Review: Do believe the hype when it comes to Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton and 'The Flash'

Superhero films have been taking a beating in this corner and elsewhere in recent months.

Overexposed. Oversaturation. Just done.

So, it makes perfect sense that two of the best the genre has ever seen would be released within two weeks of one another. Along came a little “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and now, the much delayed and troubled (because of its star) “The Flash.”

Do believe the hype that came from DC Studios President James Gunn and others. “The Flash” is a marvelous superhero film and easily the best to come of the series of films known as the DC Extended Universe. It’s fun and emotionally resonant without being overwrought and blends a sense of nostalgia with a real feeling of comic book films as they stand now as grand cinematic spectacle.

It’s difficult to write about the film without mentioning the troubles its star, Ezra Miller, and his personal problems posed during filming. Some would say they are inexcusable, but they (Miller identifies as non-binary) are working on mental health issues, according to reports.

What happens after their course of treatment with this film series and the character of Barry Allen/The Flash remains to be seen, but there exists little doubt that Miller gives a performance laced with humor, emotional depth and nuance, things hinted at in other DCEU films such as “Justice League.”

What is the storyline of 'The Flash'?

Allen, a superhero able to use an energy known as the Speed Force to propel himself at lightning speeds, learns that his powers extend beyond that and he can go back in time. Had he lived a mere ordinary life, this might not have been significant. However, like many superheroes Allen is a tortured soul who helps people to ease his pain – in this case the death of his mother and his father’s subsequent conviction for her murder.

When realizing he can go back in time, he decides, despite warning from Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck returning to reprise his role), to change the past, which just sets off a myriad of timelines branching off (the multiverse) from his one decision.

He soon realizes that his tampering with time brought back Superman’s No. 1 nemesis, General Zod (Michael Shannon), and he, with the copy of himself from the timeline he’s created, has to seek out help and turn to the superhero he knows exists currently – Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton). Different universe, different Batman, however.

It takes some more sleuthing to come up with another hero, Kara El/Supergirl (Sasha Calle), Superman’s cousin, who can give them a fighting chance.

'The Flash' has action, fun, nostalgia plus philosophical questions

Although there is plenty of it, “The Flash” isn’t just about the action. It asks its share of philosophical questions of its characters and audience, questions that serve as an entry point into a story that possesses copious amounts of fun. The fun comes courtesy of the cast’s ability to find humor in the situation, but also because of a “Back to the Future” vibe that screenwriters Christina Hodson and Joby Harold have given it.

And, yes, there’s nostalgia value as watching the first modern-era Bruce Wayne/Batman, Keaton, don the cape and cowl provides chills and heart palpitations for fanboys who packed theaters in 1989 to see Tim Burton’s interpretation of The Dark Knight. I’m guilty as charged.

Director Andy Muschietti and his crew have crafted a superhero film for the ages with “The Flash.” They go big and we benefit.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.

Review

Movie: “The Flash”

Cast: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck

Directed by: Andy Muschietti

Running time: 2 hours, 24 minutes

Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity).

Grade: A-

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton deliver memorable 'The Flash'