A scene from 'The Flash'

Ezra Miller is crazy good as The Flash. So let’s get that out of the way, as so much of what Ezra has been up to outside of acting had been hogging the headlines prior to the release of this film. Should what he’s been accused of influencing our assessment of the film? During the height of Me Too, it would seem that one’s response, whether one even watches and supports the film, would dictate we ignore it. On the other hand, in the present post-Me Too world, it looks like simply ignoring the accusations has found favor. Strange turnaround, if you ask me; but it is what it is. As Barry Allen/Flash, the old mugging for the camera and trying to be cute for comic relief that we saw in previous DCEU films is thankfully shelved/reduced by half. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to mention that this film stakes its own claim on the Multiverse concept - as we saw in the trailer. So we do get an Alpha-Barry, a Beta-Barry, and even a Young Barry, traveling through time in the hope of saving his Mother from the incident that claimed her life. It’s directed by Andy Muschietti, best known for his work on It and It Chapter Two. While Alpha Barry is a younger, looser version of the Flash that’s familiar to DC moviegoers; I’ll give credit to Ezra for imbuing the Beta-Barry with a gravitas that makes this film have its own special magic. When the two interact, it’s like Ezra is creating his own version of Acting Masterclass 101. I wouldn’t call it Oscar-worthy, but it does take the film, and its superhero on a journey that’s genuinely interesting to watch. That we have Batman on board makes for a poignant parallel, as Bruce Wayne similarly donned the mask and costume to avenge what happened to his parents one fateful night. And I did say Multiverse, so be ready for several astute surprises cropping up in the name of fan service, without jettisoning effective narrative. And I say this in a context that goes beyond Batman - so be ready for these Easter egg appearances. This is the sort of film that’s difficult to write about if we really want to stay free of the spoiler - country. I know the aforementioned trailer revealed more than it should have, but I am well aware that there are those who purposely avoid trailers so that everything they watch comes as a surprise. Having to keep those individuals also in mind is what makes this such a difficult task, but I’ve tried my best. The Flash is a worthy entry to the DC pantheon. That it took so many years for Flash to finally get his own starring film may be a mind-puzzler to most observers, plus the fact that in itself, this film is four years in the making. But now that it’s here, it’s good to be able to say that it was well worth the wait! The Flash opens in cinemas on June 14.