The Flash (****1/2) is great spaghetti

Director Andy Muschietti
Screenplay Christina Hodson
Starring Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Michael Keaton

Anyone who has ever seen a D.C. film should find something to enjoy in The Flash. Andy Muschietti (IT) and Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey) have taken a wonderful story idea and allow star Ezra Miller to flourish in the heretofore underdefined role of Barry Allen. They manage to make Miller’s first solo venture an erstwhile origin story and a miracle of multi-verse fun and peril.

To describe the film in almost anyway would be a disappointment to those who want to enjoy it. Suffice to say, one should catch up on a wide variety of the earlier films and shows of many eras if you want to feel the “aha” moments.

Miller, playing the dual role of Allen in two different timelines, shines in the effort. We get to see the more adult and somewhat subdued version of Allen put up with a younger, more manic version. The process of determining how to teach the young version how to be Flash, while trying to solve the problems created by his attempt to fix the past provide excellent opportunities to show his range. It will be a damn shame if we don’t see a sequel.

The other superheroes in this film are enjoyable. This is the most fun I have had watching Batman in any of his forms.

The only drawback to the film is the muddy special effects in the hurricane-like last act. This tends to be a hallmark of the DECU era that is coming to a close. It is countered by the creativity of what ytou will see. It didn’t bother this viewerat all.

In fact, its a sure bet this viewer will be seeing The Flash again and again.

(****1/2 out of *****)