Just when you think that the superhero genre in cinema was dying down 2023 roles around with heavy hitters. DC bouncing back after the flop of Flash Point, Blue Beetle is an absolute breath of fresh air. An origin story that is largely unknown with a lot of peoples introduction to Blue Beetle being Injustice 2, the story of Jaime Reyes as Blue Beetle is a joy ride!
The star of this all? The casting directors, Marisol Roncali & Chelsea Ellis Bloch. Finding perfect slew of actors that delivered an ace performance under the direction of Puerto Rican born Ángel Manuel Soto. Soto does a beautiful job at capturing the essence of the Reyes family! Jaime, played by Xolo Maridueña, is a boisterous teen who’s freshly graduated from University and looking to make his mark on the world. Moving back to his hometown Palmera city where we meet (what was my highlight) his familia. Father Alberto (Damián Alcázar), mother Rocio (Elpidia Carillo), sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), uncle Rudy (George Lopez), and Nana (Adriana Barraza). Each character brings their own colour to this family portrait that makes you bust out in laughter and tears at their respective points.
Never in my life did I expect to root against Susan Sarandon more so than singing “Damn It Janet”, (that I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath) but she is downright despicable as Victoria Kord, billionaire weapons manufacturer. Especially acting as a seductive domineer to the badass war machine Carapax played by the rugged Raoul Max Trujillo.
Whenever I go to see a film i judge it on three things; viewing experience, who I would recommend it to, and would I watch it again.
The viewing experience was an 8/10. It had me chortling at points with there being some incredibly relatable moments, and my chin wobbling in others, so come prepared with tissues. The moments that took points away was just the classic overplayed cliches that I know other watchers may enjoy.
Who would I recommend this movie to? My fellow nerds, migrant family’s and casual moviegoers. This movie is not for everyone, especially the growing population of people that are tired of superhero movies so it would take some discernment before recommending.
Would I watch it again? HELL YEAH!
