Film Review: “The Flash”
Ezra Miller’s Doppelganger-Superhero Performance Critiqued
The DC Extended Universe rolls out “The Flash,” featuring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, aka the Flash – a part of the Justice League and endowed with superspeed. However, the $190m movie fails to excite the audience, despite Miller’s exciting reputation.
Miller’s Antecedents
Miller’s had his past of toxic and erratic behaviour before filming, involving the police and the courts. Reports suggested his arresting officer explained to Miller why they did not use correct non-binary pronouns on Miller. This new bizarre string of events brings this dark chaos to the new superhero film, as Miller struggles to convince the audience of his performance as both Allen and the Flash.
Miller’s Performance
Miller’s performance is disappointing – smirking, gurning, and mugging – leaving the audience with no clear understanding of his characterization. The silver lining is the movie’s diverting touches.
Movie Plot
The Flash crash-lands in an alt-reality universe, where there are no metahumans, and he must work alongside an odd alt-version of himself. Together they have to round up reclusive Batman (Michael Keaton), who joins forces with other heroes to fight the feared General Zod (Michael Shannon) who threatens Earth.
Spectacular Moments
The movie brings a few amusing moments, Stoltz’s classic performance in “Back to the Future,” and some spectacular and surreal scenes from various iterations of DC superheroes. Still, even with some humour, the film falls flat.
No Intellectual Property
Overall, the film does not bring anything new or innovative. It fails to offer any compelling ideas or the intellectual property that DC Comics is known for, making it hard to compare it even with Marvel productions.
Editorial and Advice
The Flash movie’s weakness lies in Miller’s performance, lack of direction, and plot development. The movie’s only saving grace is the spectacular and surreal superhero characters, but they do not redeem the film entirely.
In light of Ezra Miller’s past, it is important for filmmakers to protect their brand and audience by avoiding toxic and erratic behaviour. A repeated effort is required to show that actors are worthy of their audience’s time and respect.
The lack of original plot development is also disappointing, as it is what distinguishes DC Comics’ intellectual properties from others. There should be directions for the future to raise a standard.
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