I remember hearing about The Flash, but I wasn't really interested in it at the time. But when it came on HBO, I had nothing better to do at the time, so I said "Fuck it. Let's give it a shot". With that, I went in completely blind and with zero expectations... and I found myself pleasantly surprised. The movie was actually pretty enjoyable for the most part.
Now if you're familiar with The Flashpoint Paradox, then you know how this story goes: Flash goes back in time in an attempt to save his mother from her fated death and ends up making a bigger mess than he intended. However, there are a few twists in this version of the story. Instead of a war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman, General Zod ends up invading Earth earlier. Kara, Superman's cousin, gets sent to Earth and is captured by Russians. And Flash ends up meeting his past self. Oh, and Michael Keaton once again reprises his role as Batman, and does a pretty good job.
I did enjoy the interactions between the two Barry Allens and the twist that his past self ends up being the "Dark Flash". Instead of Professor Zoom, Barry's worst enemy is the living embodiment of all of his worst traits; his stubbornness, refusal to let things go, his insistence that he can fix everything. I just wish that "Dark Flash" had gotten more screen time. I get that it was intentional as to build up the hype surrounding the mystery of the character, but I would've liked if he had taunted Barry throughout the film. In fact, this ties into my overall complaint about the film: Aside from Batman and the Barry twins, some of the other characters were underutilized. Zod was there for no reason other than to be Kara's punching bag and I would've liked to see more interactions with Barry and Supergirl.
Overall, while I think the animated film did it better and this film has its share of flaws, it still managed to be enjoyable and is worth giving a watch.
Film Surprisingly Good, Albeit Flawed
I remember hearing about The Flash, but I wasn't really interested in it at the time. But when it came on HBO, I had nothing better to do at the time, so I said "Fuck it. Let's give it a shot". With that, I went in completely blind and with zero expectations... and I found myself pleasantly surprised. The movie was actually pretty enjoyable for the most part.
Now if you're familiar with The Flashpoint Paradox, then you know how this story goes: Flash goes back in time in an attempt to save his mother from her fated death and ends up making a bigger mess than he intended. However, there are a few twists in this version of the story. Instead of a war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman, General Zod ends up invading Earth earlier. Kara, Superman's cousin, gets sent to Earth and is captured by Russians. And Flash ends up meeting his past self. Oh, and Michael Keaton once again reprises his role as Batman, and does a pretty good job.
I did enjoy the interactions between the two Barry Allens and the twist that his past self ends up being the "Dark Flash". Instead of Professor Zoom, Barry's worst enemy is the living embodiment of all of his worst traits; his stubbornness, refusal to let things go, his insistence that he can fix everything. I just wish that "Dark Flash" had gotten more screen time. I get that it was intentional as to build up the hype surrounding the mystery of the character, but I would've liked if he had taunted Barry throughout the film. In fact, this ties into my overall complaint about the film: Aside from Batman and the Barry twins, some of the other characters were underutilized. Zod was there for no reason other than to be Kara's punching bag and I would've liked to see more interactions with Barry and Supergirl.
Overall, while I think the animated film did it better and this film has its share of flaws, it still managed to be enjoyable and is worth giving a watch.