it was another instance of Warner Bros wanting to change its approach to the DC extended universe, again. So the movie Muschietti was making was supposed to act as a soft reboot for the cinematic universe, part ways with a few actors and with the Snyderverse altogether.
Things did start looking pretty good for the movie, until 2 things happened: The merger with Discovery which led to another direction change for the DC brand, and Ezra Miller’s controversial behavior & actions which only further alienated fans from the already unpopular version of the Scarlet Speedster.
So in order to save the movie from bombing, it was decided for the marketing campaign to focus on Michael Keaton’s Batman and hype the movie up as the greatest CBM ever made… that didn’t help.
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My overall opinion

I liked the movie! No joking! It has flaws, I won’t deny it, but I don’t share the criticism most people voice about it. While a more faithful Flashpoint adaptation may have been welcomed, I don’t think it was needed, it’s already an overrated and overused event, and the DCEU just didn’t have the proper worldbuilding to do it justice. The obvious flaw to me, is the fact that it’s a barely a Flash movie, the character’s comic book supporting cast doesn't have much of a presence in the movie, there’s not a single Flash villain in the movie, it’s retelling the events of Man of Steel and it’s biggest selling point is that it features more than one Batman! That’s just outrageous when you think about it. It can also be difficult to sympathize with Barry's character journey knowing about the controversy around the lead actor… and obviously the visuals aren’t great, which is a shame. The cameos in the third act aren’t as terrible as people on Twitter claim, but a better CGI would really help, so fingers crossed for a 4 hour director cut with better visuals… or maybe not.
As for what I liked about it, well, first of all, the way it actually connected to the established DCEU lore compared to the previous films. Since the movie retells the events of Man of Steel it mentions that Barry was actually in Metropolis during the Black Zero event, trying to save some lives, but only managed to save one kid. It’s the kind of in-universe consistency that completely absent in Birds of Prey, The Suicide Squad and even Aquaman.
Now it’s finally time to address the elephant in the room, but Ezra really carried the whole film with their performance. The actor had a dual role as 2 different versions of Barry Allen and nailed it. Although I agree that the younger version of Barry is unbelievably childish & annoying. But there is no doubt that they are a talented actor, who’s sadly really out of their mind.
And as funny as it may sound, the best part about this movie is the Batman aspect. Muschietti really showed his love & appreciation for the Dark Knight, specifically Michael Keaton’s version. He gets to play a familiar, yet more lighthearted Bruce Wayne, which is really a refreshing take on a long retired Batman, surely he’s alone, clearly obsessed with his heroic past, but it’s not Frank Miller’s cynical writing. Can you believe that we finally got a Batman who can be funny in a live action movie?
-------------------------------------------------------------
What’s next?

Given the movie’s low opening, chances are it won’t turn a profit. A direct sequel was envisaged, but it will definitely be scrapped, Miller is definitely out of the role, and it would really be best for the DCU’s Flash to be Wally, but it will probably be a while before we see another Flash movie.
Andy Muschietti is reportedly helming The Brave & The Bold which is basically DC Studio’s Batman and Robin movie, but I wonder if he’ll actually remain in the director’s chair after this movie’s disappointing box office.
While the original plan was for Michael Keaton’s Batman to replace Batfleck, it’s clearly not happening, with each of his other DCEU appearances being scrapped, which I think only enhances his return in this movie, as in, after all these years, he returned to get nuts one last time.
Sasha Calle is reportedly in talks with Gunn & Safran to potentially remain in the role of Supergirl in the DCU, which would be welcomed given that she did not have much to do in the role, and her take on Kara Zor-El here was better than Melissa Benoist’s, but I’m not sure it will ultimately happen, but her and Leslie Grace (the Batgirl we didn’t get to see) really deserve a second chance.
But in the end, yeah, The Flash is a mess! But it has redeeming qualities that are unfortunately bound to be overlooked because of the film’s troubled production history, controversial star and visual decisions.

Description

So after years of production hell, delaying & much drama, The Flash has finally been released and… It’s a Green Lantern level of commercial failure! The movie just came out and its weak first weekend was enough for everyone to call it a flop, and given that the reactions are mixed at best after questionable claims it’s one of the best CBMs ever made. But now I saw the movie and I think it’s worth discussing, because like it or not, it’s a one of the kind CBM that is bound to be remembered for various reasons.
There will be minor spoilers, you’ve been warned!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Context

The Flash’ solo movie was actually greenlit almost a decade ago, right after the CW show took everyone by storm and Grant Gustin quickly stole fans’ hearts with his portrayal of Barry Allen. So when Ezra Miller was cast as Snyder’s version of the Flash, a lot of eyebrows were raised, and very few people were convinced by this iteration of the character after Josstice League (and the Snyder Cut didn’t help much either).
But a solo film for Miller’s Flash was still on the table, and by the time most DCEU solo flicks made their way to movie theaters while the CW show became unwatchable, the project couldn’t find its footing. Nobody could decide what the story would be, with numerous reports suggesting the initial idea was for The Flash to face the Rogues, but a Flashpoint adaptation idea was also on the studios’ mind. Numerous directors would agree to helm the project, only to leave it due to creative differences. Another thing that held the production back because Miller was also busy with the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
The movie only started to take shape when It director Andy Muschietti took over the project, it was another instance of Warner Bros wanting to change its approach to the DC extended universe, again. So the movie Muschietti was making was supposed to act as a soft reboot for the cinematic universe, part ways with a few actors and with the Snyderverse altogether.
Things did start looking pretty good for the movie, until 2 things happened: The merger with Discovery which led to another direction change for the DC brand, and Ezra Miller’s controversial behavior & actions which only further alienated fans from the already unpopular version of the Scarlet Speedster.
So in order to save the movie from bombing, it was decided for the marketing campaign to focus on Michael Keaton’s Batman and hype the movie up as the greatest CBM ever made… that didn’t help.
-------------------------------------------------------------
My overall opinion

I liked the movie! No joking! It has flaws, I won’t deny it, but I don’t share the criticism most people voice about it. While a more faithful Flashpoint adaptation may have been welcomed, I don’t think it was needed, it’s already an overrated and overused event, and the DCEU just didn’t have the proper worldbuilding to do it justice. The obvious flaw to me, is the fact that it’s a barely a Flash movie, the character’s comic book supporting cast doesn't have much of a presence in the movie, there’s not a single Flash villain in the movie, it’s retelling the events of Man of Steel and it’s biggest selling point is that it features more than one Batman! That’s just outrageous when you think about it. It can also be difficult to sympathize with Barry's character journey knowing about the controversy around the lead actor… and obviously the visuals aren’t great, which is a shame. The cameos in the third act aren’t as terrible as people on Twitter claim, but a better CGI would really help, so fingers crossed for a 4 hour director cut with better visuals… or maybe not.
As for what I liked about it, well, first of all, the way it actually connected to the established DCEU lore compared to the previous films. Since the movie retells the events of Man of Steel it mentions that Barry was actually in Metropolis during the Black Zero event, trying to save some lives, but only managed to save one kid. It’s the kind of in-universe consistency that completely absent in Birds of Prey, The Suicide Squad and even Aquaman.
Now it’s finally time to address the elephant in the room, but Ezra really carried the whole film with their performance. The actor had a dual role as 2 different versions of Barry Allen and nailed it. Although I agree that the younger version of Barry is unbelievably childish & annoying. But there is no doubt that they are a talented actor, who’s sadly really out of their mind.
And as funny as it may sound, the best part about this movie is the Batman aspect. Muschietti really showed his love & appreciation for the Dark Knight, specifically Michael Keaton’s version. He gets to play a familiar, yet more lighthearted Bruce Wayne, which is really a refreshing take on a long retired Batman, surely he’s alone, clearly obsessed with his heroic past, but it’s not Frank Miller’s cynical writing. Can you believe that we finally got a Batman who can be funny in a live action movie?
-------------------------------------------------------------
What’s next?

Given the movie’s low opening, chances are it won’t turn a profit. A direct sequel was envisaged, but it will definitely be scrapped, Miller is definitely out of the role, and it would really be best for the DCU’s Flash to be Wally, but it will probably be a while before we see another Flash movie.
Andy Muschietti is reportedly helming The Brave & The Bold which is basically DC Studio’s Batman and Robin movie, but I wonder if he’ll actually remain in the director’s chair after this movie’s disappointing box office.
While the original plan was for Michael Keaton’s Batman to replace Batfleck, it’s clearly not happening, with each of his other DCEU appearances being scrapped, which I think only enhances his return in this movie, as in, after all these years, he returned to get nuts one last time.
Sasha Calle is reportedly in talks with Gunn & Safran to potentially remain in the role of Supergirl in the DCU, which would be welcomed given that she did not have much to do in the role, and her take on Kara Zor-El here was better than Melissa Benoist’s, but I’m not sure it will ultimately happen, but her and Leslie Grace (the Batgirl we didn’t get to see) really deserve a second chance.
But in the end, yeah, The Flash is a mess! But it has redeeming qualities that are unfortunately bound to be overlooked because of the film’s troubled production history, controversial star and visual decisions.