An In-Depth Analysis of Flash in The Justice League Movie

In the 2017 blockbuster The Justice League, the character of Flash, based on the DC comics, appeared in a much-anticipated but ultimately underwhelming portrayal. Many fans, myself included, felt that the character's potential was overlooked. In this article, we will explore the missed opportunities and suggest how Flash could have been depicted to better serve the story and enhance the overall cinematic experience.

An Ideal Portrayal of Flash

Flash, the ultra-speedy superhero from Central City, could have been a much more formidable and compelling character if he had been portrayed differently in the film. Instead of the stereotypical clumsy and somewhat cartoonish quicksilver, Flash should have been presented as a confident, compassionate, and physically fit figure.

Key to this ideal portrayal would be:

Compassion and Intelligence: Flash should have demonstrated a deep sense of empathy and understanding. His heroism and speed should have been harnessed to help others, showcasing his intelligence and, crucially, not just for comedic or destructive purposes. Master of Kinetic Energy: Flash's true power lies in his mastery of kinetic energy. The film should have focused on showcasing this element more prominently, perhaps through complex and visually stunning action sequences. Physical Fitness: Flash should have been depicted as a physically fit and even muscular individual, in keeping with the rules of his world and his superhuman abilities.

Improving Flash's Characterization

In The Justice League, Flash was regrettably portrayed in a way that was both physically awkward and emotionally shallow. His lack of confidence and disdain for fighting were significant flaws. These elements detracted from the character's potential, reducing him to a joke rather than a powerful superhero.

Instead, Flash should have been shown as the master of kinetic energy, with scenes that emphasized his speed and agility. This would have been analogous to how Quicksilver was portrayed in the Avengers: Age of Ultron with a sleek, confident demeanor and superior combat skills.

Why The Justice League Needed a Better Flash

There are several factors that contributed to the lackluster depiction of Flash in The Justice League. Firstly, DC/Warner Bros. made significant missteps in the planning and execution of their cinematic universe. These missteps were particularly evident with the release of Man of Steel and subsequent films that followed a disjointed and unfocused storyline.

Instead of a haphazard release schedule, a well-sequenced plan could have significantly improved the overall quality of the films in the DC Extended Universe. Here are some specific recommendations for an ideal timeline:

Cyborg - The Flash (2014 Christmas release): Having this film released early would have provided a foundation for the universe and introduced the character of Flash prominently. Aquaman (Spring 2015): This addition would have built further on the expanding universe and introduced new elements to the story. Batman: The Raid or Dredd Style Flick (Late Summer 2015): This would have delved into Batman’s psyche and relationship with Superman, enriching the narrative. Wonder Woman (Spring 2016): The introduction of this character would have provided a strong female presence and further expanded the scope of the universe. Green Lantern Corps (Summer 2016): Adding this film would have further populated the universe with iconic characters. Pre-JL Film with Batman and Superman (Spring 2017): This could have set the stage for the main Justice League film, providing background and context. Justice League - With Cliffhanger (Summer 2017): The initial film would have had a strong setup for the second entry. DC Villain/ Dark Film (Fall 2017): Providing a contrast to the league films with a dark, antagonistic storyline would have given the audience a different side of the universe. Cyborg - The Flash II (Fall 2018): A sequel could have expanded the Flash’s storyline and introduced Tomorrow Woman. Wonder Woman II (Spring 2019): A follow-up to the original film to continue expanding the universe. Green Lantern Corps II (Summer 2019): Bringing back the Green Lantern Corps and including Superman would have rounded out the universe further. Another DC Villain/Dark Film (Fall 2019): Repeating the contrasted narrative style with another dark film.

The timeline above would have provided a structured and cohesive cinematic universe, offering a more satisfying and engaging viewing experience for the audience.

Conclusion

In summary, the depiction of Flash in The Justice League was a missed opportunity. By presenting a more intelligent, compassionate, and physically fit Flash, the film could have been enriched with a more compelling hero and a stronger overall narrative. The strategic ordering of film releases as suggested would have also provided a more organized and comprehensive universe, highlighting the importance of careful planning in the success of any cinematic project.