‘Blue Beetle’ Review Roundup: ‘An Electric Start to the New DCU’
The reviews for “Blue Beetle,” DC’s first live-action superhero movie centered around a Latino superhero, are in and critics are unanimously hailing the performance of “Cobra Kai” breakout star Xolo Maridueña.
“Though it is not officially launching the DCU, Blue Beetle is a worthy introduction to the first new hero of the rebooted cinematic universe. Written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer and directed by Angel Manuel Soto, the movie’s task is simply to highlight Jaime Reyes as a protagonist everyone wants to root for — something which star Xolo Maridueña makes very easy. The actor brings a fresh-faced innocence to the already earnest script, and he is lifted up further by the various members of the Reyes family and their big personalities. But while Blue Beetle’s story has universal appeal regardless, the strength of DC’s newest entry lies in Jaime Reyes’ ties to his loving Mexican family,” wrote Tatiana Hullender of Screenrant in their review.
“In terms of representation, Warners’ late-summer release has the potential to be a breakthrough film for Latino audiences. It should also boost the rep of Puerto Rican director Ángel Manuel Soto, who demonstrates that his affinity for a specific subculture and community in Charm City Kings — in that case, Baltimore dirt-bike riders — can be just as infectious on a much larger scale. And it stands to put Cobra Kai recruit Xolo Maridueña on the map as a captivating young actor with the right spark to carry a new offshoot of the DC Extended Universe,” said the Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney in his review.
Discussing Film‘s Ben Rolph wrote “Director Ángel Manuel Soto delivers a thoroughly engaging and emotionally impactful film. Blue Beetle has its flaws but manages to overcome the dullness of its villains by having a great core cast of characters, while also highlighting the bonding facets of Latino culture within Jaime’s family. Xolo Maridueña is undoubtedly a star in the making, he was born to play Blue Beetle and knocks it out of the park with his personable and charming performance.”
The Wrap’s William Bibbani wrote: “Blue Beetle” may not reshape the whole superhero concept but it reminds us why this concept works, and why it doesn’t need to be trussed up with bells and whistles and lifelong commitments. Jaime Reyes is a hero worth looking up to, and so is everyone else in his family, whether they kick butt or not. It may or may not be important to the DC franchise moving forward, but who cares? “Blue Beetle” is a cure for the superhero movie blues.”
“Ultimately, Xolo Maridueña is the biggest reason why audiences should come in droves to see this film, and when paired with the authentic Mexican family dynamic, adds to what helps elevate this movie from standard superhero fare to something more substantial. It’s a sweet and sincere film that will hopefully signify a more optimistic path for the future of the DCU, which will hopefully have Jaime Reyes as a major presence,” wrote Noah Villaverde for Heroic Hollywood in his review.
“The star of the show here is Xolo Maridueña. He gives his best performance to date and will bolster up to A-list talent once this releases. His performance as Jamie Reyes is funny, layered and emotional. He’s the textbook definition of perfect casting and I’m so happy James Gunn has made him the DCU’s first hero. The supporting cast, especially George Lopez and Bruna Marquenzie, standout as well,” wrote One Take news in their review.
Other reviews are celebrating the film’s “Latinidad.”
“Blue Beetle never loses sight of the community it seeks to honor, not once pandering nor offering surface-level representation of what it means to be Latino. Latinidad is complex — it’s more than where you were born, what language you speak, or what food you eat. But one thing it’s full of is heart, and Blue Beetle has plenty of that to go around. Animo!“ wrote Yolanda Machado for EW.
“Blue Beetle” opens in theaters on Aug. 18.
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