The Mosley Review: Blue Beetle

I believe we're all familiar with the term "suspension of disbelief" correct? I mean, you can say that about the majority of films in the superhero genre, but man does this film truly take that term to a level that I haven't seen in a while. For the longest time we have been treated to more grounded superhero films that had fantastical elements, but felt tangible and above all, possible. When dealing with alien tech in these films, yeah its supposed to be over the top, but somewhere along the way the tone needs to center itself for us to stay engaged throughout the film while being pelted by nonstop CGI madness. As a massive DC fan, the character of Blue Beetle has always been flashy and they nailed that aspect with the beautiful color scheme and visuals. This film truly leaned into the neo 80's sci fi style complete with plenty of neon blue and purple. The core of the film is about the power of family, but it lacks balance in trying to represent the Latino culture while trying to deliver a decent origin story that isn't filled to the brim with boring stereotypical character archetypes. You can throw as much kinetic energy on screen with cool visuals, but it means nothing if the story has nothing to say.

Xolo Maridueña was charming and fun to watch as Jamie Reyes. I loved that he was always connected to his family and how he was a brilliant kid. I engaged with his growth as the film progressed, but I wish he had toned down the characters reactions to the Scarab. He spends most of the film screaming and freaking out and I wish there was more moments of him actually stopping and trying to figure out the new tech and his abilities. By the time he finally becomes a sort of hero, I liked his dedication, but he could've been directed better in how he got there. Belissa Escobedo was good as his annoying and angsty sister Milagro Reyes. There were moments where I wish she would pull back the constant negative and snarky comments as they completely stop the momentum of a scene. Damián Alcázar was awesome and heartfelt as Jamie's father Alberto Reyes. He was the core of the family and I enjoyed his scenes the most as he imparted the wisdom and calm the story needed. Elpidia Carrillo was good as Jamie's mother Rocio Reyes and the strength she portrays later in the film was astounding. Adriana Barraza was amazing and stole the film as Jamie's grandmother, Nana. I loved that there was more to her than the strong and lovable character in the background. George Lopez was fun and sometimes hilarious as Jamie's uncle, Rudy Reyes. He brings back that infectious energy that we all love him for and his expert comedic timing is on display. Even though he was paranoid most of the time, he was right and a brilliant engineer. Bruna Marquezine was really good as Jenny Kord and I liked that she had a strong moral compass in the film. Her chemistry with Jamie was forced at times, but levels out once everything slows down. Raoul Max Trujillo was good as the stoic fighter and bodyguard Ignacio Carapax. He pretty much was the person for Jamie to fight in the film, but there was more to his story and it made him more than a cardboard cut out villain. Susan Sarandon was decent as Jenny's aunt, Victoria Kord. She was your typical crooked and manipulative business woman that had the cliche rule the world with a new weapon program idea. Honestly, you were just waiting for her to be dealt with in some form and you can tell Susan was just there to have fun.

The score by Bobby Kalic was fun and filled with the classic 80's techno infused sound. It really hits hard when we get into the history of the original Blue Beetle and when we get to see his lair. The visual design of the film was vibrant as I mentioned before with the neon accents. I really liked that the suit was practical and the action was fun to watch when the camera was pulled back and still. The film was a decent introduction of the character and the emotional family story was the core of the film, but the film truly does lack focus. There are so many ideas thrown around and the plot of the film was so bland that after while it felt like a chore to get to the end. Although we're dealing with alien tech, I wish this film was way more grounded, slowed down and less crowded. In the grand scheme of superhero films, this was a more middle of the road adventure. Its a good watch, but nothing that elevates the genre in meaningful or extremely impactful way. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in comments below. Thanks for reading!