Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Loving family, intense scenes in DC's Latino superhero tale.
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Blue Beetle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say that this film has elicited quite a divide among viewers, with some praising its heartfelt themes and enjoyable action, while others criticize it for a poorly executed plot and excessive clichés. Despite mixed reactions regarding language and violence, many agree that it offers strong family messages, making it suitable for younger audiences with some allowances for mature content.
- family themes
- mixed reviews
- too many clichés
- suitable for kids
- excessive language
- enjoyable action
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Kord Industries board member Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) gives recent college graduate Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) the responsibility of protecting a mysterious package, he thinks he's on his way to getting a job where he can use his degree and help his family during a financially uncertain time. But the package turns out to contains the Scarab, a symbiotic alien biotechnology that transfers its powers to Jaime, transforming him into BLUE BEETLE -- whether he wants it or not.
Is It Any Good?
A Latino superhero is long overdue in the DCEU, and this warm, funny adventure makes it worth the wait. Blue Beetle's plot points are pretty familiar -- Jaime Reyes' (Maridueña) origin story has a lot in common with that of Marvel's insect-powered character, Spider-Man. But there's a distinct difference for Reyes: He's not a lone wolf. While Peter Parker keeps his alter ego a secret, Reyes' family is 100% with him from the get-go. Jaime may be the Blue Beetle, but the Reyes family members are the legs that hold him up and allow him to run.
Other elements also help make Blue Beetle's story feel like a breath of fresh air in a packed superhero market. For starters, the location: Palmera City is to Miami as Gotham City is to New York, and, true to Miami, most of its residents are Latino. Soto uses the Reyes' story to illustrate the challenges of being a Mexican or Central American immigrant in the United States, from the fears that come with having undocumented family members, to the perseverance and bravery of those who risk it all to try to give their family a better life, to the love of a supportive extended family. Jaime's family is simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary: Sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) goads him relentlessly but is his ride-or-die, Uncle Rudy (George Lopez, like you've never seen him before) is off-color and wacky but always comes through in a pinch, and Nana (Adriana Barraza) has a certain set of skills beyond cooking. Bottom line? Reyes isn't just the first DC film superhero who's Latino -- he's also the first movie superhero to show that while his physical power comes from his super-enhancements, his fortitude comes from a loving family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Blue Beetle's significance as a Latino superhero. Why is representation important?
Director Angel Manuel Soto describes the movie's setting, Palmera City, as "a mixed salad of Latino cultures around the world." What elements of Latino culture or experiences are brought to light?
Compare Blue Beetle's origin story to that of other superheroes. What's similar? What's different?
How are humility, integrity, compassion, and courage demonstrated? Why are these important character strengths?
How are women depicted in Blue Beetle? How does this compare to their depiction in other movies in which the hero is male?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 18, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2023
- Cast : Xolo Maridueña , Bruna Marquezine , Susan Sarandon , Harvey Guillén
- Director : Angel Manuel Soto
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of action and violence, language, and some suggestive references
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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