Movie review: The Flash (Season 1)

Nine months after being struck by lightning forensics expert Barry Allen awakens from his coma to find he now has super speed. On a quest to discover what changed him Barry teams up with the group of scientists who are responsible and who help him fight crime in Central City as he becomes The Flash.

Grant Gustin (Barry/Flash), Candice Patton (Iris West), Jesse Martin (Joe West), Tom Cavanagh (Dr. Wells), Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin), Carlos Valdes (Cisco), Rick Cosnett (Eddie), Patrick Sabongui (Capt. Singh).

The Flash begins nicely showing us how Barry got his powers before several episodes of the first season lead us through his adjusting to his new powers and learning to use them. Aimed at younger audiences the story then develops some drama and interpersonal struggles before a larger plot is revealed. Finding a good pace the larger plot is explored and moved forward all while Barry and his team deal with a constantly maturing crop of super villains. The result is a fairly engaging series that does a nice job of bringing the comic book hero to life in a live role-playing adventure.

Acting was reasonably well done with Gustin maturing well through the series. Patton was enjoyable and works well as a drama generator. Cavanagh was a good choice filling the role of hidden antagonist nicely. Panabaker, Valdes, Cosnett and Martin all fit well and delivered nicely throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable with nice production value. CGI was fairly extensive at times but necessary for the series theme and was well done with good detail. Dialogue moves between comedy and drama constantly but keeps the parallel storylines moving forward at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack are well done.

The Flash may be aimed at younger viewers but overall is a well done adaptation to television. The story feels fairly in-line with the comic series and seems to be maturing nicely. Fans of the comic or live-action adaptations should enjoy this one which is also a good choice for family movie night.

With some action violence and mild sexuality, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 12.20.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Action & Adventure, Comic Book & Superhero TV, TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Fantasy, Action Adventure

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Follow me for reviews as they are posted!