Movies

‘The Flash’ First Reactions: Worthy of the Hype?

Does ‘The Flash’ live up to the title of “the greatest superhero movie ever?”

06/08/2023

After several delays, The Flash will finally debut on the silver screen on June 16th. There has been much said about this film, including Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav calling it the greatest superhero movie ever. Now, first reactions and reviews for the film are spreading their way across social media, leading many to ask if the film lives up to the hype.

Good, but not the best

First reactions indicate that many fans need to settle their expectations. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun movie!

#TheFlash is…fine. It's nowhere near the best superhero film or even the best DC film. The story has some heft to it, and the humor is solid. The CGI is atrocious though. The fan service can be very hit or miss. Just chalk everything up to the Speed Force and you'll be fine. pic.twitter.com/aIx0trHajT
— Matt Rodriguez (@ImMattRodriguez) June 7, 2023

Lots of thoughts on #TheFlashMovie, but for now I'll just say I enjoyed the film far more than I expected, & there is an absurd amount of fun & creativity throughout. Also, Supergirl rules!
While I'm conflicted about certain aspects of the film, I left having a great time.
— KnightofOA (@MattAguilarCB) June 7, 2023

Just watched #TheFlash.

Seeing that it is (checks notes) “the best superhero movie since The Dark Knight.” Hm.

It’s maybe the third-best superhero movie released in the past six weeks. By default.

It’s the equivalent of watching a two-and-a-half-hour IP deck chair rearranging. pic.twitter.com/oBzjTE6MRn
— Darren Mooney (@Darren_Mooney) June 8, 2023

‘The Flash‘ first reactions praise Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle

The Flash first reactions praise Sasha Calle as Supergirl. | Agents of Fandom — Sasha Calle stars as Supergirl. Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery.

Batman (1989) returnee Michael Keaton and DC’s new Supergirl Sasha Calle receive high praise in their roles. Many of The Flash first reactions wish they got to see more.

The Flash was entertaining. I loved Michael Keaton in the film. He was the highlight of the movie for me. I really wanted to see more of The Flash's actual rogues gallery. I liked the way he uses his powers in the film. I wouldn't mind seeing another actor tackle the role. pic.twitter.com/DyMXKtEDmT
— Khalid Brooks (Miles Morales of Earth-1218) (@KhalidBrooks1) June 8, 2023

#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! pic.twitter.com/2DYhSKMfyI
— Jenna Busch-Henderson (@JennaBusch) April 26, 2023

For me #TheFlash was good, but not great. Michael Keaton (big surprise) completely stole the show and seeing him back as Batman was a stupid amount of fun, but I also feel like all the big moments with him have been spoiled in the marketing (CONT’D)
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) June 6, 2023

DC finally catches lightning

The Flash first reactions praise Michael Keaton's return as Batman. | Agents of Fandom — Michael Keaton as Batman in *The Flash*. Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery.

The DCU has had many false starts and promises over the last 10 years. However, it seems from The Flash first reactions that viewers are finally filled with excitement about DC’s movies.

Believe the hype… The Flash is really good. There's something special about seeing Michael Keaton back on screen & he kills it! Lots of fun surprises especially toward the end. It's multiverse done right. Great messages & emotional beats that hit me in the gut. #TheFlash pic.twitter.com/QYCwMuz6kX
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) June 6, 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

#TheFlash strikes a lighter, comedic tone before straying down a darker, better path. Sasha Calle nails #Supergirl, she really makes her mark as the Girl of Steel. Also, Michael Keaton's epic return as Batman is amazing! It's a jam-packed, multiversal ride that DC fans will love. pic.twitter.com/vrTIjeAv8a
— Ben Rolph / TheDCTVshow (@TheDCTVshow) April 26, 2023

Mostly positive reactions for DC’s reset

Early indications suggest that many are enjoying the movie, despite its flaws. Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle appear to be the standouts in this film and will make fans crave Sasha’s return in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The Flash races to theaters on June 16, potentially marking the beginning of James Gunn’s grand DCU plan.

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