Blue Beetle (2023)

Editor's note: this article contains spoilers for Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle (2023) is a compelling film centered around a Mexican-American family triumphing over the odds while never losing sight of what it means to be a family. There is a secondary theme of social justice, where a Latino college grad finds a greater destiny in a postgrad world that misled him about his economic prospects. Somewhere in there is also some fighting between two men in superpowered battle suits. But truthfully, the film's heart is the emphasis on the Blue Beetle's true superpower - his family and relationships.

This has numerous implications. For viewers who appreciate well-developed characters and their interpersonal dynamics as the foundation of a compelling narrative, this will provide a gratifying payoff. Additionally, there will be those who find satisfaction in witnessing the symbolic triumph of a person of color (POC) college graduate succeeding despite the challenges posed by predatory capitalism. The film also incorporates modern humor and offers commentary rooted in contemporary perspectives on topics such as gentrification, the American Dream, racism, discrimination against Hispanic people, and elitism.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I found myself yelling at the characters who behaved annoyingly, just like real family members and friends. I longed for a hug from his abuela, rolled my eyes at his tio and hermana, and felt a pang of sadness when his papi died. The visual effects were genuinely cool, the Beetle suit was impressive in battle, and the family playing a role in rescuing the hero was a nice touch.