The Flash has been one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year for some time. The DC Studios picture has had a number of problems along the way, including delays, reshoots, and issues with its star, Ezra Miller, who was arrested last year in Hawai’i. Despite all of these issues, critics have highly praised the first screening of The Flash, with one calling it the “best superhero movie ever”.
The Flash follows Miller’s Barry Allen going back in time to save his mother from being murdered. But, in doing this, he changed the fabric of time, and brought General Zod back to life, and changed the Kryptonian who was sent to Earth, changing out Superman for Supergirl. Also, Batman is totally different, with Michael Keaton reprising his role from the 1980s Tim Burton movies.
The movie takes narrative cues from The Flashpoint Paradox, a seminal comic book from The Flash’s history – but it has some large boots to fill. The graphic novel has become one of the best-loved stories in the franchise’s history, so The Flash movie has had some massive expectations on its shoulders.
But, it seems like the pressure wasn’t too much for DC Studios bosses, as Fandango’s Erik Davis called it “one of the best superhero films ever made”.
He went on: “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.” (sic)
And he wasn’t alone in his praise.
The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez said: “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.” (sic)
Comicbook’s Brandon Davis agreed: “Damn, #TheFlash is good! It’s super inventive both visually and in concept. The dynamic of two Barry Allen’s is crazy well done.” (sic)
He noted that the emotional aspects of the movie hit him “intensely hard” and was full of “solid surprises”.
As if that wasn’t enough, Collider’s Steven Weintraub was keen to point out Miller’s criminal charges while talking about the movie.
Weintraub said: “#TheFlash is fantastic. I know Ezra Miller has made a lot of mistakes but they are soooooo good in this movie.” (sic)
He added: “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.” (sic)
Miller was arrested and charged in March, 2022, with disorderly conduct and harassment after an incident at a bar in Hawai’i.
The Evening Standard reported he “yelled obscenities at a woman” before “lunging at a man”. A temporary restraining order was issued against the actor after a couple alleged Miller “entered their room and threatened them”.
Just a few weeks later, Miller was arrested once again for allegedly “throwing a chair which hit a woman”.
Miller was charged with burglary in August 2022 and pleaded guilty to “unlawful trespass”. Miller later provided an apology statement to Variety that read: “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental-health issues and have begun ongoing treatment.”
They added: “I want to apologise to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behaviour. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in my life.”
Since these incidents, Miller has been treated for “complex mental health issues”.
The Flash hits cinemas on June 16, 2023.
