Blue Beetle (2023)

Blue Beetle was a pleasant surprise. The story follows Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a young man who gets superpowers after discovering an alien scarab in a takeaway container he was meant to guard with his life. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Maridueña delivers a standout performance, and his character’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance is one of the movie’s strongest aspects. Other characters are well-developed and relatable. Each one has their own unique personality and motivations.

Angel Manuel Soto, the director, brings a fresh and unique perspective to the superhero genre – which is a relief given the many “template” superhero movies we’ve had over the years. Blue Beetle is visually stunning, with some truly breathtaking shots. The score and soundtrack are excellent, and the cinematography is top-notch. The special effects are also excellent, with the alien scarab and Jaime’s superpowers being particularly impressive.  The dialogue is well-written and engaging, with some memorable lines. The scarab’s interactions with Jaime provide some of the movie’s funniest and most memorable moments. The editing is also excellent, and everything flows smoothly from scene to scene.

Blue Beetle explores themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience, which are rarely explored in superhero movies. Blue Beetle handles them with sensitivity and nuance. Mexican culture is presented with little fanfare or explanation, which is a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood approach of exoticising or stereotyping other cultures. And Jaime’s family, the Reyes family, is a central part of the movie, with Jaime’s relationship with his parents and younger sister providing a solid emotional core.

Blue Beetle is a fun and engaging superhero movie that delivers on all fronts. 

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)