It’s been an incredibly long journey for the Fastest Man Alive on the big screen. But various false starts later, Warner Bros.’ The Flash is finally about to take a bow in theaters. Directed by Andy Muschietti (IT) from a script by Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey), the film in part adapts the classic DC comic Flashpoint, in which Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) goes back in time to save his mother from death and completely changes the present, creating a dystopian alternate DC timeline. While it doesn’t look like the movie will get too bogged down in the many subplots of Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s miniseries, The Flash will incorporate quite a bit of DC movie history into its runtime.
Case in point: Michael Keaton returns as the Dark Knight of the Burtonverse for the first time since 1992’s Batman Returns. Bringing a major dose of nostalgia to a movie all about exploring the DC multiverse, we’ll get Keaton’s Batman playing all the hits — such as delivering his iconic “I’m Batman” line — as well as showing off a few new tricks. Most importantly, he’ll act as a new guide for both Barry Allens (don’t ask, best to go with it) running around the movie’s timeline.
But that’s not all. On top of that major blast from the past, the movie also seems to serve as somewhat of a finale for the version of the DC movie universe that first began in 2013’s Man of Steel. The film not only brings back Michael Shannon as the villainous General Zod, once again wreaking havoc on Earth, but also seemingly reimagines the epic struggle of the first DCEU movie by casting Sasha Calle’s Supergirl and not Henry Cavill’s Superman in the role of the planet’s savior. (We assume the Kal-El we know was erased from history by Barry’s timey-wimey shenanigans).
To top it all off, Ben Affleck is also back as the DCEU’s Batman, presumably for the final time but we’ve been wrong before (he’s been rumored to appear in this December’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom). In the trailers released so far, we’ve seen Affleck both as Bruce but also suiting up as the Caped Crusader for a high-speed chase on a new Batbike. At one point in the Super Bowl trailer, he warns Barry not to go back in time to mess with the past as the consequences could be horrifying. Turns out Bruce was right!
The Flash is probably hiding a few more surprises up its sleeve. For example, with all of its timeline-shattering antics, and based on just how big of an impact Flashpoint had on DC Comics continuity in 2011, it’s possible this movie will deliver the revamp/reboot that will lead into the new DCU being cooked up by James Gunn and Peter Safran…
Ahead of the film’s premiere in June, and on top of the new trailer released today, Warner Bros. screened the movie for fans and press attending CinemaCon 2023 in Las Vegas. That means we finally have the very first reactions to the film! Here’s what people think of The Flash so far:
Among other things #TheFlash proves that Ben Affleck really could have been an all-time great Batman/Bruce Wayne if given the chance
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) April 26, 2023
It’s a lot of movie and there were moments when I could somewhat feel it caving under the pressure of the mechanics of the concept and the themes it’s exploring, but for the most part, it moves well, looks good, radiates enthusiasm for the characters and story it’s telling, and…
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) 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 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
Yup. #TheFlash is as good as rumored. It’s Back to the Future meets Spider-Man: No Way Home with all the humor & heart of the former and action and surprises of the latter. If anything, it might be a tad too ambitious but it’s also just incredibly satisfying, heartwarming & fun. pic.twitter.com/Yysb9mjiAm
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 26, 2023
BELIEVE THE HYPE! Christopher Nolan movies aside, #TheFlashMovie is the GREATEST DC movie of the last 30 years that belongs in the same conversation as SUPERMAN 78 and BATMAN 89. The movie breaks incredible new ground in superhero cinema & honors DC lore of years past. #TheFlash pic.twitter.com/zGkhpfjlsl
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is pretty great, and it makes sense to me now why DC didn’t shelve this one. Michael Keaton is … chef’s kiss. I didn’t realize how much I needed Keaton’s Batman in my life again. Some really emotional moments here. Sasha Calle is awesome – I want to see more of her! pic.twitter.com/2DYhSKMfyI
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) 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
#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.
WB didn’t show the after the credits scenes. pic.twitter.com/J8KsdrKVwz
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is very good, especially given how oversaturated we are with multiverse stories.
It’s a really savvy, charming take on Flashpoint that effectively wields nostalgia rather than weaponizing it. Some genuinely delightful set pieces too! pic.twitter.com/0GXZhW6vQi
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) April 26, 2023
THE FLASH is awesome! One of the very best DC movies, a perfect blend of action, heart & humor! So many WOW & chill-inducing moments that longtime DC fans will love! EZRA MILLER is superb (twice, actually!) & MICHAEL KEATON’s still got it! #TheFLASH #BATMAN #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/mYJrz7YUZG
— Scott Mantz 🖖 (@MovieMantz) April 26, 2023
Nostalgic. HILARIOUS. With tons of heart and two outstanding performances by Ezra Miller. I honestly can’t believe #TheFlash actually exists. It’s magical. It presses every button. I’ll see it 1,000 times. pic.twitter.com/hhT6dXz6PO
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) April 26, 2023
The audience at CinemaCon loved #TheFlash. It has some mega CG heavy scenes and I’m curious what everyone will think of the ending.
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) April 26, 2023
I don’t know what to say other than #TheFlash delivered more than I could have hoped. The acting is beyond great. Keaton delivers everything you want. Supergirl is my new favorite superhero? I’m genuinely shocked this movie meets and surpasses the hype. I never expected that. pic.twitter.com/PcmpJ2juZ6
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) April 26, 2023
This is neither one of the best superhero movies of our time nor a total dumpster fire, which it easily could have been!
My prediction: general audiences are totally going to enjoy this. Long time DC fans are going to walk away very happy too. It’s tailored for that experience.
— Andrew J. Salazar @ CinemaCon (@AndrewJ626) April 26, 2023
The Flash hits theaters on June 16.
The post The Flash First Reactions Are In appeared first on Den of Geek.
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