PG-13 | 2h 7m | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | 2023
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has had its share of ups and downs in recent times. While 2019’s “Shazam!” did pretty well financially and critically, its 2022’s spin-off “Black Adam” wasn’t as well-regarded.
A year later in 2023, Warner Bros. Pictures distributed DC franchise-produced, “Blue Beetle” and while it struggled financially, its narrative—based on the importance of family and using violence to protect, not to aggressively harm others, is a whole lot more wholesome, and frankly, a breath of fresh air in these cynical times.
This is a delightful superhero origin tale centered around Latino protagonist Jaime Reyes (portrayed by the radiant Xolo Maridueña). It offers an uplifting and refreshing departure from typical superhero fare. Proudly embracing its identity as a Latino superhero movie, it seamlessly integrates relevant themes without feeling forced or clichéd.
Dealing With Adversity
Jaime has returned from college to his family’s home in the fictional Palmera City, a place reminiscent of Miami with all of its neon lights and floral colors. Initially excited to help his family improve their situation with his new pre-law degree, Jaime soon discovers that his father Alberto (Damián Alcázar) recently had a heart attack. Not only is Alberto still recovering, but the family also faces the threat of losing their beloved home in a few months due to financial difficulties.The first in his family to graduate from college, Jaime isn’t about to throw in the towel, and soon his spunky sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) gets him a job where she works, at the opulent home of Victoria Kord (played by an icy Susan Sarandon), CEO of Kord Industries.
Victoria’s niece, Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), disapproves of the direction Victoria has taken the company since her father’s apparent death. Rather than benefiting people, Victoria has twisted its goals toward military applications. This shift has caused friction between Victoria and Jenny.
During one of their heated arguments, Jaime steps in to defend Jenny. During the confrontation, Jaime encounters Victoria’s grim bodyguard, Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo), who nearly attacks him until Milagro intervenes and distracts the menacing figure. Incidentally, Carapax wears a prototype of the company’s One Man Army Corps (OMAC) logo on his body.
The cold and calculating Victoria fires Jaime and Milagro on the spot. However, Jenny, who is similarly kind-hearted like Jaime, offers him employment before they leave.
Unknown to Jenny, Victoria discovered an ancient relic—an alien scarab—during an expedition to Antarctica. This relic is capable of bestowing superhuman powers, but there’s a catch: The sentient scarab will only grant these powers to someone of its choosing, and it only selects good-natured people.
When Jaime shows up later at Jenny’s business to follow up on the job offer, he finds her just after she has discovered the alien scarab. Thinking quickly, Jenny hides the powerful relic in a fast-food container and hands it to Jaime, instructing him not to peek inside.
A Well-Designed Hero
I truly appreciated the design of the Blue Beetle. In a breathtaking sequence, we witness the alien synthesizing itself with its chosen host. Even if the host, in this case, Jaime Reyes, may not be the most skilled fighter or strategist, the alien mitigates this weakness by initially taking control of his body.Gradually, as he learns to control the bonded suit’s extraordinary capabilities, including the ability to form any object or weapon Jaime can imagine, he becomes a much more effective combatant.
I also relished the playful banter among the Reyes family members. Much of this enjoyable dialogue is delivered by the family’s black sheep, affectionately known as Uncle Rudy (played by a hilariously spirited George Lopez).
The film is a lively mix of super-powered CGI feats and a heartfelt theme involving the Reyes family’s struggle to save their home. This, coupled with the comedic antics between them, keeps the movie moving at an energetic pace, ensuring the just over two-hour running time never feels like a drag.
The Blue Beetle emerges as a noble superhero, so averse to wanton violence that it’s amusing to watch him apologize to some of the villains he’s forced to defend himself against. This wholesome message should resonate with viewers of all ages. The film delivers positive and valuable lessons, culminating in an inspirational punch during its final dramatic conflict.
