Jacked In Reviews ‘The Flash’ (2023)

After an astonishingly long production period, audiences are finally given the “last” instalment in the DC Extended Universe, Andy Muschietti’s The Flash.

Starting things light and breezy as Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) runs late for work – whilst getting some much-needed sustenance – we immediately realise two things. One; things are going in a slightly brighter direction compared to Zack Snyder’s darker DC world. And two; by instantly introducing Barry’s fast metabolism, it’s clear the character is finally going to get the dedication he deserves – as opposed to a percentage of the screen being split between him and the rest of the Justice League.

With a lot of the running and slow-motion shots at some stages looking nearly cartoonish, it’s not only distracting but almost takes you away from the overall plot.

Within the first few minutes, everyone is then given what they came here to see as The Flash suits up and propels himself into another state in quick succession to be heroic and whatnot. However, the opening sequence (unfortunately) sets the standard of what’s to come in terms of visual effects for this picture. With a lot of the running and slow-motion shots at some stages looking nearly cartoonish, it’s not only distracting but almost takes you away from the overall plot.

In saying that, even though the DCEU was coming to an end near the end of this film’s production – along with some off-camera politics and despite the movie feeling (ironically) rushed in parts – in no way does this stop you from having a fun-filled experience. At a time when nostalgia is being done to death, the throwbacks in this flick will make some of the most sophisticated adults out there as giddy as a schoolchild.

Whether it’s hearing that classic Danny Elfman score, the return of the original gravelly voice or his overall badass presence in general, it’s fair to say Keaton’s Dark Knight is treated with the care and respect he deserves.

One of the aspects of the trailer that generated the most buzz was the return of Michael Keaton’s Batman and thankfully, it did not disappoint. Whether it hearing that classic Danny Elfman score, the return of the original gravelly voice or his overall badass presence in general, it’s fair to say Keaton’s Dark Knight is treated with the care and respect he deserves. Not to mention a tremendous portrayal of Kara Zor-El AKA Supergirl by Sasha Calle.

Given the hand it was dealt, this movie still manages to do a great job of entertaining and is a satisfactory conclusion before the passing of the torch commences for James Gunn’s DCU.

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