Movie Breakdown: Blue Beetle

Pre-Screening Stance:

Blue Beetle is not a movie I’ve managed to generate any excitement for whatsoever, but I also don’t think it looks terrible. So, maybe it’ll be a pleasant surprise.

Post-Screening Ramble:

In a lot of ways, you’ve already seen Blue Beetle. It’s not only another superhero origin story, but there’s also so much of it that’s already been done in other comic book movies – in particular, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Black Panther, Venom, and Shazam!. Thankfully though, this doesn’t stop it from being a fun ride. The story revolves around Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a recent college grad who just wants to land a snazzy job and help support his family. Instead, he gets an alien scarab that binds itself to him and grants him the use of a superpowered suit. Jaime’s initial reaction to existing as a symbiotic host for the extra terrestrial Khaji-Da (Becky G) is not exactly positive, but when the villainous folks at Kord Industries – led by Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) – come looking for the scarab, he has to accept and utilize his new gifts to protect those close to him.

While there may not be much originality at play in Blue Beetle, it does have other noteworthy things to offer. One is the deft touch on display from director Angel Manuel Soto – this really is a colorful, endearing film – and the other is a pair of great performances. Maridueña is absolutely the heart of the movie, as there isn’t a single scene where he doesn’t come off as being all in on portraying Jaime/Blue Beetle (even when he’s slinging some awkward dialogue), but a gold star also belongs to George Lopez, who plays the talented but goofy Uncle Rudy. I just assumed this would be a bit role for the longtime comedian, but he’s featured heavily in the film and I’m certain it wouldn’t play nearly as well as it does without his energetic and unwieldy presence. Who knew he had something this good in him?

Ultimately, Blue Beetle is an easy one to enjoy. If you haven’t yet burned out on superhero flicks, you should give it a try when it hits theaters this Friday, August 18.

One Last Thought:

For what it’s worth, this feels like a standalone film compared to anything else that’s recently come from the DCEU.