Worth: $13.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Susan Sarandon, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Bruna Marquezine
Intro:
… if you’re up for two and a bit hours of amiable character work, noisy action (with dodgy CGI), good representation but a one dimensional villain and zero surprises, you might find something to like in Blue Beetle.
In life, timing is everything. Just ask any stand-up comedian, professional athlete or bird inside a cuckoo clock. This rule also applies to cinema releases, as when a movie comes out has a huge impact on its potential success or failure. For evidence, one need look no further than scrappy superhero flick Blue Beetle, which has a lot to recommend it, but has probably arrived on the scene about five years too late.
Blue Beetle is the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a mild-mannered college graduate who is ready to take the next step in life. Unfortunately, his adoring family are having a rough old time in Palmera City with his father Alberto (Damián Alcázar) suffering a recent cardiac episode and the family business going under. Still, they’ve got one another and ultimately are a loving bunch. However, a chance encounter with sociopathic CEO Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) and her idealistic niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine) leads to an unlikely situation where ol’ mate Jaime takes possession of an ancient alien doohickie called a Scarab.
Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say that the Scarab takes control of Jaime, giving him superpowers and a bold new blue sartorial look.
From there, Blue Beetle functions pretty much like every other superhero origin story movie you’ve ever seen. Jaime tries to come to terms with his powers and how they affect the people in his life. The antagonist becomes aware of him and the first of several weightless CGI fights begins. Oh, and there’s a love interest, naturally. Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of these elements in particular – and thanks to a charming cast, the time passes pleasantly – but it’s no exaggeration to say that you’ve seen this story many, many times before.
Still and all, charm goes a long way. And a delightful lead performance from Maridueña, solid work from Alcázar and a hilarious twist with Adriana Barraza’s Nanna will no doubt pop a smile on your dial. So, if you’re up for two and a bit hours of amiable character work, noisy action (with dodgy CGI), good representation but a one dimensional villain and zero surprises, you might find something to like in Blue Beetle.
If, however, you’re suffering from that malignant strain of superhero fatigue that seems to be going around at the moment, then Blue Beetle may have you reaching for the Mortein.
