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A key issue is that The Flash failed to build the anticipation necessary to capitalize on its nostalgic elements and high-profile cameos. Instead of being front-loaded and highly anticipated, the movie appears to have suffered from a lack of genuine excitement, evidenced by poor word-of-mouth and lukewarm reviews.
Critical and Audience Reception
While some critics didn't outright pan The Flash, many conceded that it was a ‘middle-of-the-road’ film—neither particularly bad nor memorable. It’s a “mid” movie in many viewers’ eyes, lacking the spark or creativity needed to stand out amid the crowded superhero landscape. The hype—stemmed largely from nostalgia and the return of veteran actors—failed to translate into enthusiasm among moviegoers, resulting in a muted response.