The movie turns into another by-the-numbers DC superhero action popcorn muncher, but the smart kid who becomes a host for a high powered beetle scarab, is Latino. In fact, almost the whole cast is Latino except for the villain. And the characteristics of having a warm, loving Mexican-American family for undying support becomes the main story throughout with a cast of fun and funny characters. Family is the emotional core Director Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings) and Writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer make sure is felt throughout. Much of the dialogue is Spanish with subtitles. Warner Bros. and DC hope this film finds its audience despite to being able to have the actors promote it due to the turmoil within the entertainment industry.
The film starts when a 22 year old, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maidueña – Cobra Kai) comes home after graduating college. The family is in crisis, Dad, Alberto,(Damián Alcázar) loses his job and they are about to lose their home. When Jaime tries to get a good job, he faces institutional racism and, of course, economic differences and immigration come into play, when Jaime and his sister, Milagro (Melissa Escobedo) take housekeeping jobs at a huge tech firm.
Jaime intervenes in an argument he sees between Jenny Kord (Bruno Marquezine), the niece of present head of the company, Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) over the direction of the company. Jenny offers to help him get a job. Reveals later in the film give backstory about her relationship Jenny and her Aunt. It stems from Victoria taking over the company when Jenny’s father disappeared. Jenny steals the scarab and gives it to Jaime to take home to hide from her Aunt.
That’s when he is chosen to become host of a high-powered piece of alien science in a scarab known as Khaji-Da. (voiced by singer/actress Becky G). Xolo does a good job showing how tentative, confused and scared he is reacting to the unexpected things he can do because of this device. When it attaches to Jaime, it that turns him into a big blue beetle with lit antennae coming out of his head. The costume is duly impressive.
When his family gets a taste of what Jaime and the scarab can do, there is an action scene with them reacting trying to support and understand as they always do. Their closeness and devotion to him with his newfound powers drive this film. Nana (Adriana Barraza) is loving and warm, but has an interesting past that is put to good use later. (“Down with the Imperialists!”) Mother and Father Rocio and Alberto Reyes (Élidant Carrillo and Damián Alcázar) are trying to understand what is taking control of their son. Sister Milagro (Melissa Escobedo) is a a bit of a smartass, but well-meaning and always there to help.
Then there’s Uncle Rudy (George Lopez), who is usually silly and over-the top, but a strong part of the family. His character comes up with lines at the end of scenes that don’t make much sense. He also plays the loud and jovial uncle who somehow is some kind of tech genius who can make complex machines out of thin air on demand. Lopez looks different with that braided beard and he’s been given him several bad punch lines for comic effect, including “We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it.“
This is a very different role for Sarandon who usually plays likable people. Here, she’s the power-hungry villain, but as the heavy,wh plays it much too flat. There’s no punch. Through the course the film we find out that Victoria is working on purposing the scarab to achieve world domination, the same goal we’ve seen in so many other superhero comics-based films. And, of course, she has a henchman, Conrad Carapax, The Indestructable Man , (Raoul Max Trujillo), who poses a lethal threat to the Blue Beetle.
There is plenty of action and battles with bright lights and explosions and even more destruction plus mid-air fight sequences. The special effects are colorful accompanied by a lot of blue light. Xolo had plenty of experience with martial arts doing Cobra Kai, so that’s no problem. The Blue Beetle is opposed to killing, no one seems to stay hurt for long. And predictably, Jenny and Jaime develop more than a friendship.
This film follows the same old superhero formula. One difference is that it emotionally draws heavily on the culture of Mexican family to create the backstory of the characters’ motivation. Jaime and his father Alberto make it a point of pride to always include their family name (Reyes) whenever they talk about themselves. Family is the central theme. In this respect the film. Is successful at crafting a sweet, emotional connection with the audience, especially the Latino families. Stick around for the post clips which indicate this could be the start of another superhero franchise. Despite all the super hero fatigue, this Blue Beetle and his family may land on the big screen again.
Warner Bros. Pictures 2 hours 7 minutes PG-13
