“The Flash” First Reactions Are In

By
Garth Franklin
-
Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. Pictures has been very confident about their “The Flash” film adaptation, so much so they screened the film tonight for thousands of exhibitors and press at CinemaCon in Las Vegas nearly two months ahead of the movie’s release.

On top of this, there were no restrictions on social media reaction and so the early verdict on the film is coming out now. The result? They definitely seem to have a winner on their hands with that early buzz seemingly much more on point than expected.

There are raves all round for many aspects of the film, one of the only criticisms being about the CG battles which is par for the course in modern superhero movies. Here’s a sampling of reactions:

“Yup. #TheFlash is as good as rumored. It’s Back to the Future meets Spider-Man: No Way Home with all the humor & heart of the former and action and surprises of the latter. If anything, it might be a tad too ambitious but it’s also just incredibly satisfying, heartwarming & fun..” – Germain Lussier

“DC’s #TheFlash is TREMENDOUS! Forget DC, it is without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer. Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY nerdy details. I’m in tears at the end. Everything you want from a superhero film & more. I’m honestly floored it’s this good. As a monster BACK TO THE FUTURE fan, it has BTTF vibes all day. Michael Keaton is amazing, as expected, and this is the best Ezra Miller has been as Flash. Affleck gets some of his best Batman moments, too, and Sasha Calle rocks! #TheFlash” – Erik Davis, Fandango

“I got to watch an unfinished cut of #TheFlash! It’s an unabashedly comic book movie & a loving homage to DC film history. For a film that resets the #DCU, it also does a great job of closing the circle. Michael Keaton’s return as #Batman is simply…PERFECT. #TheFlash is chock full of references to the #DCEU, pop culture, nostalgia & even takes a fun jab at Marvel. It’s highly entertaining & surprisingly funny. At times it tries a little too hard for the laughs & the story toes the line between intriguing & absurd.” – POC Culture

“#TheFlash is very good, especially given how oversaturated we are with multiverse stories. It’s a really savvy, charming take on Flashpoint that effectively wields nostalgia rather than weaponizing it. Some genuinely delightful set pieces too!.” – Dan Casey, Nerdist

“I don’t know what to say other than #TheFlash delivered more than I could have hoped. The acting is beyond great. Keaton delivers everything you want. Supergirl is my new favorite superhero? I’m genuinely shocked this movie meets and surpasses the hype. I never expected that. This will be one of those superhero movies that we watch over and over and over.” – Chris Hayner, Gamespot

“I didn’t know what to make of the hype before The Flash, but WOW. The movie is an absolute blast from end to end. It’s hilarious, thrilling, emotional, and surprising. What an incredible way to launch the next chapter of DC movies. Get excited!.” – Eric Eisenberg, Cinema Blend

“Just watched #TheFlash at CinemaCon. It has some stuff in it you will not believe and it showcases much more of Barry Allen’s powers. It is indeed one of DC’s best and fits nicely as a bridge story between the old and new DCEU franchises. It’s also the funniest DC movie.” – Rob Keyes, Screen Rant

“BELIEVE THE HYPE! Christopher Nolan movies aside, #TheFlashMovie is the GREATEST DC movie of the last 30 years that belongs in the same conversation as SUPERMAN 78 and BATMAN 89. The movie breaks incredible new ground in superhero cinema & honors DC lore of years past.” – Umberto Gonzalez, Heroic Hollywood

“I absolutely loved #TheFlash. Feels confident and breezy, and is emotional. The performances are spot on, across the board. Effects are exciting…but the SURPRISES. Oh, the surprises. At one point I had both hands in the air yelling YAYYYY I really hope you can avoid spoilers..” – Grae Drake, Rotten Tomatoes

“#TheFlash is pretty great, and it makes sense to me now why DC didn’t shelve this one. Michael Keaton is … chef’s kiss. I didn’t realize how much I needed Keaton’s Batman in my life again. Some really emotional moments here. Sasha Calle is awesome – I want to see more of her.” – Jenna Busch, Vital Thrills

The reactions follow in the wake of the release of the official second trailer for the film online. A few hours after that trailer premiere, a new Japanese trailer for the film was also released with a bunch of new footage – most of which centers around Ezra Miller’s Flash and gives a better idea of the story.