The new age of DC on the big screen is nearly here withBlue Beetle. Although originally conceived beforeJames GunnandPeter Safrantaking the reins andunveiling their ambitions for the future of the DCU, theXolo Maridueña-led flick willbe the first of many films and seriesto come from their new universe. The scarab-based hero has had quite the journey to release, from lesser-known comic book protagonist to the star of an HBO Max exclusive film, and now theater-bound to help DC get back on track following the failures ofThe Flash,Shazam: Fury of the Gods, andBlack Adam. Before Jaime Reyes and his family are introduced to the public, critics are sounding off on the comic giant’s first Latino-led film.
Blue Beetlepicks up with Jaime after college graduation when he returns home to his fictional hometown of Palmera and begins working a dead-end job only for his life to change forever uponcoming in contact with the ancient alien artifact known as the Scarab. Finding the young man to be a suitable host, the creature/technology bites into his spine and forms a symbiotic bond,granting him an exosuit with remarkable powersbuilt to shield him from any threat. Whether he likes it or not, he embraces his newfound abilities and dons the moniker of Blue Beetle. At the heart of this story is a tight-knit family dynamic withDamian Alcazar,Elpidia Carrillo,Belissa Escobedo,George Lopez, andAdriana Barrazaplaying Jaime’s loved ones who support him in his journey to become a force for good in the world.
DirectorAngel ManuelSotogets his first-ever crack at helming a superhero film withBlue Beetle, featuring Maridueña in his first-ever big screen appearance after dazzling in his time as Miguel Diaz inCobra Kai. Although the SAG-AFTRA strike prevented him from promoting the film himself,he delivered a heartfelt messageover social media praising the film, the cast, and their “shepherd” Soto for his work behind the camera. He’ll be put to the test by Oscar-winnerSusan Sarandonwho also couldn’t gush enoughabout playing themain villain Victoria Kord alongside her bodyguard Conrad Carapax played byRaoul Max Trujillo.Bruna MarquezineandHarvey Guillénround out the star-studded group withBecky Galso aboard as the voice of Khaji-Da who embodies the Scarab.
Collider’sSteve WeintraubpraisedBlue Beetlefor how it focused on a tight-knit family and Latino culture. Like other critics, he also noted that it was “extremely funny.”
What Are Critics Saying AboutBlue Beetle?
While only a handful of critics have had the chance to seeBlue Beetle, those who have already seen the next big superhero flick took to social media to share their first reactions—which seemed to be largely positive, despite DC’s recent shaky releases. Some are even hailing it as their favorite post-Christopher Nolansuperhero film, which is pretty high praise.
Others noted how much the film meant to them due to representation, asBlue Beetlemarks the first live-action superhero to fully embrace Latino culture.
There were some who pointed out that the film is often “too silly” and “childish,” though they were still largely positive about it. That silly humor seemed to work for other critics, however.
Blue Beetlehits theaters on August 18. Check out the trailer below.
