Blue Beetle (2023)
6.811 /10
2290 Reviews
Rate This Movie:
Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle
... Jenny Kord
... Victoria Kord
... Carapax
... Milagros Reyes
User reviews
MORE SPOILER-FREE MINI-REVIEWS @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/mini-reviews-2023-edition
Blue Beetle follows the usual superhero origin formulas, being extremely predictable, and lacking narrative creativity, but all these issues are well-compensated by a proudly Latino cast that offers exceptionally genuine performances - Xolo Maridueña is quite impressive - and by the magnificently rich Mexican culture that encompasses the film. Entertainment is also guaranteed due to a good mix of CGI action with choreographed fight sequences, as well as an energetic score (Bobby Krlic).
A movie that nonsensically finds itself labeled as part of the DCEU when it clearly belongs to the saga. James Gunn probably didn't want to risk starting the DCU with a lesser-known character, which is an understandable reason, but keeping it attached to a soon-to-be-extinguished cinematic universe is very questionable.
There are no doubts: we will see Jaime Reyes again.
Rating: B+
Director:
Writer:
Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (Writer)
Genres:
Release Date:
2023-08-16
Run Time:
128 min
MMPA Rating:
PG-13
Reviews of
Blue Beetle
MORE SPOILER-FREE MINI-REVIEWS @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/mini-reviews-2023-edition
Blue Beetle follows the usual superhero origin formulas, being extremely predictable, and lacking narrative creativity, but all these issues are well-compensated by a proudly Latino cast that offers exceptionally genuine performances - Xolo Maridueña is quite impressive - and by the magnificently rich Mexican culture that encompasses the film. Entertainment is also guaranteed due to a good mix of CGI action with choreographed fight sequences, as well as an energetic score (Bobby Krlic).
A movie that nonsensically finds itself labeled as part of the DCEU when it clearly belongs to the saga. James Gunn probably didn't want to risk starting the DCU with a lesser-known character, which is an understandable reason, but keeping it attached to a soon-to-be-extinguished cinematic universe is very questionable.
There are no doubts: we will see Jaime Reyes again.
Rating: B+
⁃ Some months before release: 'Nah, it looks too mediocre, I don't even know who this Blue Beetle is. Okay, at least he has a sword from Final Fantasy!'
⁃ Some days before release: "Wow, what is it? Good rating? Now I'm hooked!"
⁃ Some minutes after leaving the cinema: "Ooohhhh........"
In a few words, I didn't like it. Blue Beetle looks like a superhero origin combined with Iron Man, Venom, and Spider-Man, adding just a bit of the family dynamic from Encanto (or Fast & Furious, you decide).
The only outstanding thing is the cringe factor: strange jokes, graphics that are far from the best, and a derivative plot — everything looks like it was made in the 00s. It's not bad, really; sometimes, it's even good — you'll definitely giggle if you're into this style. However, it's not enough to label the movie as a good one.
P.S. While watching this one, I've finally come up with the thought that I'm always bored during the first act. All these character introductions and exposition setups look like they're for people who are watching the first movie in their life. It doesn't matter if I like the film; I'm always waiting for the real action to begin 🙁
Maybe this should just have been called the "Blue Bottle" after the annoying blowfly that buzzes around annoyingly to no apparent purpose? Susan Sarandon (why?) is the megalomanic corporate mogul "Kord" who is out to create a super-soldier ("OMAC") using an extra-terrestrial scarab that can synergise an human being with an almost indestructible endo-skeleton. Fortunately for all of us, her cleaning lady likes to use the luxury bathroom at her home, and when she is caught and quite literally dumped, she and her brother find themselves out of work and introduced to "Jenny" (Bruna Marquezine) - the strong-minded niece of our baddie - who is determined to thwart the militarisation of her daddy's company. She smuggles the gadget out of their HQ and manages to pass it to the rather earnest and drippy brother "Jaime" (Xolo Maridueña) with strict instructions not to even open the box. Of course they do, and next thing he and the glowing blue gizmo are best mates - he can fly, zip around with great speed and has, of course, super-human strength. "Cord" is determined to get it back, so she energises her already semi-mechanised henchman "Carapax" (Raoul Max Trujillo) for a gradual/glacial build up to a denouement that a bat could see from space. This has all the feel to it of a standard television movie. Great visual effects but lightning pyrotechnics, cleaving a bus in half and endless explosions are no longer enough to sell a film. There has to be some semblance of originality with the thing. Aside from it's bilinguality, this has precious little by way of innovation to shout for it. The characters are largely forgettable - especially the annoying uncle "Rudy" (George Lopez) who's astonishing adeptness with all things super-tech was just plain daft! It's also way, way too long and I felt the ominous presence of a sequel looming at the end quite sad. This is a weak story with a weak cast that seems designed to fill a gap in the USA's expanding and under-served Hispanic market. I think it may work there? I'm not so sure anyone else needs this.
Blue beetle is very awesome!! WoW!👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The Good: Light-hearted and family centric. Love story does not involve a centuries old god. Overall a very positive message.
The Bad: Very stereotypical superhero story-line. Big CGI villain and some pretty uninteresting fight scenes.
I mean, it's not bad. It has the message, but it isn't screamed at you at the top of it's lungs like most movies are these days. In fact, it's so subtle that it's not even much of a distraction.
Not that it doesn't have it's distractions. It has the same "because the plot needs it" occurrences that make you roll your eyes that seem to plague just about every movie these days... but even that is sort of muted.
The themes are fun and decent enough where you would actually want your kids to see it... and in the end it doesn't try to do anything new, it just attempts to make itself into a fun and enjoyable film. That's really all I ask for in movies, especially these days. I want to have fun at the box office again, and this movie delivers that.
It's just... you forgot it was even released didn't you?
And you hardly ever heard of the character. There was next to no publicity. It wasn't really advertised, it came at a time when people were burned out from all the political super hero movies, and let's face it, everyone is sick of the huge CGI fight with the huge CGI villain/army.
So, at the end you had a bit of a flop, and an undeserving one at that, because the movie is fun, it does entertain, and it deserved more than it got.
'Blue Beetle' won me over in the end.
I wasn't personally convinced by it for large periods, not that I was finding it anything boring, irritating or anything close to that but I just wasn't really feeling the vibe. However, across the second half of the film I could feel myself gradually becoming more invested in the events onscreen.
Much of the cast match each other in terms of standard, they all try and subsequently produce solid displays. I will say that I really enjoyed George Lopez's performance as Rudy, he brings a lot of life and humour to the film via that role.
Xolo Maridueña is more than decent as the titular character, while Bruna Marquezine makes for a good match alongside Maridueña; even if her character's Kord family portion of the story didn't interest me as much as the Reyes', in that sense the less said about Susan Sarandon the better here - extremely meh, at best.
I very much wouldn't say the filmmakers hit the ball out of the park with this 2023 release, but I can certainly see potential with the character going forward - given they are reportedly planning to continue with him within the DCU. As for this, it's a serviceable superhero watch.
Ooof another disposable entry into the hellish cgi nightmare that is cinema these days. I cant even recall if this was DC or Marvel, I think DC? Really scraping the bottom of the barrel here, including trying to make this relatively gross looking hero silhouette seem cool. Kinda reminds me of that spiderman character in venture bros who spews silk from an orifice in his lower back, but this one is less funny. Just odd.
Cast & Crew of
Blue Beetle
Cast
... Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle
... Jenny Kord
... Victoria Kord
... Carapax
... Milagros Reyes
... Alberto Reyes
... Rocío Reyes
... Rudy Reyes
... Nana Reyes
... Khaji-Da (voice)
... Dr. Sanchez
... Tío Chema
... Tía Maru
... Tía Letty
... Old Man in Airport
... General Crane
... Nayeli
... Kord Receptionist
... Dude #1
... Dude #2
... Dude #3
... Bentley Owner
... Security Tech #1
... Security Tech #2
... Security Tech #3
... Security Tech #4
... Black Ops Leader
... Sebastian - Wall Guard #1
... Giovanni - Wall Guard #2
... Young Jenny Kord
... Kid Carapax
... Teen Carapax
... Carapax's Mom
... Soldier
Crew
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Designer
... Co-Producer
... First Assistant Director
... Editor
... Thanks
... Foley Artist
... Art Direction
... Production Design
... ADR Mixer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Thanks
... Costume Design
... Thanks
... Set Decoration
... Thanks
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Producer
... Stunts
... Thanks
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Makeup Department Head
... Thanks
... Stunts
... Second Unit Director
... Thanks
... Production Sound Mixer
... Thanks
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Producer
... Producer
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Camera Operator
... Thanks
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Thanks
... Sound Designer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Supervising Sound Effects Editor
... Stunts
... Set Decoration Buyer
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Stunts
... Sound Designer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Script Supervisor
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Foley Artist
... Stunts
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Set Designer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Foley Supervisor
... Stunt Coordinator
... Hair Department Head
... Set Dresser
... Stunts
... Graphic Designer
... Stunts
... Supervising Art Director
... Director
... Casting
... Makeup Artist
... Music Supervisor
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Key Hair Stylist
... Costume Supervisor
... Boom Operator
... Grip
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Writer
... Original Music Composer
... Casting
... Stunts
... Director of Photography
... Set Dresser
... Stunts
... Key Makeup Artist
... Stunts
... ADR Mixer
... Foley Mixer
... Second Unit First Assistant Director
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... ADR Mixer
... Stunts
... Set Dresser
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Visual Effects Producer
... Art Direction
... Art Direction
... Stunts
... Hairstylist
... Stunts
... Casting Associate
... Set Costumer
... Makeup Artist
... Co-Producer
... Stunts
... Art Direction
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Executive Producer
... Key Hair Stylist
... Set Designer
... Set Decoration Buyer
... Set Costumer
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Set Designer
... Stunts
... Grip
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Assistant Art Director
... Visual Effects Producer
... Stunts
... Set Designer
... Visual Effects
... Stunts
... Gaffer
... Chief Lighting Technician
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Art Direction
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Visual Effects Producer
... Stunts
... Grip
... Set Designer
... Second Assistant Director
... Production Supervisor
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Set Dresser
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Makeup Artist
... Set Decoration Buyer
... Assistant Art Director
... Graphic Designer
... Thanks
Videos & Photos of
Blue Beetle
Videos (2)
Official Final Trailer
1: 31
Official Trailer
1: 31
Photos 62
Similar Movies To
Blue Beetle
Superman Returns (2006)
5.757/10
Superman returns to discover his 5-year absence has allowed Lex Luthor to walk free, and that those he was closest to felt abandoned and have moved on. Luthor plots his ultimate revenge that could see millions killed and change the face of the planet forever, as well as ridding himself of the Man of Steel.
Release: 2006-06-28
Hellboy (2004)
6.7/10
In the final days of World War II, the Nazis attempt to use black magic to aid their dying cause. The Allies raid the camp where the ceremony is taking place, but not before they summon a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and dubbed "Hellboy". Sixty years later, Hellboy serves the cause of good rather than evil as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense, along with Abe Sapien - a merman with psychic powers, and Liz Sherman - a woman with pyrokinesis, protecting America against dark forces.
Release: 2004-04-02
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
6.105/10
The Turtles and the Shredder battle once again, this time for the last cannister of the ooze that created the Turtles, which Shredder wants to create an army of new mutants.
Release: 1991-03-22
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
6.642/10
A quartet of humanoid turtles, trained by their mentor in ninjitsu, must learn to work together to face the menace of Shredder and the Foot Clan.
Release: 1990-03-30
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993)
5.374/10
The four turtles travel back in time to the days of the legendary and deadly samurai in ancient Japan, where they train to perfect the art of becoming one. The turtles also assist a small village in an uprising.
Release: 1993-03-17
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
5.825/10
Folklore collectors and con artists, Jake and Will Grimm, travel from village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and performing exorcisms. However, they are put to the test when they encounter a real magical curse in a haunted forest with real magical beings, requiring genuine courage.
Release: 2005-08-26
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
5.094/10
When New York architect Matt Saunders dumps his new girlfriend Jenny Johnson - a smart, sexy and reluctant superhero known as G-Girl - she uses her powers to make his life a living hell!
Release: 2006-07-20
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
7.04/10
Outlaw Jesse James is rumored to be the 'fastest gun in the West'. An eager recruit into James' notorious gang, Robert Ford eventually grows jealous of the famed outlaw and, when Robert and his brother sense an opportunity to kill James, their murderous action elevates their target to near mythical status.
Release: 2007-09-20
The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart (2023)
7.3/10
A nationwide manhunt for Hank Venture leads to untold dangers and unexpected revelations, while The Monarch is literally out for Dr Venture's blood. An imposing evil from the past reemerges to wreak havoc on the Ventures, The Guild, and even the Monarch marriage—it will take friends and foes alike to restore the Ventures' world to order… or end it once and for all.
Release: 2023-07-21
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (2022)
6.2/10
Everyone’s favorite rascals, the Aqua Teens, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl, split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil, and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer.
Release: 2022-10-06
Dark Blue (2002)
6.174/10
Set during the Rodney King riots, a robbery homicide investigation triggers a series of events that will cause a corrupt LAPD officer to question his tactics.
Release: 2002-12-14
Barbie: Spy Squad (2016)
7/10
Barbie and her best friends Teresa and Renee transform from hard-working gymnasts to undercover secret agents. When their amazing gymnastics skills catch the eye of a top-secret spy agency, the girls are soon following clues to a gem-stealing cat burglar, using high-tech gadgets, glam disguises and cute robo-pets to save the day.
Release: 2016-01-15
Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (2018)
7.4/10
A young man who stands for the right discovers that he's destined to do bigger things, which will transform him from a common man into a Superhero.
Release: 2018-06-01
Engine Sentai Go-Onger Special DVD: It's a Seminar! Everyone GO-ON!! (2008)
0/10
A special DVD in which Bomper lets each of the Go-Ongers do their own special seminar on ecology and also tie into the three Gaiark Pollution Ministers.
Release: 2008-12-01
Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger Super Video: Showdown! Gaoranger vs. Gao Silver (2001)
0/10
The five GaoJewels of the Gaorangers are pulled into the Holy Spring. GaoSilver appears and his GaoJewel also flies into it. He challenges the five Gaorangers, wanting them to tell him what the five "Gao Teachings" were.
Release: 2001-10-01
Juken Sentai Gekiranger: Gyun-Gyun! Fist Sage Great Athletic Meet (2007)
0/10
After their latest win, the three Gekirangers find the Kensei stretching for their annual Kensei Great Athletic Meet. Jan, wanting to win the gold medal and a year's supply of Televi magazines, joins the Red Team to go against the White Team. With Retsu as judge and Ran as moderator, the contest starts...
Release: 2007-12-01
Night at the Museum (2006)
6.579/10
Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley accidentally stirs up an ancient curse, awakening Attila the Hun, an army of gladiators, a Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits.
Release: 2006-12-20
Free Willy (1993)
6.174/10
When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.
Release: 1993-07-16
The Legend of Zorro (2005)
6.122/10
Having spent the last 10 years fighting injustice and cruelty, Alejandro de la Vega is now facing his greatest challenge: his loving wife Elena has thrown him out of the house! Elena has filed for divorce and found comfort in the arms of Count Armand, a dashing French aristocrat. But Alejandro knows something she doesn't: Armand is the evil mastermind behind a terrorist plot to destroy the United States. And so, with his marriage and the county's future at stake, it's up to Zorro to save two unions before it's too late.
Release: 2005-10-24
Hibernatus (1969)
6.8/10
The frozen body of Paul Fournier is discovered in Greenland where he had disappeared during a scientific expedition in 1905. Perfectly conserved he is brought back to life in the 1960s. His descendants take care of him: to spare him the cultural shock they behave so to make believe it's 1905 and they are his cousins, uncle...
Release: 1969-09-10