- Jainam Turakhia
Just as we thought the Fast and the Furious franchise was coming to an end, seemingly taking its "family" element with it, Blue Beetle emerges from the shadows, breathing new life into this theme.
This captivating addition to the DC universe revolves around a Mexican youth named Jaime Reyes and his dramatic transformation after inadvertently finding himself in the wrong place at the right time.
The storyline itself is straightforward, yet what truly sets it apart is the execution. It exudes sophistication, humor, and heartfelt moments. Unlike many contemporary comic book movies that struggle to strike the right tone, swinging between overly dark and insufficiently serious, Blue Beetle deftly avoids these pitfalls. It seamlessly blends humor without delving into cringeworthy territory and switches to intense emotion when the narrative necessitates it. This balance is a rare find among recent entries in the comic book genre, and it enhances the sense of significance and authenticity, making it a cinematic experience worth savoring.
The character portrayals are nothing short of exceptional, with special mention to the growth arc of the scarab and Conrad Carapax's character, portrayed by Raoul Trujillo. The scarab, initially a host for Jaime, evolves throughout the story, resembling Jaime's character more closely by the end, choosing restraint over destruction. This development is particularly intriguing given the alien origin of the technology. Carapax's journey from a morally conflicted figure to one guided by his heart's voice is beautifully depicted.
Xolo Maridueña embodies the role of Jaime Reyes flawlessly. His portrayal exudes charm, complemented by the compelling performances of the entire Reyes family—Adriana Barraza as Nana, Damián Alcázar as Alberto, George Lopez as Rudy, and Belissa Escobedo as Milagro.
Each scene involving Damián Alcázar as Alberto Reyes is a poignant delight, encapsulating the essence of what makes comic book movies so impactful. Absolutely adore the conversation between Papi Reyes and Jaime about destiny.
Adriana Barraza's portrayal of Nana strikes a perfect balance between resilience and sass, a true embodiment of the classic badass archetype. Her scenes, particularly those involving firearms, are a delightful frenzy. A re-watch of the film is justifiable for Damián and Adriana's performances alone.
Bruna Marquezine's remarkable talent shines through in every scene she graces. This movie feels like one with an all new cast that I've never known before but someone I'd always want to go back to.
George Lopez's portrayal of Rudy is sheer awesomeness. More Rudy, please! Becky G's voice lends the scarab a perfect blend of human relatability and alien intrigue. A fantastic choice!
Raoul Trujillo captures the essence of Conrad Carapax perfectly, encapsulating the complexity of the character with finesse. While Susan Sarandon's Vicky Kord could have had greater depth, her rendition of a classic villain is entertaining.
Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer demonstrates his mastery of screenwriting by refusing to compromise on emotional depth while seamlessly infusing humor. The film manages to mine humor even from topics like urination and genitals without stumbling into cringe territory, as can often happen, especially in works by James Gunn.
Ángel Manuel Soto is the real deal. The decision to make this film feel like a 2008 era classic origin story and taking a chance on the same with no dc powerhouses for a back-up really felt like it paid off. This film doesn't need unnecessary cameos to feel presentable. It is amazing. It is perfect. Right from the opening credits to the perfectly executed end, this film finally gives DC films a balanced tone that it has been searching for quite a while. Love how funny this film is yet when it comes to the emotional scenes, it doesn't get nerfed down with comedy. This is what real films feel like!
Pawel Pogorzelski's cinematography is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His grounded, elegant shots serve as an exemplary lesson in how simplicity and practicality can yield breathtaking visuals.
One remarkable aspect is how the film handles action sequences in low light. Blue Beetle triumphs where others, such as Zack Snyder's Justice League and Avengers: Endgame, have struggled. The latter films occasionally suffered from a reliance on CGI during low light/night sequences, causing them to feel congested. Blue Beetle shines through meticulous attention to detail, further enhanced by impeccable costume design that bolsters the authenticity of the CGI.
The sound and music choices strike a classic note, hitting every mark as intended. Despite not having any prior introduction to the character through other mediums, I was fully invested in the film. As a comic book enthusiast, Blue Beetle never held much appeal for me, but this film has illuminated it in a new light. The central theme of family resonates deeply and connects both hero and villain. The concluding sequence unfolds with breathtaking beauty. The infusion of Mexican culture adds a personal, enriching layer to the film that begs for further exploration.
Additionallly, scenes involving the bug, Sanchez and Taco are absolutely a blast!
While I wish this film could have been part of the original DCEU, it's heartening to witness its inauguration as the first entry in the DCU. If this is how the story of DCU begins, then there's hope. To omit Blue Beetle from future plans by James Gunn and Peter Safran would be a missed opportunity. Angel Manuel Soto must reclaim the director's chair for more DC films, and Xolo Maridueña is an ideal fit to continue as Blue Beetle, fostering a hopeful future for the DC universe.
In conclusion, Blue Beetle serves as a captivating opening to the DCU, heralding a promising path ahead. Its ability to stand independently is a powerful statement, given the character's less prominent status compared to other DC figures. With the right opportunities, Blue Beetle has the potential to join the ranks of major league superheroes. While the villain may come off slightly cartoonish, this minor flaw is overshadowed by the film's impressive qualities. I'd confidently rate this film 4.5/5.