‘Blue Beetle’: DC Studios Found Its Fun Again
“El Escarabajo Azul Regresa … ”
Mission; Texas — Viva la raza, we finally got one and boy is he good! The newest film in the DC universe, “Blue Beetle,” is a fun time for everybody, with a massive heart and lots of soul.
Our story follows Jaime Reyes, a university graduate who returned from college to his hometown of Palmera City. Here, we meet his tight knit loving family who are in fear of losing their house due to gentrification from Kord Industries, who also wants to control an alien piece of technology known as “the scarab.” Said scarab then chooses Jaime as his host as he is now thrust into becoming a superhero.
As a superhero film, it feels paint-by-numbers as it is a basic origin story. Call to action, hero’s journey, etc. What separates this story is how it is unabashedly Mexican. The egging on, the attention, the references to “El Chapulín Colorado,” “Sábado Gigante” — you can tell this was written by an actual Mexican rather than a person who thinks we just speak Spanish every other word. As the post movie afterglow begins to wear off, I can see many Mexican kids feeling inspired and calling this movie their version of “Black Panther.”
Was it perfect? No.
The story is a basic origin story that does not deviate at all from the norm. And as a personal gripe, I am tired of heroes being “I’m not a killer.” It fits for Batman and other heroes, but after the events of this film, I wanted to see some blood on Jaime’s hands. I always compare these moments to “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” where the Guardians go through henchmen like wet paper mache.
Call me dark and angry, but that is my opinion.
Xolo Maridueña is amazing. If his performance in “Cobra Kai” wasn’t enough to show his star power, this is it. He sells the fact that he is a man who had greatness thrust upon him. Not to mention how George Lopez steals the show as Jaime’s uncle Rudy.
This film is wonderfully Latino and a fun action comedy that will pull on your heartstrings as well. 4.5 Big Belly Burgers out of 5.
Oh, stay tuned for two scenes after the credits roll.
Guillermo Guzman (he/him/they) is a Texas based nerd who loves talking about video games, autism, and entertainment. Follow him on Instagram: @boofy_booferson and Twitter: @Dimpy_Tenders.
Edited by Nykeya Woods