The Flash has Ezra Miller as Barry Allen. Sadly, to this reviewer at least, he was a poor fit as the DC hero. It may well be down to timing. It could be that as I had already accepted the CW’s Allen; Grant Gustin. Gustin, in the time he played Barry Allen, was a likeable and endearing character. Even in the show’s darker days when CW’s multi-verse spilled over into his own.
The problem with Miller
Ezra Miller has always been…twitchy. The first thing I saw him in was We Need to Talk About Kevin. The young actor has some impressive bona fides on-screen. Off screen he has gone off the deep end. With credits under his belt earned by the high calibre of story, Miller delivered over and over. Not so with The Flash.
Again, I hold up my hand and say Mea Culpa here, I preferred the CW version of The Flash. Truth be told, CW gives us a lighter delivery. Most times it was a relief to move away from the very dark Arrow (starring Stephen Amell.) who seemed to be angry more often than not.
This was CW’s own personal Yin and Yang: Amell’s stressed and tense hero versus Grant’s more relaxed DC hero. A good guy who could deliver, with a glint of humour. Gustin’s Allen is someone we root for. Grant’s Flash lacks the very thing Miller is well known for.
Twitchiness.
The studio’s refusal to consider Grant for the big screen The Flash may not impress die hard CW fans of The Flash. Audiences gave Miller’s version 83%. Clearly, the denizens of diehard DC fans, do not care who plays the character.
*I believe that the large positive ranking came from the chance to see Michael Keaton, the first; and in my opinion best, Bruce Wayne/Batman play the hero in Allen’s messed up multi-verse.
DC Verse is a dark one
The DC film verse is a dark opposite to Marvel’s fancy light touch. *Okay, Avengers: Endgame Part One was about as dark as you can get. But doggone it, the film used bright hues of light. The heroes’ flashy uniforms still delivered. Sure there was shock and tears when Thanos snapped his fingers but even then, the scene itself used a different sort of darkness.
DC films, The Flash included, have almost unanimously chosen a dark palette. Each one, from Tim Burton’s Batman to this latest offering could have been shot through a black filter. Never mind that DC characters are all, with the exception below, damaged and, well, dark.
Even when the DC folks made their answer to The Avengers, Justice League started by Snyder and finished by the now embattled Joss Whedon, it was dark. Justice League tried to be Marvel. It bombed hard. Zack Snyder redoing it later on helped but the film was a lost cause.
*I have to say though that DC’s Wonder Woman is as light as any Marvel presentation. Gal Gadot is perfect as the golden rope holder. Her films are varying hues of light and some brilliant costumes.
Superman (spoiler alert)
Michael Shannon, as Zod, relates baby Superman’s fate to Supergirl. This DC creation reached its proverbial bottom. Although I will confess that I liked the Supergirl (Sasha Calle) replacement. Having said that, I adored the cameos of Supermen past, present and Nicholas Cage.
*Christopher Reeve will always be “my” Superman. He brought a depth to the character. I also have to admit to George Reeves as being “my” small screen Superman. Thanks to Saturday mornings in Sacramento, CA for showing the reruns of that show.*
It’s Not bad, but
The Flash with twitchy Miller is not bad. But it ain’t that good either. Perhaps I’m in the wrong demographic? Hollywood lives and dies by the 18 to 25 year group, I may just be too old. Considering I got more of a kick seeing a number of Supermen and Batmen, may mean that I am out of touch.
The Verdict
I will give The Flash a twitchy 3.0. A literal popcorn and fizzy sort of film. Nothing too deep or moving here. They could have easily trimmed 24 to 45 minutes and it could have moved faster. Andy Muschietti tried his directorial best and it shows. But the “Curse of Too Many Writers” (Four in all.) may have also spoiled the recipe. Warner Bros may have a bad taste after the film only made 71 million. Do not expect this studio to do a sequel though, as their star may well be unavailable . Miller’s twitchy moments in real life might mean that a new Barry Allen will be needed.
The Trailer
If you have gone this far without watching this superhero movie, check out the trailer below. The Flash can be watched on Max, Netflix and Prime (rented or purchase.)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.