The Flash (2014)★ 7.5/10

Beyond the spectacular action scenes, Michael Keaton's performance is the most moving of all. With a single look filled with inner turmoil, he recalls the night he lost his parents. Yet he has managed to fully move on, a long process that took time until Gotham no longer relied on him.

In an era where superhero movies are becoming increasingly similar and formulaic, this film offers a rare, heartfelt, and even fiery emotional experience.

It depicts the origins of The Flash, and the cliche of the mother-son problem is surprisingly well-written. This film is genuinely touching. It may not be the best superhero movie ever, but it certainly outclasses the myriad of superficial superhero films currently on the market.

I believe fans of the superhero genre should support this film to signal to Hollywood the need for reasonable character development and logical plots over mere political correctness. If this film fails at the box office, the future of superhero movies looks bleak.

It's reminiscent of the lighter, more entertaining style of DC films from the 80s and 90s without the dark tone. It almost has a goofy charm similar to the Bill & Ted series. However, it falls short of being the best superhero movie, not even ranking highly within DC's collection. The story is rather uninspiring, especially after watching the Spider-Man animated series - lacking in surprises and imagination, it's effectively rehashing the Justice League story in a different way.

This could be one of the most meaningful stories from both DC and Marvel in recent times. While it might not be groundbreaking, the production team's effort shine through in every aspect. The Flash's struggles and introspections are particularly profound and memorable, adding a depth rarely seen in superhero movies, showing a respect for the complexity of the DCEU universe.

Packed with easter eggs and unforgettable moments, this film keeps surprising you, especially when familiar characters show up unexpectedly. It lives up to the hype and then some, delivering non-stop surprises from beginning to end. It faithfully adapts the comics, pays homage to previous DC films, and explores Barry Allen's journey as both a regular person and a superhero. Overall, it's one of the most well-rounded, enjoyable, and impactful in recent years.

While the story isn't new, the real surprise comes from seeing Superman, Batman, and The Flash with completely different looks. Despite his behavior in real life, Ezra Miller delivers a standout performance, skillfully handling dual roles. Marvel is so bright and fun, but DC's tone remains dark and serious, which can become somewhat tiresome.

This movie really delves into its story, focusing on its script rather than just relying on popular trends. The director shows ambition and puts in effort, but lacks a unique style. Batman talks about how the pain of losing loved ones shapes us, while The Flash considers time travel to save his mother, sharing a theme with recent Spider-Man films.

Truthfully, I've been thinking about stopping watching this show for a while, but I couldn't tear myself away. Enough with the complaints, though. What really struck me at the end was how the main character went through this really tough stuff as a kid but somehow got powers and had to deal with even more heartache. But over time, he really grew as a person. He overcame his past, helped others without expecting anything in return, and built new relationships. He's trying to create a happy life with a good family and friends. That kind of resilience and selflessness is admirable and something I can all learn from.

The sixth season's finale doesn't feel like the usual season wrap-up compared to past seasons' endings. The Mirror Master is still on the loose, the loved one is stuck in the mirror with no way out, and the Flash has lost all his superpower. Everything's building up, but we have to wait for the next season to get some answers. Personally, I'd like a more usual ending.