The DC Extended Universe has released several unsuccessful movies this year, including Justice League: Warworld, The Flash, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. People are curious if Blue Beetle, DC’s latest production, will suffer the same fate. The movie was anticipated to be the 11th highest-earning DCEU film at the domestic box office, but it has already exceeded Shazam! Fury of the Gods, grossing 106 million globally. However, despite its seemingly impossible journey to success in theaters, many still wonder: Is Blue Beetle worth watching, or is it just another one of DC’s failures?
The story revolves around Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a recent college graduate who returns home to find his family financially struggling. In pursuit of a job at the prestigious Kord Industries, Jaime comes across the Scarab, a powerful and otherworldly energy source. The Scarab
“chooses” Jaime, granting him access to its powers. However, this attracts the attention of CEO Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), who wants to use the Scarab’s code to complete the dangerous and high-tech OMEC (One Man Army Corps) project. Alongside Victoria’s niece, Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), Jaime and his family narrowly escape the OMEC’s first attack. Although they secure temporary safety, Jaime’s family remains in danger.
Not only did the Blue Beetle have a well-developed plot, but also a talented cast that added unique and interesting characters. Although the movie was intended to connect with the Latino culture, the relatable, vulnerable, and humorous performances appealed to a diverse audience. The cast also portrays a strong sense of unity and family, showcasing raw human imperfections not typically seen in other movies. Overall, the casting in Blue Beetle successfully highlighted the show’s best aspects, leaving a positive impact on viewers.
As well as good story elements, the Blue Beetle movie stands out from its fellow DCEU film, The Flash (2023), thanks to its impressive VFX. The vibrant color palette of blues and purples adds an electric touch to the overall aesthetic of the film. The characters are color-coded, with cooler colors for Blue Beetle and his family, as well as warmer reds and oranges for the OMEC, Victoria Kord, and her team. However, some viewers may find the CGI subpar and the costume designs lacking originality.
Despite its failure at the box office so far, Blue Beetle has proven to be one of the better movies DC has put out this year. From its intriguing plot to its well-thought color scheme, the movie has been enjoyable to a wide variety of viewers. The relatable characters and their meaningful connections made the film worth watching, and I think the movie was executed well overall.
