Review of Blue Beetle, the new DC movie

Today we have to talk about Blue Beetle, the new DC movie, because it’s amazing.

They may not be very familiar with the character, they may never have heard of him. But that’s okay, it’s not necessary. The film does an amazing job of introducing us to this superhero for the first time, who gets his powers from a special beetle that encases him in a super suit capable of materializing any weapon his mind can imagine.

But that’s not what makes the Blue Beetle great. The true magic of Blue Beetle is without a doubt in its cast. Beyond dazzling us with superpowers, the film shines through the character of Jaime Reyes as a man and his family, who captivate us from the moment they appear on screen.

Xolo Maridueña, who plays Jaime and Blue Beetle, is charming and wins you over from the start. Xolo’s debut reminded me of the first time we met Tom Holland. Share his freshness, his humor, his youth and that friendly and innocent spark that makes you take his side and cheer him on. And besides, twenty years suits Xolo well, as he becomes an attractive leader, leaving behind the more cheerful image of Cobra Kai, which will surely help to increase his following as well.

But Xolo isn’t the only cast member who shines in the film and we have to give everyone their due.

George Lopez, as Uncle Rudy, brings his experience as a professional comedian and fills the film with hilarious moments at the right time.

Adriana Barraza, who you probably know from her Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Babel’ or her strong case in ‘Drag Me to Hell’, is fantastic as the grandmother of the family and shows why Mexican women are so great. .

Melissa Escobedo, who we met in Hocus Pocus 2, has amazing chemistry with Xolo as Milagro’s sister. His comedic ability is amazing for someone so young.

Iconic Mexican actor Damián Alcázar plays Jaime’s father and is the heart of the Reyes family. Elpidia Carrillo as the mother is the pillar that sustains the family when everything seems to be falling apart.

Susan Sarandon is wonderfully evil as the villain. I love his willingness to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. It’s cruel in a very funny way. It is appreciated that the legendary actress did not just go to collect a check because it shows that she was involved in her role, which is also very extensive and not just a cameo that would take a day of shooting.

Bruna Marquezine starts out a bit reserved and shy, but as we get to know more about her character, she shows how tenacious and amazing she is and represents Brazilian women in a fantastic way.

Raoul Max Trujillo gives a calmer and quieter performance compared to the others, balancing out the strong personalities present in the film. But it takes one of the film’s most iconic moments to surprise you.

And even the lovable Harvey Gillen, who we know from ‘What We Do in the Shadows’, has one of the best lines in cinema history. His role is brief but utterly memorable.

Blue Beetle is one of Hollywood’s most beautiful gifts to the Mexican American community. Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto has thoroughly studied Mexican culture and given us a love letter that steals our hearts from the very first scene. Who would have thought that Thalia, Luis Miguel and Roberto Mario Gómez Bolaños would be regulars in DC?

The way the characters react to the events is authentic and reflects how we Mexicans would react if we were in similar situations in a world of aliens, mechs and superheroes. Blue Beetle joins Coco and Encanto in the pantheon of contemporary films that represent the Latino community with love, honor and authenticity. Without a doubt the Blue Beetle is our Black Panther.

But beyond our characteristic mischief and humor, the film intelligently and without being burdensome deals with complex situations that we face as Latino immigrants in the United States. Issues like gentrification, lack of opportunity, and immigration are addressed in a way that Latinos recognize the specific problems we face in this country.

But above all, and most importantly, the Blue Beetle perfectly reflects the importance of family in our community. We Mexicans are a unit. Even if we distance ourselves physically, we never leave our family ties behind. Family is paramount and the film understands this, using this value to empower and move the audience. I cried several times during the movie because of the love that was in the Reyes family. Bring tissues because it’s impossible not to cry if you’re Latino.

Sure, it’s a superhero movie, and fifteen years after the start of the MCU and DCEU, we’ve seen it all and nothing surprises us. However, the small details that can bring the movie down in no time make it stop being one of the best superhero movies of the last two or three years. We’ve seen all the effects, battles, explosions and poor CGI the world has to offer. So today, audience engagement is all about actors playing heart-stopping characters, with or without a mask. Stories, situations and moments we can identify with. Where the superhero part is just an add-on that enhances the movie, not the only thing it has to offer.

In short, go see the Blue Beetle. It’s funny, funny and extremely emotional. If you’re Latino, if you’re Mexican, don’t miss the Blue Beetle. The future of the character and everyone involved in the film is in our hands. Director Ángel Manuel Soto is a talent to support, the whole cast did a great job and it’s proud to see how the incredible Xolo Maridueña’s star is rising in the sky.