'The Flash' Earns Widespread Praise at CinemaCon Debut Despite Ezra Miller Controversy
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The DC Universe has a lot riding on The Flash, its upcoming superhero tentpole from Warner Bros. that's been mired in controversy related to star Ezra Miller's erratic off-screen behavior. But while the film's fate has seemed rocky in recent months, the debut of an unfinished cut at CinemaCon on Tuesday night drew widespread praise.
The event, which primarily targets movie exhibitors but also included some journalists, was one of the first public-facing looks at the film. And while viewers weren't entirely an objective group of critics, their reactions nonetheless gave us the first taste of how audiences might receive the upcoming release. Many heaped praise on the film, with some even citing it as one of the best superhero films of all time.
DC's superhero universe has earned up-and-down reviews from critics and moviegoing audiences over the years, and is in the midst of a reboot led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The fate of The Flash, in particular, seemed to hang in the balance as Miller faced a seemingly never-ending series of arrests and public controversies related to assault, disorderly conduct, and even allegations of grooming a minor. The star announced they were entering treatment for "complex mental health issues" last August.
While early word of mouth was positive, other critics noted that Miller's past actions should not be so easily forgiven or brushed aside. The film is set to release on June 16.
Check out some of the first reactions below:
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 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.
WB didn’t show the after the credits scenes. pic.twitter.com/J8KsdrKVwz— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 26, 2023
THE FLASH: First hr is pretty fantastic. Strikes the perfect tone. Ezra is great. Heroic. Funny. Emotional. The last hr is MOSTLY terrible. Just an utter mess that’ll leave you asking, “what the HELL is going on?” Fan service & DC villain problem strike again. Mixed bag overall.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) April 26, 2023
Sasha Calle is fantastic as Supergirl but unfortunately quite underused (so far!) And yes, I'm aware of - and conflicted by - the very problematic nature of certain stars & elements. So just a reminder that animated flick The Flashpoint Paradox & the Flashpoint novel are SO GOOD pic.twitter.com/qzDxtPcrgl
— Nicola Austin (@nicola_aus) April 26, 2023
#TheFlashMovie is cinematic fire! This film is a stunning piece of art that will leave you wanting more. It stands out as one of the best DC movies ever made. The action is fantastic and it has a great balance of comedy and emotional beats. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/rbBoHE7Czr
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) 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
BELIEVE THE HYPE! Christopher Nolan movies aside, #TheFlashMovie is the GREATEST DC movie of the last 30 years that belongs in the same conversation as SUPERMAN 78 and BATMAN 89. The movie breaks incredible new ground in superhero cinema & honors DC lore of years past. #TheFlash pic.twitter.com/zGkhpfjlsl
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) April 26, 2023
Believe the hype: #TheFlash is better than being choke-slammed to the ground outside a bar in Iceland. By the end of the movie, you'll feel like you got away with multiple crimes in Hawaiʻi and are anchoring a massive tentpole superhero film with virtually no consequences.
— Alex Zalben (@azalben) 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
