An alien scarab chooses Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the recent college graduate with a suit of armour that's capable of extraordinary powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, Blue Beetle brings a lesser-known superhero, Jaime Reyes, to the forefront, aiming to introduce him to a wider audience. Jamie Reyes, played by the talented Xolo Maridueña, is the second Blue Beetle after Ted Kord, and his story unfolds in Palmera City (essentially Miami), where he returns after studying pre-law in Gotham City.
One of the refreshing aspects of Blue Beetle is its strong emphasis on family. Jamie's family, including his dour yet amusing sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), loving parents Rocio (Elpidia Carrillo) and Alberto (Damián Alcázar), Nana (Adriana Barraza), and wildcard uncle Rudy Reyes (George Lopez), plays a central role in the narrative. Their family home in Edge Keys is facing eviction, adding a layer of real-world struggle to the story.
The film doesn't break new ground in terms of superhero origin stories. Instead, it echoes the journey of Peter Parker learning to handle his Spider-Man powers, including the struggle to sync up with Khaji-Da, the alien entity that empowers Jamie. While this makes Jamie somewhat passive as a character, his family takes on active roles, keeping the film engaging.
Blue Beetle stands out in its cultural specificity, which is a rarity in superhero movies. The film celebrates Latino communities and their voices, portraying a family deeply involved in the hero's journey. Although the world-ending stakes aren't as prominent, the film's grounding in reality adds depth to the narrative.
Victoria Kord, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, embodies privileged white America, representing interference in other countries' democracies, colonialism, and racial abuse against Latino people. Even the chief henchman, Conrad Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo), has his own scars, adding complexity to the antagonists.
The cinematography by Pawel Pogorzelski is rich and colorful, complementing the story without being overwhelmed by CGI effects. While CGI is used, it serves the film's tone well and isn't as distracting as in many higher-budget superhero movies.
Xolo Maridueña shines as Jamie, portraying a young adult thrust into an unpredictable life. He also excels as the son who realizes the sacrifices made by his family. George Lopez, Damián Alcázar, Belissa Escobedo, and Adriana Barraza all have their moments to shine, adding warmth and emotional gravitas to the family dynamic.
Blue Beetle may have its moments where it feels familiar, following the typical hero's journey formula, but its focus on celebrating the community and addressing real-world struggles is essential. The film functions much like other superhero origin stories, featuring a symbiote that enhances its host's abilities, reminiscent of Spider-Man and Iron Man.
Originally intended as a streaming-only title, Blue Beetle exceeds expectations with its genuine affection for the character, 1980s action film treatment, and pride in Latino representation. However, the third act turns into standard action territory, lacking a lasting impact despite Soto's direction and Maridueña's performance.
If there's a weak link in the cast, it's Susan Sarandon, who falls into supervillain cliches. Despite this, Blue Beetle offers a pleasant surprise in a DC Extended Universe that has had its ups and downs. It tells a self-contained story without overshadowing its star with Batman or Wonder Woman cameos.
The film's villains, an evil corporation reminiscent of RoboCop, serve as a suitable antagonist for Jaime Reyes' journey. The family ensemble, with their palpable chemistry, adds heart to the film. They aren't mere side characters but integral to Jaime's superhero evolution.
Blue Beetle takes its time to build emotional weight, balancing high-octane action with authentic humor and a heartfelt narrative. It's a refreshing and fun superhero film that, despite falling into some tired tropes, stands out for its representation and familial bonds.
Most importantly, Blue Beetle marks a significant milestone as the first Latino superhero brought to the big screen. The film underscores the value of home and community, even in the face of a villain trying to take it all away. It's a charming and culturally rich addition to the superhero genre, offering a fresh perspective and underrepresented culture onscreen.
Blue Beetle is in NZ cinemas from September 14, 2023