DC Comics has played a major role in film over the years as both Batman and Superman have become a pivotal in the world of cinema. Yet as the year’s go by, more DC characters like Wonder Woman and Aquaman have only just begun their cinematic journeys and they have proven their worth on the big screen. Among these heroes, and one of my favorites, is none other than the fastest man alive-The Flash. The Scarlet Speedster has a been a major player in DC Comics with many characters taking up the mantle with the most prominent being Barry Allen. The character debuted in the film Justice League (aka Zack Snyder’s Justice League) and has been slated to get his own film as early as 2018, but getting this project off the ground has been easier said than done. Many filmmakers have been attached to the movie, but for one reason or another they would leave the project and the movie was forever in a standstill. However, it not was until filmmaker Andy Muschietti, as well as his sister Barbara, came on board that movie gained momentum with Andy helming the film and Barbara serving as a producer. So, at long last the famed hero has raced his way onto the big screen in the DC film simply known as The Flash.

The movie sees Barry (Ezra Miller) traveling back in time to save his parents from tragedy but in doing so changes the timeline where there are no heroes like Superman. With the help of his younger self and an aged Batman (Michael Keaton) Barry must find a way back to the present as well as save the past from a revived General Zod (Michael Shannon). For some time now it was stated that the movie would deal with time travel which made sense as the character is known for messing around with timelines. However, the film would not be a time-travelling adventure but also deal with the multiverse which is seen in the inclusion of Michael Keaton’s Batman. If there were not enough wrinkles to this superhero film another was added recently as the movie serves as the catalyst of the DCU. There was a lot riding on this race and, with the movie bringing one of my favorite heroes to the forefront, there were plenty of reasons for me to see this new chapter in DC Films; and for being the character’s first solo film I must say The Flash is one heck of a ride.

While the Flash is known for his journeys throughout time and space, concepts like time travel and parallel worlds are nothing new to the world of film with the multiverse being a hot topic in recent cinema. So, the plot had a task to stand out in these areas, and it succeeded as both concepts flourished in this superhero tale. The plot was able to utilize time travel in a way that, while nothing new, was refreshing in its execution; while the multiverse gave the story an expansive sense of world-building. When it came its structure, the story could be simplistic in its direction, but I felt this simplicity worked for the plot’s sense of adventure. Yet what made this plot so effective was that, at its core, was very much a Flash story. Despite the plot’s implications to the greater DCEU (and DCU), the movie was very much a story about Barry Allen, and this narrative gave the movie a heart that has made some of the greatest superhero movies so memorable.

Seeing Flash in Justice League was enjoyable, but I was curious to see how the character would fair on his own; and despite being accompanied by several heroes in this film the Scarlet Speedster shined in this outing. Between his grounded dilemma and impressionable personality, the Flash was an endearing hero that has potential to standout in a pantheon of superhero portrayals Perhaps the greatest factor working in the character’s favor was that were two versions of him. The two Barrys were a dynamic duo as, despite being the same person, felt like two completely different characters; and for that I have tip to Ezra Miller for giving one of the most dynamic performances I have seen a superhero movie in quite some time. Along with the stellar title character, the movie also featured a fantastic ensemble of supporting characters. Both Barry’s parents (Ron Livingston and Maribel Verdu) were solid and help flesh out Barry’s character, while Sasha Calle was impressive as Supergirl even with her limited time on screen. The movie also featured several of the DCEU alumni like Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and Batman (Ben Affleck) and it was much appreciated to see these characters again. Last and certainly not least was Michael Keaton as Batman. Much to my surprise, Keaton’s role was not as big as I initially thought, but that did not take away from Keaton’s performance as he was in rare form in his return to his iconic role and rounded this super powered cast.

Seeing that this is movie about a high-speed superhero, I was not surprised to see The Flash have a sense of spectacle. Some of the visuals could be off putting, but I felt the effects were executed well and worked with the movie’s outlandish tone. Equally as exuberant was the film’s action. The Flash may not have been the most action-packed of comic book films out there, but it certainly lived up to the genre’s standards by featuring grandiose and creative sequences. Rounding things out for the film’s presentation was the music by Benjamin Wallfisch. The music was very much appropriate for a comic book film with its vibrant tracks all while incorporating sounds that were stylistic and appropriate for the title character.

Truth be told, The Flash did not go as I expected. Despite the stakes surrounding it, this superhero film dashed into completely different direction, and I think the film was all the better for it. Between its keen storytelling and phenomenal cast, the movie had plenty to entice with; and its stylish presentation gave the movie had an atmosphere worthy of the Scarlet Speedster. Despite everything this movie went through, Muschietti found a way to make this project not just an enjoyable blockbuster but a enigmatic cinematic experience. It may not have been ideal or definitive, but The Flash can count itself among DC’s best as it pushes DC Films into a new frontier.