Blue Beetle (2023) – Movie Review and Summary
Blue Beetle’s emphasis on family makes this superhero movie the most fun origin story in a long time and a surprising late summer treat in theaters.
General Information
| Director(s) | Angel Manuel Soto |
| Screenplay By | Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer |
| Based On | “Blue Beetle” DC Comics |
| Date Released (In Theaters ) | August 18, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Film Length | 2 Hours, 7 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated PG-13 |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Jaime Reyes | Xolo Maridueña |
| Milagro Reyes | Belissa Escobedo |
| Jenny Kord | Bruna Marquezine |
| Rudy Reyes | George Lopez |
| Victoria Kord | Susan Sarandon |
What Is “Blue Beetle” Rated And Why?
“Blue Beetle” is Rated PG-13 due to profanity, violence, and brief nudity.
Film Summary
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“Blue Beetle” may show Jaime Reyes’ journey and transformation into a superhero, but the movie’s secret superpower is its depiction of family. Jaime (Xolo Maridueña) has just graduated college, and his family couldn’t be more proud. But while Jamie has been gone, his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) tells him their family is in danger of losing their house and that their father recently had a heart attack. While the family is insistent that they will be okay, Jaime feels compelled to help out his family and stay at home.
While working at a hotel resort, Jaime witnesses two high-profile members of Kord Industries fighting about the future of the company. Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) wishes to turn the company into a weapons manufacturing business that creates one-man militaries, but Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) refuses to let her aunt turn her father’s business into a war unit. Just as Victoria is about to threaten Jenny with one of her henchmen, Jaime steps in and tells Victoria to leave Jenny alone. Impressed by Jaime, Jenny suggests Jaime stop by Kord Industries for a job opportunity.
The next day, Jaime stops by, and in a moment of desperation, Jenny passes off a secret box to Jaime and tells him not to open it. But under peer pressure from his family, Jamie opens it. Inside the box, a strange metallic scarab latches onto Jaime and possesses his body with a super suit that gives him the powers to fly, create weapons, and become a shield for anyone who needs protection. Jenny informs Jamie that the blue scarab chose him, and he must keep this power away from Victoria and her henchmen. Jamie’s family is incredibly excited about his newfound power, especially his uncle Rudy (George Lopez), but Jamie wishes to get rid of this superpower as soon as possible before more evil people try to take it away from him.
Blue Beetle is not a well-known superhero, and moviegoers may be experiencing fatigue after the recent lackluster superhero movie output from Marvel and DC, but “Blue Beetle” is better than it has any right to be. Because of its clear focus and emphasis on family, “Blue Beetle” becomes a heartwarming and fun theater experience for the whole family. Strong performances and a tight script make “Blue Beetle” a surprising delight. You may not know much about “Blue Beetle” walking into the movie, but you’ll be rooting for the superhero by the movie’s end.
Other Noteworthy Information
- “Blue Beetle” was produced before DC Studios’ new CEOs, James Gunn and Peter Safran, took over, but unlike other DC actors and characters (Superman, The Flash, Black Adam, etc.), James Gunn shared that he plans to use the character in future DC films.
- While George Lopez plays Jaime’s uncle and Adriana Bazzara plays Jamie’s grandma, Bazzara is only five years older than Lopez.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Jaime Reyes
Jaime has just graduated college but is torn about either continuing his education or supporting his family through financial and health troubles. Jaime’s dilemma to do good and be there for his family becomes more difficult and dangerous when he gains Blue Beetle’s powers.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Cobra Kai” and “Parenthood.”
Milagro Reyes
As Jaime’s sister, Milagro cares about her brother and tells it like it is. She believes honesty is the best policy and is the family member who doesn’t want to hide their troubles from Jaime.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Hocus Pocus 2” and “Sex Appeal.”
Jenny Kord
Jenny is the daughter of Ted Kord, the once-owner of Kord Industries and a past Blue Beetle. Jenny wants to use Kord Industries for good, and by chance, she meets Jaime and gives him the scarab to hide. Jenny also develops a romantic interest in Jaime.
Rudy Reyes
Rudy is Jaime’s fun and paranoid uncle. While Rudy may be quick to believe in any conspiracy theory, he’s also able to create innovative technology to help protect Jaime.
- The actor is also known for their role in “George Lopez,” their role in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and their role in “Lopez vs. Lopez.”
Victoria Kord
Victory is the sister of Ted Kord, the presumed CEO of Kord Industries and our antagonist. Unlike Jenny, Victoria wishes to use Kord Industries to amplify their war technologies and police state. She also seeks the scarab to create a one-man military.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Thelma and Louise,” their role in “Little Women,” and their role in “The Meddler.”
Review
Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)
Who Is This For?
Fans of superhero movies and Latino representation in blockbuster films should see “Blue Beetle.” Fans of more family-friendly blockbusters will also enjoy “Blue Beetle.”
Notable Performances or Moments
Xolo Maridueña and the Reyes Clan
What separates “Blue Beetle” from most superhero movies is the emphasis on family, and the movie puts together a strong group of performers to portray that family. From Belissa Escobedo to George Lopez to Adriana Bazzara’s grandma role, each character gets a chance to shine and join in the fun. Xolo Maridueña is a natural star as Jamie and taps into the audience’s reactions and ability to see themselves in the title role too.
Highlights
“Blue Beetle” Establishes Family as Its Super Power
Director Angel Manuel Soto and the rest of the “Blue Beetle” team capture the cheerful chaos of a family. The energy is reminiscent of an ‘80s Spielberg movie like “E.T.” or “The Goonies,” but starring your parents and grandma in key roles. By having the family pivotal Jaime’s transformation as Blue Beetle, the movie becomes a unique experience while exploring different relationship dynamics and characters that any audience member can see in their own family.
Neon Purples and Blues Give “Blue Beetle” a Unique Color Scheme
Most superhero movies blend together in your head because they have similar color schemes and action sequences. While the action scenes are similar to those in other superhero movies, “Blue Beetle” embraces its glowing purples and blues in nearly every scene. These bright colors provide a touch of vibrance and a nod to Mexican folk art that make the movie stand out.
On The Fence
“Blue Beetle” Action Is Too Similar to “Iron Man” and “Spider-Man”
At this point, any new superhero movie has to face comparison to some other superhero movie. There are only so many changes one can make to the genre, and that’s why superhero movies can feel especially cut-and-paste. In “Blue Beetle,” Jamie’s super suit is reminiscent of “Iron Man,” and his behavior calls back to younger heroes like “Spider-Man” movies or “The Flash.” As a lesser-known superhero, these comparisons can make “Blue Beetle” feel like a mashup of recycled parts instead of its own story.
Recommendations
If you like this movie, we recommend:
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- Shazam!
- Cobra Kai
Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.
FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
The Reason The Movie Is Named “Blue Beetle”
The movie is named “Blue Beetle” because the scarab that fuses with Jamie’s body is blue, and the superhero suit is precisely the same color.
Does “Blue Beetle” Setup A Sequel or Prequel?
“Blue Beetle” reveals the former Blue Beetle before Jaime is still alive, and DC Studios CEO James Gunn has shared his interest in continuing Jamie’s story.
Does “Blue Beetle” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
Yes, “Blue Beetle” reveals Jenny Kord’s father is still alive.
