IR Film Review: BLUE BEETLE [DC/Warner Bros]
The progression of DC superheroes depends usually on the aspect of perspective of what kind of persona it implies. "Blue Beetle", at least envisioned as he was in animated form, was more of a goofy, more Deadpool-spun (but PG rated) pop culture referencer who skewed a little younger but cooler, much like the Spiderverse has done. In reinventing the approach here, director Angel Manuel Soto has created a different universe but one that in and of itself has its own unique energy. This reviewer had talked to him for "Charm City Kings", an HBO Max movie that was much more gritty than this more bubble gum feeling film (no offense meant -- simply a different audience). That said, Soto definitely brings a unique mix to Palmera City which feels like a mix of Miami, Los Angeles and perhaps his own San Juan [Puerto Rico]. The story here is inherent of family and the immigrant experience as well.
Xolo Maraduena plays Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes with a sense of naivete but fun (despite some shortcomings). His delivery always seems awkward (which might be part of the point) but never quite lands as natural. The rest of his family hits dead center on the right tone (except for the mom of the clan who doesn't have as much depth as the rest). Dad (Damian Alcazar) of course is a big catalyst and is played with the right balance of gravitas and nostalgia. Jaime's sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) has the right amount of humor. His uncle,a crazy inventor Rudy is played with the right bravado and cool embarassing enthusiasm by George Lopez. Initially the trailer had Lopez pegged as a little over the top. However his delivery and the character intelligence and ingenuity definitely wins the viewer over...and ends up being one of the best things about the film. And Grandma: Nana Reyes (played with wonderful craziness and focus by Adriana Barazza -- who was last fantastic in "Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels") is the definitely creation of Soto (who has many of the same instincts as a young Robert Rodriguez).
One of the great finds also of the film is Bruna Marquezine, who plays the magnate daughter Jenny Kord. Based on earlier elements, it was hoped that the character would be more active than reactive (which sadly was the case). On her own, Marquezine is phenomenal but the would-be romance doesn't work with her and Maraduena. Even though she is young herself, her character seems way too mature for Jaime/Blue Beetle. Marquezine was originally the second finalist for Supergirl in "The Flash" but Sasha Calle scored it. The way that Calle was styled to play that role now seems hard to beat (despite the film not doing so well). Marquezine got this role as likely a consolation offer since she was already high on the DC list at that time. She definitely deserves another shot in another franchise perhaps.
Another well cast role is Raoul Max Trujillo as Caramax, a soldier of the film's villian Victoria Kord (played by Susan Sarandon). He plays the character just right despite some plot holes (which do get filled in very well towards the end). Sarandon for her part tries to play the villainy but there is not enough to quite fill the gaps (though it is not for her lack of trying). As the film builds to its end, especially because of one piece of tech, there is an interesting throwback in certain ways to the theatrical "Watchmen" film (which could not be a more different movie). However there is also a kind of cartoonish violence while very dark themes rachet behind it. A very specific character plot development pushes the last half of the film in this way. It is cool in a way but very uneven. This is where you get the sense of what Angel Manuel is capable of. This film just does not quite accomplish it fully. It is half formed in that way. Most of it is fairly good but has a slightly B feel to it. Maraduena is decent but not overwhelmingly star material and his chemistry with Marquezine is just not quite there which is what ultimately sinks alot of it. B-
By Tim Wassberg
