Blue Beetle is a vibrant and heartfelt superhero film that introduces a new hero to the DC cinematic universe with a focus on family, identity, and the extraordinary power that comes from a person's heritage. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the movie is a refreshing departure from the usual superhero fare, blending high-octane action with a deeply personal, culturally-rich story.
The film centers on Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a recent college graduate who returns home to his family in Palmera City with a degree in hand and high hopes for the future. However, he soon discovers that his family is struggling financially, and the forces of gentrification are threatening to displace them from their home. Jaime, driven by a desire to help his family, takes a job working for Kord Industries, a powerful tech corporation, but he is quickly fired after he stands up for a co-worker.
During his brief time at the company, he has a fateful encounter with Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), the niece of the company’s ruthless CEO. She entrusts him with a mysterious object, a bio-organic alien artifact known as the Scarab. At home, while his family is gathered around him, the Scarab activates, attaching itself to Jaime’s spine and fusing with him. This ancient, alien technology transforms him into the superhero Blue Beetle, granting him a powerful exoskeleton, advanced weaponry, and incredible abilities.
Suddenly, Jaime is not just a young man trying to find a job; he is a beacon of power, a target for those who seek to harness the Scarab for their own ends. Kord Industries, led by its militaristic CEO, Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), is desperate to reclaim the Scarab and will stop at nothing to get it back.
Unlike most superhero movies where the hero keeps his identity a secret, Jaime's entire family is thrust into the chaos of his new life from the very beginning. His grandmother, his father, his mother, his sister, Milagro, and his Uncle Rudy (George Lopez) become his support system, his reluctant accomplices, and his moral compass. The film’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of the Reyes family. They are not just side characters; they are the heart and soul of the story. Their love, humor, and unwavering loyalty are what give Jaime the courage to fight. His family's collective strength becomes as important as the Scarab's power.
Blue Beetle is a joyful and action-packed film that celebrates Latino culture and family bonds. It's a coming-of-age story that combines stunning visual effects, a classic underdog narrative, and a powerful message about identity and heritage. The movie is not just about a superhero saving the day, but about a family coming together to fight for their home, their legacy, and their own kind of justice.
Blue Beetle is a 2023 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 61.
