Blue Beetle, directed by Angel Soto, is currently one of the best superhero movies of 2023.

Xolo Maridueña gives a stunning performance as DC’s titular Blue Beetle in what feels like resounding box office success.

According to Box Office Mojo, in just two weeks “Blue Beetle” has surpassed its budget of $104 million. 

Maridueña, known for his breakout performance as Miguel Diez in Netflix smash hit “Cobra Kai,” stars as Jaime Reyes, an average guy just trying to make it in the world. His life is forever changed when he accidentally merges with the Scarab, a sentient bio-weapon of incredible power. 

The Scarab manifests as a blue and black suit with insectoid and human-like characteristics. The suit’s style is a combination of Iron Man and Spider-Man’s suits. 

The suit itself has many defensive and offensive capabilities and gives Jamie increased durability, strength, flight, laser blast and more. 

Visually, this movie is very well done. I liked the special effects and action sequences, and I thought they were spot on. They felt a bit over-the-top but I like how they added to the story and made it feel more dynamic. 

I also really enjoyed the musical score and it fit well with the pacing and tone of the film.

Another stand out for me was the actors. While the writing is a bit lacking in places, I felt like the actor’s performances really helped to elevate the work.

Besides Maridueña, I really enjoyed Adriana Barraza as Nana and George Lopez as Jaime’s uncle Rudy. The dynamic and chemistry of the family really is what sold me. They felt like a real Hispanic family, and I thoroughly enjoyed this.  

One of the things I like about having a Hispanic writer and actors for a film like this is that the overall feeling is much more authentic. Being part of the community they are representing really adds a level of realism and believability that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.  

Another character I loved was Victoria Kord, portrayed by the delightful Susan Sarandon. Kord is a typical militaristic villain trying to get power for the sake of power. However, Sarandon brings edge and seriousness that really brings this character to life. 

One thing I also really liked was that this movie stands on its own. While superheroes do technically exist in this world, the film is not confined to the DC Extended Universe and takes place in a separate reality. 

Overall I feel like this movie is one of the better DC films. Only time will tell if it’s going to pump some life into the DC properties.