Warner Bros. and DC seem to think that what we really need is yet another superhero movie following the same tired formula of a young man discovering his powers and fighting for justice. But what we actually need is something fresh and unexpected, like a superhero movie centered around a badass grandmother with a secret revolutionary past. And guess what? “Blue Beetle,” which hits theaters this Friday, delivers exactly that.
Credit should be given to the film for including a rebel grandmother who, although not the titular superhero, adds warmth and charm to this otherwise formulaic superhero flick. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, “Blue Beetle” follows the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a recent college graduate who returns home to find his family struggling financially. While searching for a job, Jaime crosses paths with Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), the stylish heiress of Kord Industries, a massive tech company run by her great-aunt Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon). When Jenny hands Jaime a stolen scarab hidden in a fast-food box, he discovers that the beetle is a sentient ancient alien tech that can fuse with his body, granting him incredible abilities such as flight, rapid healing, and the power to create any weapon he imagines. With Victoria aiming to retrieve the beetle and create armies of destruction, Jaime must protect it, his family, and the world.
Although “Blue Beetle” follows a predictable narrative, with the tragic death in Jaime’s origin story being telegraphed from a mile away, it includes the usual superhero tropes such as the protagonist struggling with newfound powers, lackluster battles reminiscent of a child’s playtime, and cliché moral lessons. The film’s story, along with its underwhelming visual effects and uninspiring direction, unfortunately contribute to a lackluster and unremarkable viewing experience that fails to captivate the audience.
However, the strength of “Blue Beetle” lies in the ensemble scenes featuring the Reyes family, which are delightful and unexpectedly enjoyable. Jaime’s parents (Damían Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo) provide emotional support through sentimental dialogue, but it is his younger sister, Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), who steals the show with her sassy and blunt remarks about their family’s race, class, and social status. Uncle Rudy (George Lopez), with his raccoon tail-like beard, adds a touch of wild-card genius and delivers well-timed one-liners with comedic perfection. And let’s not forget Nana, played by Adriana Barraza, who is ready to steal the whole film with her character’s depth and complexity.
Unfortunately, Maridueña as the hero lacks the charisma and humor needed to truly captivate the audience. Despite his baby face, puppy-dog eyes, and impressive Stamos-esque hair, he fails to bring an actual personality to the role. The romantic chemistry between Maridueña’s Jaime and Marquezine’s Jenny is as exciting as a jar of mayonnaise paired with a pickle.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of “Blue Beetle” is its attempt to inject a rudimentary touch of politics into its otherwise formulaic narrative. Early in the film, Milagro tells Jaime that their superpower lies in being invisible to the wealthier class, like the Kords. Living in the poor part of a fictional city, Palmera City, which exists within the same universe as Superman’s Metropolis and Batman’s Gotham City, Jaime is forced to endure racial microaggressions, including mispronunciations of his name. While these elements attempt to address social issues, they feel superficial and fail to explore the complexities of immigrant experiences.
Despite its shortcomings, “Blue Beetle” succeeds in capturing Latin culture through subtle references, such as a cameo of “El Chapulín Colorado,” a Mexican superhero TV series. These moments effectively communicate a particular cultural experience, albeit better than the film’s overt nods to the struggles faced by immigrant families. Jaime’s journey becomes an extension of his family’s immigration story, serving as a not-so-subtle metaphor for tenacity, endurance, and a critique of militarism and profiteering from war.
In a saturated market of insect-themed superheroes, “Blue Beetle” with its mandibles or without, fails to make a lasting impression. However, it is still worth a watch if you enjoy the dynamic of a beloved and chaotic family unit, and if you’re in the mood for a superhero film with a unique twist. Just don’t expect it to revolutionize the genre.
“Blue Beetle” is rated PG-13 for sassy innuendos and the squashing of villains in violent fashion. The running time of the film is 2 hours and 7 minutes. Catch it in theaters now.
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