You're a Superhero, Cabron!
3.5 / 5
Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto.
Jaime Reyes returns home. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.
Blue Beetle finds itself releasing during a confusing time in Hollywood. Both during an actors and writers strike which makes promotion almost impossible and during the transition period between DC Studio's reset. But despite all of that, it is refreshing to see a superhero film set outside of a more expansive inter-connected universe and with a range of new and diverse Latino talent on screen to take on these new characters.
Led by the excellent Xolo Mariduena, Blue Beetle treads very safe and familiar ground adding a spin on the origin story we've seen before, this time giving more care and attention to the family unit that supports Mariduena's Jaime Reyes. The family add another dimension to the titular character, that most superheroes either don't have or don't shine attention on. Their chemistry and bond make for some of the film's strongest, funniest and most emotional moments especially as the film approaches its final act.
Blue Beetle doesn't do much to stand out but its heart and imagination make for an unexpectedly enjoyable couple of hours that I'm so happy got the big screen treatment rather than its original streaming release.
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