This review was published during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023. Blue Beetle would not exist without the labour of its writers, director, actors, and the many departments integral to the filmmaking process. Learn more about the demands of actors and writers here.
“I could use that arsenal right about now!” –Jaime Reyes
Fifteen years after films such as Iron Man and The Dark Knight promised Hollywood that superheroes would be the future, Blue Beetle arrives to try and make a name for itself in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). In a pop culture landscape a new story about a struggling person going through a radical change to get abilities beyond their imagination is very common. Ángel Manuel Soto knew he had to do something different with Jaime Reyes’ (Xolo Maridueña) story to stand out from the rest of the similar projects that were released this year.
What had to be found within this adventure that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else is its heart. The characters that make up the Reyes family are the ones that can keep viewers engaged with the movie in a way that’s more powerful than what costume or obscure comic book reference can. Blue Beetle cares about the people it follows, returning to the basic premise of heroism, being brave in the face of immeasurable danger, and staying away from world-building tropes that brought other recent projects down.
The plot begins when an evil corporation named Kord Industries wants to develop military contracts that could harm many people. Added to their imminent threat through a new weapons system, the company is also trying to relocate Jaime’s family so they can develop new real estate on the land the main character lives in. But before getting involved directly in the conflict that would change his life, Jaime was just a young man looking for a job. Graduating from law school was hard enough, but the future hero had no idea it would take such a long time for him to find work.
When he eventually does, one encounter with Jenny Cord (Bruna Marquezine) leads to Jaime forming a symbiotic relationship with Khaji-Da, an ancient relic from a distant world that could give powers to whomever it bonded with. A few failed tests later, Jaime was ready to become the hero his community needed, helping his family during their most desperate hour. Unfortunately for the Reyes, Kord Industries wouldn’t allow their technology to be used without their consent, prompting all kinds of villains to go after Jaime. Blue Beetle had to protect his family and city before the technology that gave him his powers fell into the wrong hands.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DCEU themselves made sure audiences already knew what to expect from an origin story, but Soto’s vision relied on the charm of the Reyes family. Maridueña shines in the lead role, portraying an insecure young man with a heart of gold in a believable and heartfelt way. Jaime is rooted in the fact that he didn’t want to do anything at all with the responsibility he’s given, but when the hero steps up for the challenge, Maridueña uses his natural charm to infuse the character with lovable charisma. Blue Beetle isn’t about establishing Jaime as the next big thing but allowing viewers to enjoy themselves while following his journey.
Nevertheless, this movie suffers from the tropes that can be expected from a superhero movie released in this day and age, with very familiar beats going from one stage to the other, until the conclusion that audiences can expect after seeing the first 20 minutes of the feature comes to pass. Thankfully, the energy of the movie is saved by Jaime’s family, particularly Rudy (George Lopez) and Jaime’s grandmother (Adriana Barraza). The supporting cast takes the meaning of Jaime’s story to a whole new different level, leaving viewers wanting for more, not because it’s a superhero story but because they’re an adorable family.
Blue Beetle thrives in being part of its culture while remaining less stereotypical than similar movies. Jaime’s Mexican background is brought forward in a way that acknowledges how he has spent most of his life in the United States while his family and experiences become a part of him. The best example of the good display of culture in the movie comes through the music, featuring the anthems played at any Mexican party instead of what a machine thinks people play when they get together. Jaime’s soul is young, vibrant and eager to make a difference in a world that doesn’t want him to.
With emotional performances, intriguing action and a realistic playlist that could light up any party, Blue Beetle is a triumph for the last stage of the DCEU before James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new narrative takes over. It remains to be seen if the character can come back in the new iteration of the franchise, but for now, audiences can rest assured knowing that Jaime Reyes is full of heart, energy and a spark of sincere youth missing from other action stories that supposedly follow young people, too. Batman and Superman can keep their dark atmosphere because the franchise needs contagious energy like the one Blue Beetle transmit.
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