Finally coming out this week is Andy Muschietti’s long-awaited film The Flash, which everyone on the planet seems to have seen except me and a dozen or so unlucky ones. Regardless, I’m still excited to see the flick, if only to see Michael Keaton’s critically acclaimed return as Batman. Also, it sounds like DC smuggled in an absurd amount of cameos for fans to rave about, not just from the current DCEU franchise, but from TV shows and movies from my youth.
Finally coming out this week is Andy Muschietti’s long-awaited film The Flash, which everyone on the planet seems to have seen except me and a dozen or so unlucky ones. Regardless, I’m still excited to see the flick, if only to see Michael Keaton’s critically acclaimed return as Batman. Also, it sounds like DC smuggled in an absurd amount of cameos for fans to rave about, not just from the current DCEU franchise, but from TV shows and movies from my youth.
To prepare for the upcoming event, here is a list of DC movies and TV shows to watch before The Flash.
man of Steel
That’s not too much of a spoiler, as the WB’s marketing team has featured Zod in literally every trailer for The Flash. From what I understand, when Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) messes up the space-time continuum, he goes up against Michael Shannon’s General Zod in an alternate version of the explosive finale of Man of Steel.
Of course, Henry Cavill’s Superman doesn’t appear (apart from a faceless cameo appearance). Instead, we’re treated to Supergirl by Sasha Calle, who hails from Zack Snyder’s more edgy superhero world. So make sure to check out Man of Steel – who knows, maybe most of you will finally realize how awesome it is!
justice league
Based on the footage I’ve seen, the various reviews, and YouTube videos, The Flash features the more obnoxious Barry we saw in Joss Whedon’s horrific Justice League movie, rather than the gorgeous superhero who got through time has rolled back to save the team Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It’s probably best to revisit Whedon’s cut to prepare for more of the same.
Batman and Batman Returns
Anyone who hasn’t seen Tim Burton’s Batman films should refresh their film stories. Batman is an absolute smash from start to finish, while Batman Returns is less of a Batman movie and more of a ridiculously dark comedy directed by Tim Burton, but nonetheless entertaining.
The caveat is that Keaton’s Bruce Wayne is barely a character in either film. Sure, the man looks great in a suit. He does a great job considering Burton’s lavish sets. However, aside from Batman/Bruce seeking revenge in the original film, Batman/Bruce does not progress through a character arc, particularly in “Returns” where Batman is relegated to what feels like an extended cameo. Therefore, the Burton films are essential for beginners, but not for The Flash. you dig
Warning, the following section contains spoilers. If you don’t want to know anything about the cameo appearances, quit the program right now. Everyone else, continue.
The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?
Speaking of Tim Burton, in the late ’90s, the man decided to confront Superman — more specifically, Superman’s death. Burton’s team was in the midst of production on the movie “Superman Lives” before WB pulled out and pulled the plug. Oh, and Nicolas Cage was cast to play the Man of Steel.
Why is that important? Well, according to several people who have seen The Flash, Cage’s Superman has a brief cameo and is actually pretty cool. Those who know the story behind the sequence will be cheering like rabid squirrels while others will be scratching their heads in confusion. Don’t be the latter. Watch The Death of Superman Lives documentary. It’s an incredibly fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the weirdest films to never make it to the big screen.
Superman: The Movie, Supergirl, Batman and Robin TV Show and Wonder Woman Clips
At a certain point, Barry/Flash will speed through time and encounter a series of alternate universes starring Christopher Reeves Superman, Helen Slater’s Supergirl, Adam West’s Batman and Linda Carter’s Wonder Woman, all brought to life via CGI. (On the other hand, some articles claim that most of these cameos have been scrapped, so what do I know?) Keep in mind that these are just short cameos, so you probably won’t remember “Supergirl” (it sucks!) or any of Adam West’s Batman or Linda Carter’s Wonder Woman episodes.
Each has its own old-school charm, but they’re incredibly dated and cheesy as hell. Check out the clips on YouTube and delve even further if you need to. Otherwise, stick with Richard Donner’s still engaging Superman: The Movie, then watch either cut of Superman II and stay away from Superman III and IV.
Also, as a bonus, check out George Reeves’ Superman TV series, which is old as hell but still insanely fun. I think he also shows up in The Flash.
Batman and Robin
And if you missed it or love pain, head over to Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin and watch George Clooney do whatever it takes to destroy his career. I’m guessing he’s the super secret cameo at the end of The Flash, which is cool, but also really…weird. I mean, kudos to Clooney for embracing his Batman atrocity – and thank the Hollywood gods for giving him a second chance! — but I find it bizarre that WB didn’t figure out how to involve Henry Cavill but managed to pay homage to one of the worst superhero movies of all time.