For me, DC Comics films have always been hit or miss. The company has a reputation of making mediocre adaptations when trying to bring their heroes and villains to life on the silver screen. None of them really resonated with me, and I had never found a particular DC film that exceeded my expectations. When I first heard about “Blue Beetle,” I feared this film would fall under the same mundane category as the other films, but I am so grateful that I was proved wrong.
I knew the film’s basic premise before seeing it, but I wasn’t expecting much outside of the trailer. I decided to go ahead and give the film a try because aside from the fact that it was a superhero film, which is a favorite genre of mine, it also had a good, recognizable cast, such as the protagonist being played by Xolo Maridueña (from Netflix’s “Cobra Kai”) and supporting characters that include actor George Lopez and Susan Sarandon.
When it comes to the movie overall, I don’t even know where to start, as this film had so many essential and likable aspects about it.
For starters, it does a great job at handling the “sudden grant of superpowers” storyline, and Maridueña performs exquisitely as a first-generation college graduate of a Mexican family, juggling his future as an aspiring law student and new superhero.
A significant thing that surprised me about this film was that it was very emotionally heartfelt and highly humorous, two things that aren’t portrayed well in your typical superhero film. The film’s central theme was family, which I found to be a refreshing quality in a superhero movie. Family is portrayed in more than one way. It highlights the importance of a family that sticks together and shines light on the concept that family doesn’t have to be by blood.
However, one of the most important aspects of this film focused solely on Latinx and Hispanic representation. As someone from a Mexican family, I found it amazing how accurately they depicted Hispanic values and culture, as well as some inside jokes and pop culture references that those of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage can heavily relate to. It felt so genuine, and our community deserves to see that kind of representation more in film.
Overall, watching this film was a treat of its own, and it makes me hopeful to see more representative superhero movies like this one in DC’s future. “Blue Beetle” is a perfect cinematic masterpiece that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a beacon for laughter, and may even make you shed a few tears. That said, I give “Blue Beetle” four out of five goats. So, DC Comics fan or not, this film is definitely worth the watch!
