Diversity in gender and race is a contentious topic in superhero films for years now.
While there have been efforts to address this, Black Panther and Wonder Woman for instance, many observers find these to be lame attempts at breaking the race and gender barriers in the superhero universe
DC Studios takes a stab at narrowing the gap with its latest offering focusing on Latino culture.
Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai), Bruna Marquezine (Breaking Through), Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Maximiano Trujillo, and George Lopez.
The award-winning Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) is also in the movie.
FAMILY MATTERS
Blue Beetle follows the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo), a young man straight out of college who returns to his hometown Palmera City to reunite with his family.
Jaime’s supposedly fun, relaxed homecoming quickly turns south after discovering the urgent problems hounding his family.
One thing leads to another and Jaime finds himself as host to an alien biotechnological entity and the subject of an intense manhunt at the command of a power-hungry entrepreneur.
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While the plot sounds typical of a superhero film (and it is), Blue Beetle stands out for delivering emotional punches that hit the heart.
At the center of all the chaos is one central message: the love of family.
And this is why the film, with its focus on family ties and solidarity despite conflicting personalities, touches Filipino sensibilities.
The cultural similarities between Latinos and Filipinos are also spot on, and local viewers will surely smile at references, such as Vicks VapoRub and the hit Mexican telenovela Maria la del Barrio starring actress Thalia of Marimar fame.
Read:
Thalia, 50, recreates Marimar look with dress she wore 28 years ago
15 actresses who auditioned for MariMar 2007 adaptation: THEN and NOW
Add to that is the participation of Filipino voice artist Inka Magnaye, who lent her voice to give life to the character of the Scarab in the Philippine theatrical release of the movie.
Read:
Inka Magnaye first Pinoy to dub in a DC Superhero movie; voiceovers Scarab in ‘Blue Beetle’
Inka Magnaye reacts to hearing her voice in DC superhero film ‘Blue Beetle’
Main protagonist Jaime comes across as relatable as he struggles to come to grips with his newfound cosmic power, acting confused and clumsily in the early parts of the film.
It somehow reminds you of Peter Parker in Spider-Man, whose conflicting feelings about his accidental gift made him all the more accessible and adorable in the eyes of the common folks, which are the viewers.
THE VERDICT
Blue Beetle for sure is not as glossy as the Marvel-produced movies that dominate cinemas.
It’s not in the same vein as The Avengers, or Guardians of the Galaxy, or Iron Man both in terms of cinematography and execution, just so fans of Marvel superheroes should know.
Viewers may cringe at some funny scenes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Blue Beetle is an entertaining watch and delivers the elements that make for a good superhero film.
It balances science-fiction stuff with heartstopping action scenes and incorporates emotions to tug at the heartstrings.
More excitingly, Blue Beetle might have just kicked the door open for more films in the genre that appeal to a wider audience with diverse cultural identities.
Blue Beetle is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines.
The PEP REVIEW section carries the views of individual reviewers, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the PEP editorial team.
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