The DCEU has been a dead brand for a long and with the financial disappointments of The Flash, Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Black Adam, all we can do is wait ever so patiently for James Gunn’s reboot DC universe with his film Superman: Legacy. We’ve still got Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hitting theaters this winter and while the first Aquaman was well liked and became the first ever DCEU movie to join the billion dollar club at the box-office, the hype and optimism isn’t there anymore. So if one is to assume that Blue Beetle would be this smash hit at the box-office, you’d be the only one shouting that out to the world because the evidence isn’t there to back you up. Despite this universe getting the facelift that it’s needed for some time now, Blue Beetle was intended to be a direct to streaming release on HBO Max but got a theatrical push instead because the quality of the movie seemed to be there.
At this point, we all know the current DCEU won’t exist in a few years and it then gets to a point when people start asking what’s even the point of releasing movies like The Flash, Shazam 2 or Aquaman 2 if none of these actors show up or if none of the narrative through lines pave the way for anything in the future. Valid questions, yes, but considering how much money it costs to makes these things it would detrimental to the studious. The good news for Blue Beetle is that it was a “relatively” cheap comic-book movie, which is great considering the character is unknown to 99% of the movie going public. With a new DC universe in the works, Blue Beetle is genuinely the best movie that the DCEU has to offer in awhile. The soul of this movie lies within the strong family dynamics and the terrific performance from Xolo Maridueña and with Blue Beetle being this elegant representation of Latino culture, it gives the movie an extra layer or riches, strength and purpose.
Most people who are familiar with Xolo Maridueña probably know him best from the hit show Cobra Kai, but to the general audience his name might not ring any bells. This kid was born to be a star and he really is the perfect fit to bring an unknown comic-book superhero in the spotlight. The charisma, passion and mightiness he brings to the role of Jaime Reyes is a testament to his acting credibility. The character is likable right from the very beginning of the movie and whether or not we this character in James Gunn’s new DC universe, Xolo Maridueña has all the goods of a leading man and knowing that this kid is only 22 years old this young actor has a lot of potential going forward.
The other aspect that makes Xolo Maridueña’s character and performance stand out is the relationship he shares with his lovable and well rounded family. The themes of family and having guidance are all ideas we see countless of times in almost any movie, especially comic-book movies, but its presented wonderfully. What makes it more unique is that we finally have a Latino superhero represented on screen that has a universal appeal to anyone across all races. It strives on capitalizing on the ideas that we see in every average family no matter what race the characters are. Director Ángel Manuel Soto doesn’t have a lot to show, in terms of his filmography, but he has an eye and a passionate level of telling a story that feels important tp him but can resonate with millions of people around the world.
As stated earlier, Xolo Maridueña gives a great performance in this movie, he’s almost outshined by the comedic genius that is George Lopez, who absolutely crushes it in this movie. George Lopez hasn’t been in the public conscious like he used to be and seeing his performance in Blue Beetle reminds us how extraordinarily he is. He’s by far and away the best comedic relief in any recent superhero movie and its just great to see him in a bigger profiled movie. Another strong aspect with Blue Beetle is how spectacular the action is handled. A lot of the powers and abilities Jamie Reyes posses as the Blue Beetle are stuff we’ve seen in various comic-book movies but the execution of it all still packed a punch. Seeing Blue Beetle fight off goons was visually impressive, sounded great and being coupled with Bobby Krlic’s kick ass music, they pulled it off marvelously.
Blue Beetle, in an odd way, feels like a movie that belongs in Phase One of the MCU. Great action, great humor, tons of fun but a lackluster villain, and there lie the one problem with the movie. Having Susan Sarandon in your movie is a big deal and no one should take it for granted. She’s one of the best of all time and when you get an actress of that stature in a comic-book movie is should mean a great deal for the quality of the film. Unfortunately the character comes off as wasted potential. The character is written formulaically nor does the character present herself as a refreshing or enigmatic villain.
There’s a probably of mindset of people that won’t see Blue Beetle because they’ve ever given up with DC films entirely or they might jut be waiting for the much needed reboot that Warner Bros. should have given this franchise ages ago. Regardless of those discrepancies, Blue Beetle is at least ending this era of DC movies on the right note.
Zane's take at the Cinema's 