Blue Beetle is an enjoyable breath of fresh air, seeped in comic book legacy, with tons of easter eggs and faithful visuals to excite long time readers, all while injecting some joy and simplistic fun into the dark and brooding world of the former DCEU.
However, it doesn’t quite capture the Spider-Manesque innocence of the teenage comicbook counterpart who, along with an unworldly amount of power, must shoulder the burden of responsibility. Instead the spotlight and the standout moments are shared between the ensemble, creating a movie more closely resembling The Mitchells vs The Machines (2021), than any superhero movie yet to debut on the big screen.
Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), the titular Blue Beetle, still possesses the same level of maturity, clumsiness, and endearing qualities that make him so relatable on the inked page, despite being a few years older than his comic book counterpart. His fear and excitement paired with a hefty dollop of confusion grants the audience the ability to sync up with the characters emotions, as we go on an emotional journey of acceptance, grief and accountability together.
Blue Beetle gets a lot of things right, nevertheless, I did have some gripes, starting with my ambivalent feelings on the Reyes family…
Jaime’s connection with each of his family members feels genuine and acts as an anchor to reality as his world is flipped upside down when an intergalactic scarab of immense power latches and burrows into his skin, providing a horrific and faithful adaptation of his first transformation into the Blue Beetle, filled with moments of body horror and terrifying visuals, the tension is diluted, like it is throughout the movie, with jolts of comic relief, most of which are provided by George Lopez’s Uncle Rudy.
A large component to the movie and Blue Beetle as a character, is that of his family. As tight knit as tenagos (Mexican Otomi embroidery), they work and sacrifice for one and another, suiting up multiple times throughout the film to fight alongside Jaime with the help of former Blue Beetle, Ted Kord’s spectacular and wacky inventions, at times proving more competent than the superpowered extra-terrestrial intelligence piloting the blue beetle suit in tandem with Jaime.
The family dialogue was well written, with small details and traditions littered throughout to create a natural dynamic, even if there were snippets of interactions between family members that were frustrating, unnecessary, and ultimately, over the top. I know that may sound silly or contradictory, in regard to a superhero movie about a down on his luck Mexican university graduate who comes into possession of a life altering alien fossil stuffed inside of a burger box, buuuuutttt it truly felt a little too much at times. Maybe that’s just me, its subjective, as are all my reviews, I still thoroughly enjoyed the movie and can only describe my experiences and emotions in a limited extent through the use of the written word.
With niche references and experiences specifically tailored to honour the heritage of Jaime Reyes, the new Blue Beetle, introduced within Infinite Crisis No3 (2005). Those of Mexican descent will feel a sense of pride, as well as more deeply enjoy the bombardment of gags, many of which went over my head but had my fellow movie goers in stitches, none more so than the repeated appearance of El Chapulín Colorado (a prominent Mexican TV Superhero).
I hope you allow yourself to enjoy Blue Beetle as I did, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and there is plenty to be celebrated in the first silver screen depiction of a treasured DC character.
Reading Recommendations :
Infinite Crisis (2005) – The first appearance of Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle. Written by Geoff Jonhs and Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway on art.
Graduation Day (2023) – A more playful yet action packed depiction of a teenage Jaime attempting to balance his high school senior year and his superhero exploits. Written by Josh Truijlo with art by Adrian Guiterrez.
Blue & Gold (2022) – Dan Jurgens’ superhero buddy cop shenanigans, featuring more goof than glory as Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle, teams up with his best friend and fellow hero Booster Gold. Timeless art by Ryan Sook.
Justice League International (1987) - Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis’ run on JLI is a defining period within the Justice League’s history, one that many people consider the best. With a roster that includes Batman, Shazam and Doctor Fate, Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle holds his own and becomes a vital component in the earth’s protection.
