I've talked before how I like the concept of the Jaime Reyes version of Blue Beetle way back in my DC Rebirth series of posts. Since looking at that Blue Beetle one-shot, I would go on to read and enjoy the rest of that volume of the series until its cancellation. A new series is set to start next month as part of the "Dawn of DC" initiative and I'm looking forward to picking that up. But before that, we have the character's big screen debut to look at. DC's been in desperate need for a win in the movie department this year and (as expected) "Blue Beetle" is without question the best to come from them in 2023.
"Blue Beetle" delivers an exciting and emotional story that brings an enjoyable breath of fresh air not just for DC but superhero movies in general. It does a better version of an alien symbiotic partnership compared to Tom Hardy's Venom movies and incorporates legacy heroes much better than what "Black Adam" did with the Justice Society. The visual effects when it comes to scarab bring a somewhat horror feel to the suit-up scenes and the weapon manifestation coupled with the choreography make the fight scenes even more satisfying when Jaime is delivering some well-deserved ass whoopings.
While there's a lot done that makes the film feel like a comic book, what stood out to me more was how grounded and close to reality it could be. Jaime's dynamics with his family felt really authentic and you become easily invested in their relationships. It also touches on modern real world social issues such as class discrepancies, white privilege, and how a college degree unfortunately doesn't guarantee anything.
Xolo Mariduena is truly a breakout star as he brings a fresh face to the DC universe. His love for his family and his need to find a place in the world is relatable and his performance while trying to understand and become in sync with the scarab makes for an entertaining hero's journey.
George Lopez is a real scene stealer as Jaime's uncle Rudy, whose eccentricity is the main source of comic relief in the film. Rudy's a real conspiracy theorist, and as you'd expect, his family thinks he's being silly when he turns out to probably be the smartest one of the bunch.
I only have two real areas of criticism, the first being the villains. Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord is an insufferable walking cliche: a xenophobic fascist who values money over human life, which I know would make her a hero to certain groups. Every time she appeared on screen, I counted down the seconds until she was gone or until she finally got her comeuppance. Carapax/OMAC (played by Raoul Max Trujillo) is a little better as we see he's conflicted about his actions, but it's kind of overshadowed with how ruthless he becomes when fighting Jaime. The two enemies do find some common ground, but I feel it comes a little too late.
And DC, could you please stop using your post-credits scenes as jokes? The mid-credits scene was a good tease for the future, but the very end was as much a time waster like the ones for "Fury of the Gods" and "The Flash". There's nothing wrong with post-credits being used for extra laughs, but there needs to be substance to it, like an easter egg for the diehard fans. Great examples include Deadpool's Ferris Bueller style farewell, Cap's patience PSA, or the Grandmaster trying to save face with those he enslaved.
While initially developed as part of the DCEU, "Blue Beetle" is able to stand on its own enough as a film and James Gunn is interested in fitting it into his reboot plans. So for all intents and purposes, "Blue Beetle" is 'movie zero' of the new DCU. While critics and audiences are enjoying the film, "Blue Beetle" may not be able to escape the box office slump DC has been facing. So while a sequel may not come to pass, I hope we do get to see more of the Reyes family in future projects.
Overall, "Blue Beetle" is easily one of DC's best films and my second favorite 2023 superhero movie after Guardians 3. There's a lot to love about it and should definitely be seen on the big screen.
