Blue Beetle review: DCU's formula for reinvention is predictable yet fun

Blue Beetle was an intriguing entry from DCU. All the popular superheroes have already received their live-action films in some capacity. Mainstay superheroes were featured in Justice League (2017), while the ‘B-team’ Justice Society of America was seen in Black Adam (2022). Similarly, Shazam (2019) and Suicide Squad (2021) also put some of the lesser-known names on display. Amongst the lot, Blue Beetle is not a superhero who pops up too frequently in popular culture.

This makes Blue Beetle the ideal choice for a superhero to be explored next in the DCU. After the release of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021), all three theatrical films—Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), and The Flash (2023)—were underwhelming. They were also unprofitable at the box office as well, with The Flash now being labeled as the biggest box office disaster in the superhero genre. Blue Beetle turns out to be an entry similar to Shazam (2019), as the unexpected DCU film became an unlikely hit due to its lighthearted nature and family setting. Blue Beetle has that going for it, but does it entertain the audience like Shazam once did?

3 things you need to know: 

• Blue Beetle was released on August 18, 2023. 
• It is the first live-action feature film for the titular superhero.
• Blue Beetle has a lot of heart, but it seems overly childish at times.

HOT TAKE 

Blue Beetle’s attempt at highlighting the Latino community and culture is its greatest strength. Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) is a 22-year-old Pre-Law graduate who comes from a vibrant Latino family. This is an aspect that makes the film an emotional affair at times. We see Jamie and his family go through the adversities of life in a way that is unusual to be portrayed in a superhero film. This helps Blue Beetle deliver the way Shazam had.

(The Reyes family in Blue Beetle | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

Is Blue Beetle worth the hype?

Blue Beetle is not the most exciting film from the DCU. It did not receive the extensive marketing push that was behind The Flash or even Black Adam for that matter. However, several X (formerly known as Twitter) users were excited about the Blue Beetle film. Let’s see if it was worth the hype.

(Xolo Maridueña as Blue Beetle | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

An interesting visual spectacle 

Blue Beetle contrasts socioeconomic inequalities of the Reyes family with an overly spectacular capitalistic empire of Kord Industries. Kord Industries is futuristic, and for some reason, full of violet lights, which had a lot of visual effects at play. From an aesthetic point of view, Blue Beetle’s CGI and visual effects range from fantastic to overkill. This is something that happens throughout the film. 

Speaking of CGI, Blue Beetle’s suit looks well-designed. It is perhaps the best CGI presentation of a super-suit in the DCU. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the look and feel of the villain Carapax (Raoul Trujillo). After a certain point, it just starts looking unrealistic, which takes the fun out of the film to a certain degree. 

(The Blue Beetle suit is entirely made using CGI, and does not seem rough around the edges | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

A painfully obvious plot

The plot for Blue Beetle is something that would have been considered pivotal in the late 90s. A hero, who isn’t ready to take the responsibility, is thrust into a situation that forces him to find courage, all the while balancing a side romance and a death in the family. Even though the performances by Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo, and others are believable enough to keep the film engaging, the plot tends to be predictable every now and again.

There are a number of inconsistencies as well which are likely to leave a bitter taste in the mouth. This is due to the fact that the flick tries to depict the harsh realities of life, which is not congruent with what the superhero genre usually features. Susan Sarandon, who has been a brilliant performer throughout her long Hollywood career, is burdened with the role of a stereotypical villainess Victoria Kord. 

(Sarah Sarandon as Victoria Kord | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

Xolo Maridueña saves the film

All discrepancies aside, Xolo Maridueña is the heart of Blue Beetle. There are times when Jaime Reyes feels a touch similar to Marvel’s Miles Morales Spider-Man (Steve Ditko created Blue Beetle and co-created Spider-Man), and it’s an extremely refreshing energy on the screen. His dynamic with the whole family is worth watching. It is also most pleasant to see him share the screen with his Nana (Adriana Barraza), who also packs an unlikely surprise. 

(Xolo Maridueña's Jaime Reyes upon finding the Scarab | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

Watch it or skip it?

Blue Beetle, despite the limited marketing, is worth it. At its core, its is a formulaic yet conceptually sound film that features heartwarming performances. Even though it does seem like at least five films you might have seen in the past, it’s heart is in the right place. 

It’s much like Wonder Woman (2017) or The Suicide Squad (2021), which inspired hope for the superhero cinematic universe when it seemed to be heading for failure after a series of flops. 

(A still from Blue Beetle | Image: BlueBeetle/X)

Bottomline 

Blue Beetle might be just another superhero film, but it does justice to the joyful yet lethal disposition of the character. Not only is this film fantastic at allowing viewers to follow the plot, but it also sets up the future for the character in the DCU. If you loved Shazam, then give Blue Beetle a watch.

Rating: 3/5