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REVIEW
Aug. 18, 2023
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle marks DC's landmark venture into live-action Latino superhero storytelling, offering both representation and an engaging cinematic experience, through employing familiar storytelling patterns. By: Syahmi Zulqarnain
Synopsis: An alien scarab chooses college graduate Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the teenager with a suit of armour that's capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
Length: The film has a runtime of 2 hour and 7 mins.
Cast: The film is directed by Angel Manuel Soto, and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer.
The film features Xolo Maridueña stars as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle, Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, with Becky G providing her voice for the AI entity Khaji-Da.
The rest of the Reyes family consists of Damián Alcázar as Alberto, George Lopez as Rudy, Adriana Barraza as Nana, Belissa Escobedo as Milagro, and Elpidia Carrillo as Rocio.
Review: Blue Beetle (2023) introduces audiences to Jaime Reyes, a college graduate portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, whose life takes an unexpected turn when an alien scarab chooses him as its host, transforming him into the superhero Blue Beetle. The film unfolds as Jaime navigates his newfound powers and responsibilities.
Set in the modern city of Palmera, the movie follows Jaime's journey after encountering Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), who leads him to the scarab. This mystical entity, resembling a blue beetle, fuses with Jaime, granting him a powerful suit of armour with extraordinary abilities. However, the scarab's insatiable appetite for destruction presents a challenge, forcing Jaime to learn control and responsibility.
As Jaime grapples with his evolving powers, he must also face external threats. Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), the head of Kord Industries, seeks to harness the scarab's power for her sinister agenda. Amidst action-packed sequences, the heart of the film lies in Jaime's close relationship with his Mexican-American family, including his parents Alberto (Damián Alcázar) and Rocio (Elpidia Carrillo), his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), his uncle Rudy (George Lopez), and his Nana (Adriana Barraza).
The movie adeptly weaves together superhero spectacle with family dynamics, creating a unique blend of genres. By incorporating cultural references and emphasizing family bonds, the film adds depth to Jaime's character. The narrative paints his journey from an ordinary college student to an empowered hero, all while embracing his cultural identity.
Blue Beetle distinguishes itself as a standout representation of a Latino superhero within the superhero genre. Despite some formulaic action moments and underdeveloped characters, the film's emphasis on family, responsibility, and self-discovery elevates its storytelling. As DC embarks on new creative directions, Blue Beetle serves as a testament to the potential for diverse narratives in the superhero realm, offering both entertainment and meaningful themes.
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