Review: Blue Beetle
Warner Bros.’ latest film “Blue Beetle” was an instant hit as audiences filled theaters on Aug. 18. The film further pushes positive Latino and Mexican-Indigenous representation that has expanded in the past decade. The film was directed by Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto, who also directed “La Granja,” a Puerto Rican drama where three lives collide with one another in order to find a true purpose in their lives.
The film follows Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a 22 year old college graduate who visits his family in Palmera City. Maridueña’s experience in Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” as Miguel Diaz, a karate prodigy, sets him up perfectly for his role as a superhero. While working as a house servant, he meets Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) and lands a job at her family company, Kord Industries.
It is here where an ancient artifact called the Scrab, voiced by Mexican-American singer Becky G, is stolen and latches onto Jaime, who must learn how to control the beetle in order to protect his family and community, becoming the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
Main themes of the movie include exploitation of the lower social class and the consequences of American colonialism and military imperialism. It also highlights minor topics of racism’s negative impact on the Latino community. The film demonstrates what it is like living in a Mexican-American household, with the importance of family, as well as dialogue resonating with many Hispanic viewers.
The representation doesn’t stop there. The soundtrack also highlights Mexican culture, with artists such as Los Ponchos, Eydie Gormé, and Mario Quintero Lara playing songs such as “La Chona” and “Sabor a mi,” songs that both young and old Hispanics have grown up listening to.
This movie has proven itself to be one of Warner Bros. best received films, with stunning special effects, easy to follow storyline and well designed costumes. The emotional roller coaster is a well-written Latino portrayal that will leave the audience in tears, perfectly catering itself for both audiences.
