If you’ve been paying attention to all the online chatter around Warner Bros.’ “The Flash,” you know there have been a lot of changes to the film, and it’s been an evolving movie as the DCEU has tried to evolve and figure itself out in the last two years. Because as you know, “The Flash” started production when the DCEU was in full swing—replete with cameos like Henry Cavill’s Superman—but the film is now under the aegis of James Gunn’s DC Studios, and it’s been reported that Cavill’s cameo was nixed and some of the other connective tissue to the past has been purportedly scrapped. Additionally, “The Flash” was once set up to re-introduce Michael Keaton as the new Batman of the DC Universe—the actor reprising his role from Tim Burton’s version of the character from the late ‘80s—but it now seems he’s just going to be appearing as a one-off in this movie.
Regardless! Now we have many of our answers as “The Flash” premiered at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this evening. While we and all journalists are barred from writing full reviews, social reactions to the film are evidently AOK.
To that end, reactions from the DC superhero film seem largely positive, if not ecstatic, from certain audiences. Most seem to agree it’s a big crowd-pleaser at the very least, and its bevy of supporting characters means it’s a movie that’s more than just the controversial Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash. Most critics and fans seem to agree that Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” is DC’s best film so far— I certainly think that—and the general sentiment is that this ‘Flash’ film is either just as good or the best one since.
Directed by Andy Muschietti, “The Flash” features, besides Miller and Keaton, Sasha Calle as Supergirl, Michael Shannon, reprising his role as Zod from “Man of Steel,” Ron Livingston as Barry Allen’s father, Maribel Verdú as Allen’s mother, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, Ben Affleck as Batman (apparently only a five-minute part) and Antje Traue as Zod’s Phantom Zone partner also from “Man Of Steel.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
“The Flash” opens in theaters June 16, 2023. Read all the reactions below, starting with the comments and thoughts from Playlist Editor-at-Large Gregory Ellwood.
The Flash is very good. If that’s the last we see of Keaton and Affleck’s Batman’s they went out on a high. Miller is great. Zero end credit scenes. The film ended after director title card. #CinemaCon
— Gregory Ellwood – VOTE – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is a compelling, character-driven flick with a real emotional core & game changing stakes. With heart & humour aplenty – along with some shocks & surprises – there's so much to be excited for. Keaton steals the show with a terrific performance. A real love letter to DC! pic.twitter.com/TkhTjccisz
— Nicola Austin (@nicola_aus) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is pretty darn good, like Justice League gone Back to the Future, it's got a big heart and is by far the funniest DC movie. Gets a little complicated but Sasha Calle's a fantastic Supergirl and, hoo boy, Michael Keaton reminds us why he's the best Batman of them all. pic.twitter.com/6Hnqynn4Hc
— Brian Truitt (@briantruitt) April 26, 2023
Guys. Here to say it’s not hype. THE FLASH destroys expectations and at the same times mends all bridges. Lightning in a bottle. And as great as Keaton is…Ezra is even better.
— Exhibitor Relations Co. (@ERCboxoffice) April 26, 2023
DC’s #TheFlash is TREMENDOUS! Forget DC, it is without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer. Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY nerdy details. I’m in tears at the end. Everything you want from a superhero film & more pic.twitter.com/xYSn0zuXMm
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 26, 2023
Yeah, #TheFlash is legit great! It delivers some notably thrilling, fun and creative moments I felt I hadn’t seen in a million other superhero movies. It had me smiling from the Warner Bros. logo at the top and I even dug stuff inspired by movies I wasn’t into. pic.twitter.com/B5vFyFBBcl
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is fantastic. I know Ezra Miller has made a lot of mistakes but they are soooooo good in this movie. Loved Keaton, the action, humor and emotion. Andy Muschietti has crafted something special. Thumbs way up.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 26, 2023
WB didn’t show the after the credits scenes. pic.twitter.com/J8KsdrKVwz
Rodrigo Perez is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Playlist, which he launched in 2008. He has worked in entertainment journalism since 2000, including at MTV, and has written for SPIN, IndieWire, Pitchfork, Complex, Magnet, and various music, film, and entertainment publications over the past two decades.
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