There was a lot of anticipation of The Flash, especially following the release of the trailer at the USA Superbowl which heralded the return of Michael Keaton as Batman, reprising his role from Tim Burton’s 1989 masterpiece.

I had watched a few episodes of the television series of The Flash, but never really got into it as such. Therefore, I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of characters though I had seen some isolated scenes that featured some great in-jokes and cameos. And, in this respect, the 2023 movie delivers plenty.

The film centres around Barry, The Flash’s alter-ego, using his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. When his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in an alternative reality in which General Zod (yes, that Zod (or should that be sod!) from the Superman movies) has returned, threatening global annihilation, and there are no superheroes to turn to.

Plot aside, does it live up to the anticipation and hype generated by that first trailer?

Let me put it this way; The opening sequence alone is worth the ticket price. It is absolutely thrilling and if you’re not grinning like a Cheshire cat when it comes to the end of the chase, then this is probably not the film for you.

But it doesn’t stop there.

It builds and builds and the leaps into nostalgia gave me goosebumps and had me emotionally moved to realise this film has everything that I love, and have always loved, about movies and cinema. The jokes are well thought out, genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, and the action sequences are incredible. I couldn’t stop smiling whilst watching it. This is what cinema is all about!

The weedy Barry, played by Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)), is just the right level of tortured soul needed throughout, but one who commands the screen when in “Flash” mode.

Though, for me, it’s Michael Keaton’s Batman that steals the show. This is no slight on Ezra’s performance or the characters he portrays. Or any other of the supporting actors, who are all brilliant in their own right – especially Supergirl. But this, in any other guise, could almost be a Batman movie.

But, as I said before, The Flash’s visit to a nostalgic time and the numerous nods to previous incarnations of various superheroes, is an absolute joy to watch and experience. It almost left me tearful. I may well find myself revisiting the television series as a result.

It’s rare to find a movie that I can describe as faultless. But this, I feel, is certainly one.

If I had to describe The Flash in one word, it would be this:

Magnificent.

For more movie reviews, and articles and interviews from the world of film, check out my book, Cinema. Available at all good online bookstores and here.