Much like the Arrowverse, The Flash goes back into the past, which leads to both Flashpoint and the resetting of the DCU.

First things first: the press screenings consisted of an end credit scene. It is entirely possible that there is a mid-credit scene but these were not in the press screenings. From talking to friends that saw earlier screenings, there were things at the end of the film that were not in those earlier screenings. It’s not unlike studios to hide the mid- or end-credit scenes but it is very rare that they do so.

I’m going to openly admit right now that Ezra Miller’s legal issues substantially lowered my interest in the film. Even though Michael Keaton made his return for the first time since 1992’s Batman Returns, I wasn’t sure if I would be returning. That being said, there’s a lot of fan service in the movie. Unfortunately, some of it was already spoiled by a major trade publication’s interview with the director. Even though we know it’s coming, this should have been a surprise for the fans. It increases the shock factor when you don’t know what’s coming ahead.

I’m going to have a lot more to say under the photo below. It won’t contain any of the major spoilers.

There’s a lot of fan service here. Most notably, much of it comes during the film’s third act. Some of which was already spoiled by the director. I would say more about the fan service but again, it would get into spoiler territory and that’s not going to be fair to you. But man oh man, to hear Danny Elfman’s classic Batman theme is just music to my ears! The car…the suit…it really is a blast from the past.

The gist of the film is that Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) goes back into the past in order to save his mother, Nora Allen (Maribel Verdú), from dying. Unlike the TV series, we never know for sure if it’s Reverse Flash performing the murder or not. But like Uncle Ben’s death, Nora’s death and Henry Allen’s (Ron Livingston) imprisonment is inevitable. Anyway, Barry is on his way back to the present day when he finds himself back in his past on the very date in which he received his powers in 2013. Oh yeah, none of his Justice League friends are anywhere–not Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, or Cyborg. There is a Batman but this Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) is not the Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) that Barry knows. Dude, where’s my Batman?

It might be 2023 right now but we’re gonna party like it’s 2013 as General Zod (Michael Shannon) makes his presence known. Zod is on Earth and seeking revenge against the Kryptonian, only it is not Kal-El he wants but Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle). Bruce is initially reluctant to get join Barry and Barry but sooner than later, he’s back in classic Batman form. It’s assumed that he retired back in 1999. You have to wonder the what if scenario. Obviously, the Joel Schumacher films star Val Kilmer and George Clooney, respectively. In any event, it is fun to see Keaton wearing the cowl again. As for Barry, he makes his best attempt at putting together a new Justice League in this section of the multiverse.

I do not know what the future holds for the DCU but The Flash resets the universe in spectacular fashion.

DIRECTOR: Andy Muschietti
SCREENWRITERS: Christina Hodson
CAST: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, and Michael Keaton

Warner Bros. will release The Flash in theaters on June 16, 2023. Grade: 4/5

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