Blue Beetle (2023)

MORE SPOILER-FREE MINI-REVIEWS @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/mini-reviews-2023-edition Blue Beetle follows the usual superhero origin formulas, being extremely predictable, and lacking narrative creativity, but all these issues are well-compensated by a proudly Latino cast that offers exceptionally genuine performances - Xolo Maridueña is quite impressive - and by the magnificently rich Mexican culture that encompasses the film. Entertainment is also guaranteed due to a good mix of CGI action with choreographed fight sequences, as well as an energetic score (Bobby Krlic). A movie that nonsensically finds itself labeled as part of the DCEU when it clearly belongs to the saga. James Gunn probably didn't want to risk starting the DCU with a lesser-known character, which is an understandable reason, but keeping it attached to a soon-to-be-extinguished cinematic universe is very questionable. There are no doubts: we will see Jaime Reyes again. Rating: B+