DC’s The Flash was recently included in Variety critics Owen Gleiberman and Peter Debruge’s lists of the worst films of 2023. Debruge wrote that along with other recent superhero disappointments like Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, The Flash capped a rough year for the genre. The troubled Flash production has faced intense scrutiny due to star Ezra Miller’s legal controversies. But Variety focused its criticism on the artistic merits of the film itself.
What did Variety dislike about The Flash?
Variety critic Peter Debruge said that while Miller demonstrates charisma in the role, director Andy Muschietti “torches whatever goodwill” with choices like the “gonzo falling-babies opening scene” and “terrible visual effects.” He disapproved of the decision to trap the hero in a “space-time bubble so that DC can get in on the already-stale multiverse craze.”
The Flash’s failure closes a disappointing 12 months for comic book adaptations. Though Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar 2 topped the box office, most superhero films fell short of expectations. Marvel Studios releases like Ant-Man 3, Thor 4, and Black Panther 2 saw declining grosses. The troubled The Flash stalled out at just $167 million worldwide. And Shazam 2 came in far below projections.
What’s the future outlook for superhero movies?
The next year should indicate whether the genre is experiencing audience fatigue. Marvel has banked on sequels like Guardians 3 and The Marvels. Meanwhile, new DC Studios leadership James Gunn and Peter Safran plan a reboot, starting with Gunn’s Superman film. If these big-budget films continue to underperform, it may confirm the superhero genre has hit saturation.
For now, reviewers seem to agree that 2023 represented more lows than highs. With its production troubles and critical drubbing, The Flash may have marked a new nadir. But upcoming films will determine if studios can get audiences back on board.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Variety call The Flash one of the worst films of 2023?
Critic Peter Debruge said Miller showed charisma in the role but that director Andy Muschietti undercut it with choices like the falling-babies opening scene and weak visual effects.
How much money did The Flash make at the box office?
The film stalled out at just $167 million worldwide, part of a rough year that also saw Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels underperform.
What is next for DC Studios after The Flash’s poor reception?
New DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran are planning a reboot, starting with Gunn’s Superman film.
