The fact that “Blue Beetle” has made its theatrical release is a miracle. Before we talk about the film, it’s important to look back at the bumpy road the film took to get here.

THE UNCERTAIN PATH OF BLUE BEETLE

The film was first announced as a straight-to-streaming film for then HBO Max. Then after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, “Batgirl” despite finishing filming was scrapped altogether to save money. It would seem like it was a matter of time before “Blue Beetle” got the same treatment.

To the surprise of many, it was announced that “Blue Beetle” would no longer be released on streaming, but rather in theaters. Also, a leadership change at DC. James Gunn and Peter Safran were now going to lead Warner Bros. Discovery in a ten-year slate of DC Films that would re-boot the DCEU starting with Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy”. So what would that mean for our young hero?

Another surprise was that while “Superman: Legacy” would be the first film in Gunn’s plan, Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle, would be the first character in new continuity that we would meet. But the hurdles were not over.

In May a writers’ strike hit Hollywood. Followed shortly in July by an actors’ strike. This made it impossible for the stars of the film and other influencers to promote the film. Leaving its fate to a public that had been disappointed in other DC offerings this year including “SHAZAM” Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash”.

The deck certainly, even to this moment, continues to be stacked against it. But “Blue Beetle” seems to continue to push forward just like the characters in the film.

THE HEART AND FOUNDATION OF BLUE BEETLE

Angel Manuel Soto’s “Blue Beetle” is an amazing reflection of the Latino community. It may be overlooked and counted out, by many as just another DC flop, but this is the kind of superhero film that we have been missing. It’s character-driven, not by a single lead, but by a family that pulls you in. The DC aspect of the film ends up almost being complimentary and that is why this film works so well. You’re not worried about a cameo or a bigger story, just in the Reyes family.

THE STORY

“Blue Beetle” follows recent college graduate Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña. Who has returned home to Palmera City, only to find that his family has fallen on hard times. He puts the burden of trying to save his family on his shoulders. But also crosses paths with Jenny Kord, played by Bruna Marquezine, the daughter of the missing Ted Kord. She is trying to stop her grandmother, Victoria Kord, played by Susan Sarandon, from activating and weaponizing an alien artifact called, the Blue Beetle.

In a moment of desperation, Jenny gives the artifact to Jaime for safekeeping. But fate intervenes and the Blue Beetle chooses Jaime as its new symbiotic host. Giving him an amazing suit of armor capable of a wide array of powers that force him into a role he didn’t ask for. With his family by his side, Jamie tries to figure out what that means. All while an angry Victoria Kord and her general, Carapax, played by Raoul Max Trujillo, do whatever they must to get it back.

ALSO SEE: BLUE BEETLE FINAL TRAILER GIVES US THE BEST LOOK AT JAIME REYES’ STRUGGLE AS A SUPERHERO

A WELL-BALANCED LATIN CULTURE SUPERHERO EXPERIENCE

“Blue Beetle” at its core tells the story known so well by many first-generation Latino-Americans. Of a young man with the pressures of not being the first to graduate college but also feel the pressure of trying to keep family finances afloat. Soto makes sure that we take the time to get to know each member of the family. They all play a part in the journey of Jaime becoming the hero, Blue Beetle. Especially in a Latino house, the characters are very relatable to someone in our family. For me in particular, Nana’s character, played by Adriana Barraza, was such a reflection of someone dear in my family who we lost this year. With this family as its foundation, it allows the film to succeed.

With “Blue Beetle” you’re not worried about continuity, Easter eggs, sequels, multiverses, or big-name villains. As a matter of fact, if you took out the DC logo, this film is just as good on its own. This is the story of Jaime Reyes and his family.

Soto, to my surprise, wasn’t afraid to completely lean into Latin culture. There were references that I understood from when I was a child to the present day. These came in the form of television shows (including soap operas or as we call them, telenovelas), music, food, and of course the languages Spanish and Spanglish. With the way this film was crafted, this is our first major motion picture Latino superhero that we can all be proud of.

There was also a good balance of practical and special effects. I think there was only one moment toward the end when I noticed something that took me out of the scene for a second. I dare to say that these effects were cleaned up a lot nicer than those we saw in “The Flash”. The Blue Beetle costume and weapons looked great on screen.

OVERALL THOUGHTS AND GRADE

Overall, “Blue Beetle” is the classic superhero film that we have been missing as of late from both DC and Marvel. One that is told from a Latino perspective. Giving our community a hero that we can be proud of regardless of age. It’s a movie that everyone in your family can enjoy together.

OVERALL GRADE: A-

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Blue Beetle” is now playing in theaters everywhere.