Following release date shifts, scandals involving its star Ezra Miller and upheaval in the DC Extended Universe, The Flash has finally made it into cinemas, steered by It director Andy Muschietti. It sees Miller return in the role of the self-described ‘janitor of the Justice League’, an incomparably speedy superhero now able to travel back in time. When the Flash / Barry Allen decides to use this skill to prevent his mother’s death, he sets in motion a disastrous chain of events, involving Michael Shannon’s General Zod.

Without saying too much, the time and space-bending tale allows for Miller to take on another, even goofier part as the Flash’s younger, less-tormented self. It also features both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton as his mentor the Caped Crusader: the latter donning the Batsuit for the first time since 1992’s Batman Returns.

Miller takes ‘original Barry’ beyond the irritating sidekick from previous DC efforts, but fares less well with ‘Barry junior’. There’s so much going on here that Shannon’s returning villain feels tacked on and the film’s female contingent are nothing to shout about; if Sasha Calle makes a striking Supergirl, she’s saddled with a cardboard character, while actresses of Kiersey Clemons and Saoirse-Monica Jackson's (Derry Girls) calibre are stuck on the sidelines.

There’s ample imagination in the execution and a sometimes irresistible sense of playfulness, but the manifestations of this film’s multiverse-related madness can be a bit of an ‘uncanny valley’ filled mess. However, seeing Keaton back as Batman is a blast and one of the more notable moments of spectacle and surprise in this occasionally fun blockbuster.

The Flash is in cinemas from Thursday 15 June.