Movies with Isaiah Ridley: 'The Flash' gets an 8 out of 10

It hasn't been a secret that the production of "The Flash" has experienced a significant number of delays involving reshoots, rewrites and the precarious situation that actor Ezra Miller has found himself involved in.

Essentially this film was already completed before the controversy surrounding Miller. The extra reshoots, rewrites, delays working on the visual effects and incorporating more character development and references into the story increased the budget astronomically.

"The Flash" brings the story of superhero and Justice League member Barry Allen merging with the speed force into creating a reality where his mother lives and his father never goes to prison. Unfortunately, his pure intentions created a world with no metahumans. In this specific universe, there's no Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman or Cyborg. He must find a way to repair the damage he's caused with the very fabric of reality.

After using the speed force, Barry enters a world that he's always desired. That is, until he comes face to face with a younger, more immature and annoying version of himself who hasn't experienced the responsibilities of being a superhero. Once the two Barrys meet, it becomes a journey into exploring the possibilities of changing realities and consequences of interrupting necessary events that were meant to happen. The story brings the return of Michael Keaton reprising his iconic Bruce Wayne/Batman role from 1989, Ben Affleck once again donning the cape and cowl for present Batman and Michael Shannon as General Zod from 2013's "Man of Steel."

Despite the obvious controversy during production that ultimately affected the planned storyline and its trajectory, the original plan was to use this film as a means of resetting the entire DC cinematic universe. Incorporating elements from the classic Flashpoint Paradox story, it provides the doorway into erasing all the films that came before. "The Flash" has a lot of development, characters and events that fans, and the general audience, must care about. I will not say that the film is perfect, that there aren't any obvious flaws, and the sea of references combined with the reshoots during parts of the film are drastically jarring. I also will not say that the visual effects could've used more refining to make the abilities and realities of Barry Allen appear better. There are a lot of flaws on display here that find themselves in full focus during the experience.

However, even with all the glaring flaws and known controversies surrounding the production and creative outputs, this film truly had no business being as good as it is.

Miller provides a serviceable and enjoyable performance in a dual role of present and past Barry Allen. While he wasn't and will never be my ideal Barry, he does give the character different dynamics that come off charming, innocent and pure-hearted. His performance as the younger, more annoying Barry does get a bit nerve-grating. The banter between the two characters is fun and humorous at the same time.

Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne/Batman was the highlight in terms of pure nostalgia and excitement. What wasn't possible to create in 1989 becomes fully realized in 2023. Once he enters the scene, its magnetic magic transports the viewer back to when they first watched "Batman" in 1989. Affleck is another treat with his final outing as the caped crusader, and Shannon remains intimidating as General Zod. The Flash was one of my father's main favorite superheroes. Being an athlete, he found the concept of a speedster exciting. I have memories of him drawing pictures of The Flash during my childhood.

Visually this film has a lot to offer. There are myriad questionable moments where the computer-generated imagery seemingly appears unfinished or ventures into not looking completely realistic. The scenes where the action hits on all cylinders showcasing focused sequences brings to life innovative, creative and exciting displays of Barry using the speed force, Batman engaging in combat, and the beginning lengthy action set piece is comic book excitement coming to life. The inclusion of Supergirl didn't do much for me, as I was never a fan of the character growing up.

Acting moments have a lot of amusing banter, but the emotional moments need to have more focus letting the audience find themselves immersed with the consequences and painful decisions of Barry. Scenes involving him and his mother completely tug at the heartstrings, and his interactions with his younger self desperately attempting to convince him of the seriousness of fracturing the universe and how it all manages to come full circle embraces the reality of the hardest choices requiring the strongest of wills.

Controversial dynamics aside, I will say "The Flash" had no business being as entertaining or as good as it was. Once again, it's not perfect, nor is it a masterpiece. It's unique, exciting, emotional and maintains an element of fun that leaves you wondering what could've been if DC/Warner Brothers gradually took their time and allowed the characters to grow organically without rushing to compete with a rival cinematic universe.

In the end, I rate "The Flash" an 8/10. Absolutely worth a view and still highly recommended. Two thumbs up and great for the family, too.

To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.