First “The Flash” Reactions From CinemaCon: One of The Greatest Superhero Films of All Time
Yesterday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Warner Bros. screened director Andy Muschietti’s The Flash for theater owners and assorted media, and the first reactions are overwhelmingly positive. In an echo of Paramount’s screening of Top Gun: Maverick last year, which blew the audiences away, The Flash is now speeding towards one of the best critical receptions in the history of DC Studios.
As the new trailer revealed, The Flash makes the most of Michael Keaton’s return as Batman, the first time he’s slipped on the Batsuit since 1992’s Batman Returns. The reason for Keaton’s return as Batman has to do with Barry Allen (Ezra Miller)’s desperate attempt to solve a problem Bruce Wayne never could—he wants to bring back the parents that he lost. Barry actually has a way he can make this a reality; by speeding back through time to change past events.
The Flash then explores one of the most fundamental maxims in all time-travel stories, from Back to the Future to Avengers: Endgame; you can’t change the past without altering the future. The alternate reality that Barry ends up in after meddling with time includes none other than General Zod (Michael Shannon), who is not only still alive (in this reality, Superman apparently didn’t kill him in Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel), but he’s going plans to destroy the entire world. And unlike in other timelines in other universes where Zod would have to face the likes of a Superman or Wonder Woman, on this timeline, there are no metahumans, and this is what forces Barry to recruit Keaton’s older, very retired Batman to help him save the world. Luckily they’ll get major help from a very special someone—Sasah Calle’s Supergirl.
Joining Miller, Keaton, Shannon, and Calle are Ben Affleck (as the Batman of his universe), Ron Livingston as Barry’s father, Henry Allen, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, and Antje Traue as Faora-Ui.
Let’s take a quick peek at those early reactions from CinemaCon. The Flash speeds into theaters on June 16:
Just out of #TheFlash at CinemaCon. Believe the hype folks – truly one of the great superhero movies. Ezra Miller (x2), Sasha Calle and MICHAEL KEATON. It’s pretty perfect and one of the best films of this type you could ever hope to see.
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) April 26, 2023
THE FLASH is awesome! One of the very best DC movies, a perfect blend of action, heart & humor! So many WOW & chill-inducing moments that longtime DC fans will love! EZRA MILLER is superb (twice, actually!) & MICHAEL KEATON’s still got it! #TheFLASH #BATMAN #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/mYJrz7YUZG
— Scott Mantz 🖖 (@MovieMantz) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash was INCREDIBLE. Full of heroes, heart, humor & HOPE. I cried SEVERAL times. Wow. I can’t even believe some of what I saw on the big screen. Y’all are in for a treat!!! #CinemaCon #CinemaCon2023 🦇💜 pic.twitter.com/ex35sKGZPm
— Taylor Gonzales (@50shadesoftayyy) April 26, 2023
The Flash is hands down one of the best superhero films of all time. No joke, The Flash is the ultimate movie going experience as it has a little bit of everything! Action, emotion, heart, humor and plenty of nostalgia. Ezra Miller is phenomenal as dual Barry Allens. Michael… pic.twitter.com/F7SHA30vZM
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) April 26, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/Yysb9mjiAm
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 26, 2023
this is truly one of the best superhero movies ever. believe the hype. oh my god. #TheFlash
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) April 26, 2023
Damn, #TheFlash is good! It’s super inventive both visually and in concept. The dynamic of two Barry Allen’s is crazy well done.
Emotions hit me intensely hard, solid surprises, and it got me wanting to watch again and really eager to see how they follow it. Well done. pic.twitter.com/7QqiHVNAJy
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) April 26, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/PcmpJ2juZ6
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) April 26, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/uDepMKVVG1
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) April 26, 2023
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 pic.twitter.com/xYSn0zuXMm
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 26, 2023
THE FLASH: far more madcap than I expected. Really nailed what reading a 5-issue crossover comic book is like. Tons of Ezra Miller being zany and time paradox stuff. Nerds will lose their minds at the ending. And beginning and middle. Comics!
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) April 26, 2023
#TheFlash is fantastic. I know Ezra Miller has made a lot of mistakes but they are soooooo good in this movie. Loved Keaton, the action, humor and emotion. Andy Muschietti has crafted something special. Thumbs way up.
Nostalgic. HILARIOUS. With tons of heart and two outstanding performances by Ezra Miller. I honestly can’t believe #TheFlash actually exists. It’s magical. It presses every button. I’ll see it 1,000 times. pic.twitter.com/hhT6dXz6PO
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) April 26, 2023
WB didn’t show the after the credits scenes. pic.twitter.com/J8KsdrKVwz
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 26, 2023
For more on The Flash, check out these stories:
Epic New “The Flash” Trailer Reveals Michael Keaton’s Batman Getting Nuts
Tom Cruise Loved “The Flash” So Much He Called Director Andy Muschietti
Michael Shannon’s Return as General Zod in “The Flash” Surprised…Michael Shannon
“The Flash” Will Premiere at CinemaCon 2023
“The Flash” Posters Reveal Michael Keaton’s Batman in Iconic Cape & Cowl
Featured image: Caption: (L-R) EZRA MILLER as Barry Allen/The Flash, SASHA CALLE as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl and EZRA MILLER as Barry Allen/The Flash in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE FLASH,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics
