In-between countless hours of superior NBA playoff motion, I stepped apart lengthy sufficient to take a look at the brand new The Flash trailer. Motion-packed and loaded with superheroes, DC’s newest enterprise hits screens this summer season and guarantees an epic not like any we’ve ever seen. Nonetheless, whereas I’m excited, I nonetheless have a number of doubts.
Let’s check out what was spectacular and was a slight bit worrying concerning the new The Flash trailer.
Michael Keaton’s Return as Batman
Seeing Michael Keaton return as Batman — his first foray into the position since 1992’s Batman Returns — is a kind of long-gestating want fulfillments I by no means thought would come true. Initially, my response was to fist pump and high-five the individual nearest to me, which simply occurred to be my spouse — she rolled her eyes, God bless her soul. However, regardless of its silliness, I cherished seeing the Batwing again in motion and even bought a kick out of the “let’s get nuts” line. (Was that Keaton’s signature line within the Tim Burton movies?)
Nonetheless, I discover it curious that WB would resolve to mud the boots off of a 71-year-old Keaton as an alternative of simply giving us extra Batfleck. Hell, simply forged a brand new man. For all my craving to see Keaton slip beneath the cowl once more, that ship sailed after Christopher Nolan unleashed The Darkish Knight trilogy — nonetheless the very best illustration of Batman ever, for my part.
Batman and Batman Returns have been distinctive items of cinema launched over 30 years in the past, primarily as a result of they have been the one superhero flicks outdoors the Christopher Reeve Superman movies and a few low-budget Roger Corman productions. I cherished Burton’s pics as a result of they have been the one variations of Batman obtainable that didn’t characteristic our winged hero browsing alongside the Joker in a goofy gray and blue swimsuit. All these years later, we’ve seen higher representations of Batman by way of cartoons, Nolan’s movies, Zack Snyder’s entries, and Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
So, whereas it’s enjoyable seeing Keaton again in motion, I’m wondering if his return got here far too late. (Reality be advised, his inclusion felt like desperation on WB’s half to offer the followers one thing to get enthusiastic about.)
Additionally, did we go away his iteration of Batman/Bruce Wayne on a cliffhanger? Let’s be sincere, Batman was in all probability the least compelling facet of Burton’s movies. The character has zero depth and takes a again seat to Jack Nicholson’s Joker, Danny DeVito’s Penguin, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman. The person was primarily James Bond, albeit wearing a bat swimsuit, which is why nobody cared when Val Kilmer stepped into the position a number of years later.
How does Keaton match into the bigger narrative? Will he have a major position, or is he little greater than an prolonged cameo (as rumors recommend)? Will the script deal with him like a meta-joke or take him critically? Will this be a kind of issues all of us want for after which instantly remorse? We’ll see.
The Tone Seems to be Severe, However Will It Ship?
This new The Flash trailer pushes the pic like a hardcore superhero drama with huge stakes and big motion. It’s simple to get misplaced in all of the explosions, colourful visible results, and heavy-handed nostalgia.
Is it going to be a critical film?
One factor that stood out about this newest tease was the dearth of Ezra Miller. Our hero, the Flash, feels extra like a co-star to Supergirl and the assorted Batmen. That’s deceptive.
My hunch: We’ve already seen most of Supergirl and Batman within the previews. The remaining two hours would be the Miller present, replete with the identical goofy vibe the Flash displayed in Joss Whedon’s Justice League. The movie could have a number of dramatic beats, however a plot that includes two goofy Barry Allens can solely go in a single path. Contemplating the pic was produced throughout DC‘s mad scramble to match Marvel’s tone and magnificence, it wouldn’t shock me if The Flash was extra in step with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania than Man of Metal — regardless of what the entrepreneurs say.
That’s positive (should you like that model), however as Ant-Man proved, you may’t anticipate audiences to stroll away happy after getting duped.
Supergirl Seems to be Extremely Promising
Sasha Calle as Supergirl seems to be … nice! I’m genuinely shocked. The swimsuit appears ripped straight from Snyder’s universe, and by the seems to be of it, the character will get a handful of massive motion sequences. She squares off with Zod, for Pete’s sake!
My solely beef: the place’s Superman? For those who’re basing your concept on that pre-established Snyderverse, why not give us a closing hurrah with the Justice League — Aquaman, Surprise Lady, Batman, and Superman? Why recast Supes with a personality who’s precisely like him? Why not simply convey again Henry Cavill to battle alongside Supergirl? Are you able to think about this trailer that includes Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Mamoa, and Ben Affleck?
One Final Blow to the Snyderverse
I really like how everybody claimed to hate, detest, and detest the Snyderverse, but, the identical individuals cheer this film after seeing a trailer predominantly that includes — look forward to it — the Snyderverse. Zod. The battle for Metropolis. A Supergirl who screams and shoots laser beams from her eyes. Batfleck on a bike. Is anybody else bugged by this?
Think about if WB had simply let Snyder full his imaginative and prescient. This film may arrive with extra weight. However, as is, The Flash seems to be like a closing center finger to followers of the Snyderverse — a irritating tease of the photographs they by no means acquired, constructed on the foundations of their favourite heroes.
Yeah, I’m nonetheless bitter.
Regardless, I’m keen to offer the superhero film a shot after seeing the brand new The Flash trailer. It seems to be like a enjoyable summer season blockbuster and can possible arrive with a bunch of well-intentioned fan service within the vein of Spider-Man: No Approach House. Furthermore, I’m excited/curious to see how this chapter units up the James Gunn period and resets the DC verse.
Nonetheless, the journey to get so far ought to have been a lot smoother.