By Robert Ernest (@thatRobster | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Meet Jaime Reyes, the latest hero from DC Comics to grace the big screen!
An origin story can often feel like a slog but Director, Angel Manuel Soto practically ticks every box with this introduction to a character who you’ll welcome into your heart immediately.
Freshly graduated, Jaime (Xolo Maridueña) returns home to his family in Palmera City. He receives a warm welcome before being hit with revelation after revelation of secrets kept from him while he’s been studying. The gentrification of his neighbourhood, health concerns over his father and the fact that his family home is in threat of being taken away lead him to job prospects with big wig, Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) at Kord Industries. Jaime finds himself in possession of an otherworldly scarab which takes control of his body and sends him soaring into space and on one hell of a journey.
One of the most endearing things about this film is the realistic dynamics of Jaime and his family. His mother and father (Elpidia Carrillo and Damián Alcázar), sister, Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), Uncle Rudy (George Lopez) and bad-ass Nana (Adriana Barraza)are fantastic to watch and give Jaime a lot of grounding and purpose. Hearing the line ‘The love you feel for your family makes you weak’ indicates the impact family will have on what’s to come and as the film progresses, Jamie’s family become much more than just side characters. The Reyes’ Latino culture is fundamental to everything and it felt authentic rather than opportunistic. Political undertones aside, there were so many nods to cultural references which will be thoroughly appreciated by an audience who relates to them.
In any origin film, we sit in anticipation of the reveal of our hero using their powers or wearing their suit for the first time. The scene where Jaime transforms into the Blue Beetle is exciting to watch but is also hilarious thanks to the reactions and commentary from his family – especially Uncle Rudy, who – let’s face it, steals the show.
The main threat comes from Susan Sarandon’s Victoria Kord, who plans to use the scarab to utilise her resources at Kord Industries to build an army. Victoria is pretty one dimensional but she does plant an interestingly layered foe for Jaime in Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo) which leads to some pretty fun, albeit Decepticon-esque action sequences.
Xolo Maridueña is incredible here, showing a natural ability to take on a whole franchise. He plays the part of Jaime with passion and conviction, and in a time where people are complaining of superhero fatigue, it’s like he’s brought new life to the genre. As DC steps into the new era of the DCU, they should use this as a starting point and explore this world without premature team-ups or token cameos, much like Marvel did with Robert Downey Jr and Iron Man. This has the potential to carry them into cinema success.
Blue Beetle was an awesome surprise! It combines action, fun and heart, giving us a vibrant, heart-warming comic book film that appeals to the masses.
X-Geeks 