Movie review: Ezra Miller speeds back to the future in ‘The Flash,’ fueled by calories and cameos

Movie Review: Ezra Miller Returns as ‘The Flash’ with a Dash of Nostalgia and Time-Twisting Fun

In the highly anticipated DC Studios film, ‘The Flash,’ time proves to be a formidable force not to be reckoned with. Attempting to alter the past can have unintended consequences when you find yourself back in the future, realizing that you’ve inadvertently changed everything else too.

Of course, we’ve seen this lesson before, courtesy of Marty McFly, famously portrayed by Michael J. Fox in the classic film, “Back to the Future.” Although it’s worth noting that Eric Stoltz was initially cast in the role before Fox took over. In ‘The Flash,’ our protagonist Barry Allen, played by the energetic Ezra Miller, discovers the extent of his mistakes in tampering with the space-time continuum upon his return from altering the past—something as trivial as a minuscule detail—and realizing that, in his current reality, Fox never replaced Stoltz. In a moment that evokes laughter, Barry exclaims, “I’ve destroyed the universe!”

In the hands of director Andy Muschietti and writer Christina Hodson, ‘The Flash’ delivers a breezily clever and entertaining experience for the most part. However, the final act falters, bogged down by an endless and generic CGI battle, and a resolution that leaves viewers somewhat exhausted and perplexed.

We are introduced to Barry, brilliantly portrayed by Miller, a naturally jittery and well-suited actor for the role, on his way to work at a forensics lab, making a pit stop to grab breakfast. But his plans quickly change when he receives a call from Alfred—yes, that Alfred—requesting his assistance in averting an imminent disaster. Barry transforms into his red-suited alter-ego, but he desperately needs fuel, leading him to beg a stranger for her candy bar.

In a daring yet somewhat absurd rescue sequence, Barry finds himself saving newborn babies from a collapsing hospital while hungrily devouring snacks. He also rescues a maternity nurse and amusingly suggests she seek mental health support to cope with the trauma, remarking that “the Justice League isn’t very good at that yet.”

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the film’s subtle nod to recent events surrounding Ezra Miller. As fans may know, the talented actor has faced personal challenges and has been vocal about undergoing mental health treatment. It’s hard to dismiss the connection between these real-life experiences and the line spoken to the nurse. Perhaps it serves as a plea for empathy, allowing us to appreciate Miller’s compelling performance as not just one, but two lead characters (why two? We’ll get there).

The movie thrives on self-referential quips and sequences, constantly nodding to its own roots and the legacy of past Batmans, Supermans, and associated characters. Surprise cameos abound, at times resembling an Oscar memorial reel, earning reverential applause from the audience. But let’s return to the plot.

Barry’s true source of power lies in the tragic murder of his mother (Maribel Verdu) in their home when he was a young boy. To make matters worse, his father (Ron Livingston) is unjustly imprisoned for the crime. Desperate to prove his father’s innocence, Barry stumbles upon a way to travel back in time—albeit with sparse technical details, involving running at superhuman speeds—and conceives a grander idea. What if he could prevent the entire sequence of events leading to his mother’s death? Batman (played by the Ben Affleck version) warns him against this ill-advised plan.

Regardless, Barry forges ahead and alters the timeline, leading to the unexpected arrival of a younger version of himself (as seen in the trailer). Due to reasons beyond the scope of this summary, senior Barry finds himself potentially trapped in the wrong universe alongside his younger counterpart.

Meanwhile, the villainous General Zod (Michael Shannon) resurfaces, threatening to unleash total destruction. The Barrys find themselves in need of assistance, ultimately teaming up with Bruce Wayne, portrayed by the ever-enjoyable Michael Keaton. Keaton returns as an older, reluctant superhero, delivering a captivating explanation of the multiverse concept using pasta strands as visual aids, illustrating how changing the past impacts the future. The climax culminates in a chaotic display resembling a messy pile of spaghetti drenched in tomato sauce—a fitting analogy for the film’s convoluted nature.

We mustn’t forget to mention Supergirl, portrayed by newcomer Sasha Calle, who unfortunately doesn’t have much to do before the battles commence, providing only minimal female representation. Kiersey Clemons, in the role of a vague love interest, is given even less screen time.

During this lengthy 184-minute adventure, one might find themselves questioning whether they’re witnessing a clash of disco balls set on destruction. But perhaps it’s merely a case of sensory overload.

As for a potential sequel, it would require even more cameos and surprises. Speaking of surprises, it’s always wise to remain seated until the credits finish rolling—an already established fact.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ release, ‘The Flash,’ has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sequences of violence and action, some strong language, and partial nudity. With a running time of 184 minutes, it earns two and a half stars out of four.

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• “The Flash” official website: Official Website
• IMDb page for “The Flash” (2022): IMDb
• DC Comics official website: DC Comics
• Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) website: MPAA