The Flash

Excellent live-action DC Comics film adaptations are few and far between, but Richard Donner's masterpiece Superman (1978) (followed by films that never reached its purity), Tim Burton's Batman (1989), Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman (2017) and The Batman (2022) all stand out. Where DC entertainement delivered many memorable animated films, most DC films tended either to distance themselves from the comics, like Todd Phillips' Joker (2019), or to overdo the outrageous special effects in order to hold the attention of audiences far more interested in discovering the Marvel film adaptations. And yet, despite a difficult production schedule, The Flash, due for release in the U.S. on June 16 (June 14 in France), not only wins us over with its effective script and spectacular scenes, but is also a powerful tribute to the DC Cinematic Universe.

After appearing in a short cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and playing a secondary role in Zack Snyder's Justice League (2017, 2021), Ezra Miller reprises his role as Barry Allen / The Flash in his own film, and despite his antics, which have been publicized in various media, he perfectly embodies the beloved superhero who has left an indelible mark on many comic book readers. The Flash is a fictional superhero who appears in the comics published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert. This character, who has made a name for himself like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and other DC superheroes, first appeared in Flash Comics #1 in 1940. Since then he has become one of DC Comics' most popular and enduring characters, appearing in various comic book series, animated TV shows and live-action adaptations. Barry Allen acquired his superhuman speed following a scientific accident. He is a medical examiner who, after being struck by lightning and sprayed with chemicals, acquired the power of superhuman speed. He became the Scarlet Speedster, known as the Flash, and has dedicated his life to fighting crime and protecting Central City.

Flash has been adapted into numerous TV series and films. The most notable adaptation is the TV series The Flash, which debuted in 2014 and ended on May 24 in the US after 9 seasons and 184 episodes. The Flash series (1990), starring John Wesley Shipp, lasted just one 22-episode season. John Wesley Shipp also reprised his role as The Flash in a few episodes of this new series, which came to an end. Similarly, Ezra Miller also appeared in this series, playing a Flash from an alternative universe. Christina Hodson's script enabled director Andy Muschietti to bring to life a film rich in emotion, with many memorable scenes and, above all, memorable cameos. 

As in the comics, Barry Allen / The Flash has the power to travel through time thanks to his superpowers, and in an attempt to save his murdered mother, he finds himself trapped in a reality where General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no superheroes left to turn to. What's more, he'll find himself confronted with an alternative version of his own, and his powers called into question. His only chance of beating Zod is if Bruce Wayne/Batman comes to his aid, but in this universe, Wayne/Batman is a recluse who gave up fighting years ago. Actor Michael Keaton, who played Batman in Tim Burton's films, is back in his legendary role, and his ageing has been taken into account. In itself, this is an excellent idea, as it also pays homage to Frank Miller's Batman and brings an undeniable touch of nostalgia to the film, with the presence of the most beautiful and mythical Batmobile and the Batwing in some memorable scenes. To appreciate The Flash, you'll need a huge cinema screen (we'd encourage viewers to see the IMAX version) and a minimum knowledge of the various DC comic book adaptations...

While some may criticize the film for not always benefiting from impeccable special effects, Andy Muschietti's (Mama (2013), It (2017), It chapter Two (2019)) effective direction and casting give this film a very special aura. The film shows us that the end of the DC Universe set up by Zack Snyder will give birth to a whole new era in DC cinema orchestrated by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Finally, we advise you to stay until the end of the credits to discover a post-credits scene with another superhero whose second film will be released in the USA on December 20.

The Flash
Directed by Andy Muschietti
Written by Christina Hodson
Story by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Joby Harold
Based on Characters from DC
Produced by Barbara Muschietti, Michael Disco
Starring  Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Michael Keaton, Christopher Reeve, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa
Cinematography : Henry Braham
Edited by Jason Ballantine, Paul Machliss
Music by Benjamin Wallfisch
Production companies : DC Studios, Double Dream, The Disco Factory
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date : June 14, 2023 (France), June 16, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 144 minutes

Seen June 9, 2023 at Grand Rex
Seen June 13, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 9

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