Serial The Flash , Blue Beetle is the 14th film, also one of the final projects to close the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The work is remarkable because it introduces a superhero that has never appeared in any previous installment.
This is considered a risky direction for James Gunn – president of DC Studios – when the studio is building a whole new cinematic universe.
Superhero “green beetle”
The main character in the film is Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) – a 22-year-old boy who suddenly received superpowers from an alien creature named Scarab, whose shape resembles a green suit. It parasitically lives on him, but at the same time becomes an “amulet” to protect him.
Whenever Jamie faces a critical situation, Scarab will set up special armor around the character’s body. Jamie immediately became the invincible Blue Beetle superhero with a state-of-the-art weapon system.
The film’s content is quite safe, following a familiar motif when the main character accidentally receives superpowers falling from the sky. Initially, Jamie could not control the power of Scarab. But over time, he gradually mastered and mastered modern weapons.
The work has a family comedy style, reminiscent Shazam! (2019). Many funny situations and dialogues are properly integrated, helping to increase the entertainment of the movie. The script is built simply, easy to understand so that viewers who have never read the manga can still grasp the story.
Besides the battles of the Blue Beetle, the film also explores a lot about the main character Jaime Reyes’ personal life. As a young man, the character is struggling with life, having trouble finding a job.
His family also faced a crisis due to bankruptcy, but all members always supported each other in all aspects. Everyone keeps an optimistic and cheerful spirit, which is a great motivation for Jaime.
Elements of Latin culture are cleverly integrated to make it different from many other superhero movies. Through the story, the filmmakers want to convey the message of family, the strength of intimacy. This idea is not new, but it is still applied effectively and rationally.
Round but lacking breakthrough
With fan, Blue Beetle important because closing the DCEU and opening up a new universe, completely changing the fate of DC.
The work also has many lines referring to other superheroes to create a connection. However, these details are quite small and do not affect the main content much.
DC’s previous projects such as The Flash nice Shazam! Fury of the Gods All failed at the box office despite the gathering of star actors, telling about familiar characters. This time, the studio had the opposite decision to choose a rather strange superhero, the cast was also little known.
Taking on the lead role is Xolo Maridueña – known for the series Cobra Kai . He captivated the audience with his natural acting, without showing up.
Reply Variety , Maridueña is proud to be DC’s first Latina superhero. This is a big turning point in the actor’s career born in 2002, a stepping stone for him to become a new star in the future.
Besides Xolo Maridueña, the rest of the cast are all quite suitable, making the story convincing.
Leading the project is Ángel Manuel Soto – an almost unknown face in Hollywood. However, the Puerto Rican director still ensures that the stages are done properly, providing a round work from start to finish.
Technique is the point that helps the film make a strong impression on the audience. The scene where Jaime transforms into Blue Beetle is reminiscent of how Iron Man wears armor, or characters from the series Kamen Rider Transfiguration.
The character’s weapon system is diverse, helping the film to keep its attraction. At times, Jaime used swords and shields, satellites to communicate, other times he used energy cannons or giant blades.
In particular, Blue Beetle’s armor can create wings to help Jaime fly, and at the same time act as a protective shield. Depending on different situations, the armor will turn into its own shape to increase the character’s strength.
The biggest minus point of Blue Beetle is still following the path of superhero movies. The familiar motif of good over evil makes the ending less surprising and attractive. The villain is also not really invested, so it doesn’t leave much impression.
However, the work still received a relatively good response upon release, rated “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with 76% of the critics’ votes and 92% of the audience.
In Viet Nam, REMOVE lue Beetle also quickly noticed. According to Box Office Vietnam the work ranked 2nd in the chart of the highest grossing movies of the past week, just behind blockbusters Oppenheimer .
General, Blue Beetle there are not many breakthroughs in terms of ideas and content. However, the natural acting and efforts of the director helped the film win the sympathy of the audience.