The Flash Movie On Streaming You Should Actually Watch
The 2013 direct-to-video animated superhero film Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is currently streaming on Max. The film is based on the 2011 DC Comics crossover event titled Flashpoint, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Andy Kubert, and is directed by Jay Oliva. Like the recent Ezra Miller movie The Flash, the story revolves around Barry Allen.
The Flashpoint Paradox begins with the Flash facing off against his arch-enemy, Professor Zoom, who taunts the speedster about his mother’s death. The next day, Barry’s powers are gone, his mother is alive, the Justice League does not exist, and Iris is happily married to someone else. The world is on the brink of destruction due to a war between Atlantis and Themyscira.
Barry visits Wayne Manor, but his arrival is met with hostility from Batman, who is not Bruce Wayne but instead his father, Thomas Wayne. Barry attempts to explain the situation and tries to show him his Flash suit. But the gear in his ring belongs to Professor Zoom, leading Barry to suspect Zoom’s involvement in altering the timeline.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and the Ezra Miller movie The Flash have some common elements due to both drawing inspiration from the Flashpoint storyline.
Batman, convinced of Barry’s sincerity, assists him in recreating the accident that granted him his powers. Unfortunately, the attempt fails, leaving Barry severely injured. Meanwhile, as a result of the flashpoint paradox, warriors from Atlantis and Themyscira continue to wage war, causing chaos on Earth.
Back at the Batcave, as Barry realizes that his memories are changing, he implores Batman to recreate the accident again. The second attempt proves successful, restoring Barry’s powers. However, he cannot time travel, as Zoom also harnesses the Speed Force. Barry recruits Superman, who the US Government imprisoned after his ship crashes into Metropolis.
With the help of Batman and Cyborg, they manage to free him. Powered by Earth’s yellow sun, Superman defeats the facility’s security personnel before fleeing in fear and confusion. Barry’s condition worsens as his memories change due to the flashpoint paradox, and he is taken to Billy Batson’s residence to recover.
The film’s mature themes and darker tone were a strong point for a superhero animated film.
Zoom eventually reveals himself and subjects Barry to a brutal beating. He reveals that Barry is responsible for the alternate timeline, as his attempts to save his mother by traveling back in time shattered the fabric of reality, resulting in a flashpoint paradox. Toward the end of the film, Batman urges Barry to run and hands him a letter addressed to Bruce.
Barry races back in time, intercepting his past self, further fracturing time, and generating a new timeline. He awakens at his desk, with everything seemingly back to normal. He visits Bruce, sharing the details of the flashpoint paradox, and hands him the letter from his father. Bruce expresses gratitude before Barry races off.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox received mostly positive reviews from fans and critics. It was praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material, engaging storyline, and well-executed action sequences. Critics also appreciated the voice acting and character development. The film’s mature themes and darker tone were a strong point for a superhero animated film.
The Flashpoint Paradox featured several notable voice actors, including Justin Chambers as Barry Allen/The Flash, Kevin McKidd as Thomas Wayne/Batman, C. Thomas Howell as Eobard Thawne/Reverse-Flash, Michael B. Jordan as Victor Stone/Cyborg, Nathan Fillion as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, and Ron Perlman as Slade Wilson/Deathstroke.
Dana Delany voiced Lois Lane, with Vanessa Marshall as Wonder Woman, Cary Elwes as Aquaman, Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Sam Daly as Clark Kent/Superman. These talented voice actors brought their characters to life and contributed to the overall quality of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.
Flashpoint Comic Event
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is based on the Flashpoint comic book event, which ran through a limited series and several tie-in issues in 2011. The event was a major crossover storyline that significantly impacted the comic books. Like the movie, it depicted an alternate reality caused by Barry Allen’s time-traveling actions and featured a darker, more twisted version of the DC Universe.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and the Ezra Miller movie The Flash have some common elements due to both drawing inspiration from the Flashpoint storyline. The most significant difference is that the animated film primarily focuses on the impact on the Justice League members. In contrast, the live-action movie also focuses on Barry Allen dealing with the multiverse.
While The Flash has been deemed a failure by some viewers and critics, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is considered one of the standout entries in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, and it continues to be well-regarded among fans of DC Comics and animated superhero films.
