BLUE BEETLE is the first character in the new DC Universe, hopefully this is a sign of good things to come!
Xolo Maridueña plays the titular character Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who returns home to find his family has been struggling in his absence. From the get go you can see how close and connected his family is. Family is a core message as well as preserving cultural identity.
Jaime meets Jenny Kord, played by Bruna Marquezine who offers him a job at her company. Through a chance of events, she hands him an ancient Scarab which ends up attaching to Jaime. Jaime begins to learn the powers of Scarab, Khaji-Da (voiced by Becky G) and discovers that the Scarab is very selective with who it chooses. Now on the run, Jaime must escape the clutches of Victoria Kord(Susan Sarandon), an evil CEO and Jenny’s aunt.
This movie stands out from a lot of super hero movies, and movies in general. With an almost entirely Latino cast and crew, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and written by Garth Dunnet-Alcocer. The importance of family, culture, and standing together against adversity is a powerful message. This movie is different because it holds family at the center, not just the main character. Many of the supporting actors contribute a lot to the overall story development. George Lopez plays Rudy, Jaime’s uncle and was hilarious and one of my favorite characters.
I really enjoyed bringing awareness to certain things, like name pronunciation, and treating all people with dignity and respect.
I think if DC stays in this direction, making movies that really show character development, and bring new ideas, the future looks bright!
BLUE BEETLE is in theaters on August 18th, 2023.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Ashley Kethley (Contributing Editor) is a frequent traveler currently living in San Diego. She's a super nerd who enjoys all kinds of movies and doesn't always think the book was better. Click Here to check out Ashley's Articles.