---
title: "Blue Beetle"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/blue-beetle"
fi1m_id: "blue-beetle"
imdb_id: "tt9362930"
tmdb_id: 565770
wikidata_id: "Q107808351"
fi1m_score: 63
critics_score: 64
critics_reviews: 16
published: "2026-09-12"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:05.525671+00:00"
region: "PL"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Blue Beetle (2023)

Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto · 2h 08m · PISF 16 · Action, Science Fiction, Adventure

## Identity

Blue Beetle

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/blue-beetle
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** blue-beetle
- **IMDb ID:** tt9362930
- **TMDB ID:** 565770
- **Wikidata ID:** Q107808351
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9362930/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/565770, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107808351

**Fi1m score: 63** · Critics 64 from 16 reviews

*In a sentence:* A superhero origin story in which the most dangerous person on screen is the grandmother

> Ángel Manuel Soto’s origin story gives DC a Mexican-American hero and a family worth the ticket, then hands them a plot from the shelf. The Reyes household is good company; the beetle business around them is standard issue.

## Synopsis

Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) comes home to Palmera City with a new degree and finds his family in trouble: money is short and the house is at risk. He and his sister Milagros (Belissa Escobedo) take cleaning work at the mansion of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), who runs Kord Industries, and Jaime steps into an argument between Victoria and her niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine). Jenny hands him a box and asks him to keep it shut. Inside is an alien scarab that chooses a host and armours him, and it chooses Jaime at the family dinner table, in front of his uncle Rudy (George López) and his grandmother (Adriana Barraza). Victoria wants it back.

## Review

Ángel Manuel Soto’s *Blue Beetle* is two films sharing one running time. The one Soto cares about is a comedy about the Reyes family of Palmera City, who are broke, loud and fond of one another, and everything to do with them is good. The other is a superhero origin story, and Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s script takes that one off the shelf without checking the label. It is a good family film with a middling superhero film bolted on, and the bolts show.

Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) comes home from college with a degree and finds his family about to lose the house. He and his sister Milagros (Belissa Escobedo) take cleaning work at the Kord mansion, where he wanders into a row between Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine) and her aunt Victoria (Susan Sarandon). Jenny hands him a box and asks him to keep it shut. He opens it at the dinner table, and what is inside climbs onto his face and turns him into a weapon. Maridueña has an open, easily alarmed face; his panic as the thing flings him through the kitchen ceiling is funnier than most of the jokes written down for him.

The family is why we would send anyone to this. George López plays Rudy, an uncle who distrusts every institution and has wired his truck accordingly, and he gets the biggest laughs by refusing to slow down for them. Adriana Barraza’s Nana sits at the edge of scenes looking as if she has seen worse, which becomes relevant later in ways we will not describe. Damián Alcázar gives Alberto, the father, one quiet talk with his son on the porch that is the best written scene in the film. We laughed more at that dinner table than in any of the fights, and about halfway in we noticed we had started to feel protective of these people, which superhero films almost never manage with anyone who does not wear a suit.

Jon Billington’s Palmera City puts glass towers up the hill and the Reyes neighbourhood below them, and Pawel Pogorzelski lights the two differently: the house in warm yellow, the Kord offices in blue and violet. Mayes C. Rubeo’s suit is sculpted blue with light running in its grooves, and she puts Sarandon in ivory so she glows against everything around her. Bobby Krlic’s score is synthesisers in the 1980s manner, loud and simple, and it gives the film a bounce the action does not earn on its own. Craig Alpert leaves the family scenes room to overlap, then cuts the fights to the standard tempo of the genre.

Victoria Kord wants the scarab so she can build armoured soldiers and sell them. Sarandon enjoys herself, delivering corporate menace in the tone of someone ordering lunch, and she is the only person on the Kord side with any wit. Raoul Max Trujillo’s Carapax is a man in a metal suit whose job for most of the film is to hit a boy in a metal suit. Becky G’s Khaji-Da, the voice in Jaime’s head, talks like a satnav with opinions, and the joke wears thin. The last act goes to an island and does what these films do: two digital bodies punching each other in front of digital fire, with the Reyeses kept offstage for long stretches. We were not bored, exactly. We were waiting for the family to come back, which is the wrong thing to be feeling in a climax.

The origin story is the most worn shape in current cinema, and *Blue Beetle* changes nothing about it. What differs is who is inside the shape, a Mexican-American family arguing in Spanish and English at once. At 128 minutes it is a little long for what it has, and the 12A means the fights are bloodless and most of the swearing is in Spanish. Watch it at home with a family, where the dinner scenes will land and the fights can be talked over. The tagline says Jaime Reyes is a superhero whether he likes it or not. On the evidence he would rather be at dinner, and so would we.

*Fi1m score 63, published 12 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics agree on what works: the Reyes family. Nearly every review, favourable or not, singles out the warm, funny household around Jaime as the film’s heart, with Xolo Maridueña’s anxious, likeable lead performance close behind. The Latino cultural detail and the modest, old-fashioned scale of the story are counted as virtues by Total Film, Variety and the Los Angeles Times. The reservations cluster just as tightly. Almost everyone calls the origin story formulaic and the villains and action sequences familiar, and several find the effects cheap and the direction flat. The spread is wide. The New York Times and /Film land in the middle, charmed by the family and bored by the plot, while the Telegraph dismisses it as a tiresome effects contest and the Times finds it hackneyed, sparing only Susan Sarandon’s villain and the suits’ neon design. Time Out’s dissent is the most pointed: the cultural warmth is real, but the clichés drown it.

## Straight answers

**Is Blue Beetle worth watching?**

*Blue Beetle* is worth watching for families who want a superhero film with people in it, and we scored it 63. The Reyes household, especially George López's uncle and Adriana Barraza's grandmother, is good company, and the dinner scenes are funnier than the fights. The origin story around them is standard issue, and at 128 minutes it runs long.

**How long is Blue Beetle, and what is it rated?**

*Blue Beetle* runs 2h 08m and is rated 16 by the PISF in Poland. It is an action and science fiction film.

**Where can I watch Blue Beetle in Poland?**

*Blue Beetle* is not on any streaming or rental service in Poland at the moment. It is available in 1 other country; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Blue Beetle, and is it suitable for children?**

*Blue Beetle* is a 12A and its fights are bloodless, so it suits children of about ten and up who are used to superhero films. Most of the swearing is in Spanish, and the scarab attaching itself to Jaime at the dinner table is played for alarm and laughs rather than horror. The last act is two digital bodies hitting each other in front of digital fire, which is loud but not frightening.

**How does Blue Beetle compare to Coco?**

*Blue Beetle* and [*Coco*](https://film.one/film/coco) both put a loud, loving Mexican family at the centre, but *Coco* is the better film, an animated musical that takes the fear of being forgotten seriously while this is a live-action superhero origin with a family attached. Choose *Blue Beetle* if someone on the sofa wants a metal suit and punching; choose *Coco* for the warmth this film reaches for and only sometimes gets.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **Total Film**, Neil Smith (80/100, inferred): By keeping ambitions modest, the film delivers a fresh Latin American spin on a lesser-known DC hero, emphasizing family, heritage and personality over bombast in a genre often lacking them. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/blue-beetle-movie-review/)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the brisk, cheeky, low-stakes fun and old-school '80s-style VFX in this flagrantly derivative but appealing origin story. The vibrant Latino family and Xolo Maridueña's puppyish performance are highlighted as emotional grounding and star-making elements. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/blue-beetle-review-1235696509/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (75/100, inferred): The critic calls it a refreshing, good old-fashioned origin story that injects the DC universe with Latino richness, family focus, culture, humor, and subtle politics. The charming lead and upbeat tone are praised as an exciting new direction despite some formulaic elements. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-08-16/blue-beetle-review-dc-comics-xolo-mariduena-superhero)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (70/100, inferred): Though formulaic as an origin story with unremarkable action, the film succeeds through its charming, uncynical focus on Jaime's family and strong Hispanic-American cast and cultural details. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/blue-beetle/)
- **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): The critic highlights how the film benefits from its Latino culture setting, finding heart, soul and serious politics in the story of a migrant family alongside the superhero elements. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/blue-beetle-review/5184915.article)
- **The Independent** (70/100, inferred): The film is a likeable but predictable superhero origin story that avoids multiverse gimmicks and offers nostalgic straightforwardness. It stands out for its warm portrayal of the Reyes family's dynamics and Latino cultural specificity. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/blue-beetle-review-dc-b2394037.html)
- **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (2/3/3): The critic views the film as a familiar superhero origin story that follows the usual beats but finds value in its brash celebration of Latino culture, nostalgia and family rituals. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/blue-beetle)
- **Radio Times**, Dave Golder (3/5): The critic praises the funny, endearing and surprising Reyes family as the best part of the film, giving it heart, while noting that the plot, villains and action sequences feel familiar. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-hoquq3/blue-beetle/)
- **The New York Times**, Maya Phillips (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the plot boilerplate and the superhero uncompelling, criticizing the formulaic story, cheap effects, and colorless direction. The lovable Mexican family, especially the rebel grandmother, is singled out as the highlight that enlivens the film. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/16/movies/blue-beetle-review.html)
- **Time Out**, Kambole Campbell (40/100, inferred): The critic notes the rarity of a Latinx-led superhero film with cultural references and family warmth but finds it ultimately drowned out by rote clichés, familiar world-building and trite elements. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/blue-beetle-2023)
- **The Telegraph** (1/5): The review calls the film a tiresome, cliché-ridden VFX-off that is powerfully boring and fails to deliver anything new or engaging. It singles out the eager Latinx cast as not to blame for the script's faults. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/blue-beetle-review-dc-xolo-mariduena/)
- **Financial Times**, Jonathan Romney (★★★☆☆): The critic sees the film as an unfussy adaptation that introduces some political thrust through its Latinocentric focus and predominantly Hispanic cast. It singles out the candidly likeable teen-idol lead and pleasing visuals with a purple leitmotif for praise. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/9afe3ec3-5ac2-4b76-ab38-2f10de816fc9)
- **The Guardian**: The critic finds Blue Beetle a milestone for Latino representation and a solidly entertaining diversion, though it suffers from overplayed beats and formulaic elements typical of the genre. It works best in its warm family dynamics and cultural specifics aimed at a Latino audience. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/aug/16/dc-latino-superhero-film-blue-beetle-review)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney: The critic praises the film as an entertaining and emotional DC entry with a fresh, retro feel, highlighting Xolo Maridueña's charismatic performance as the reluctant hero. They single out the warm, culturally rich portrayal of the Mexican American family's bonds and struggles for particular praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/blue-beetle-review-xolo-mariduena-dc-1235567771/)
- **The Times**, Ed Potton (★★☆☆☆): The critic deems Blue Beetle a wearily formulaic and hackneyed tale devoid of spark, despite Susan Sarandon’s knowing turn as the villain. It singles out the stylish visual sense of the director for the suits' neon-streaked aesthetic as a saving grace. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/the-blue-beetle-review-thfz7j28k)
- **Vulture**: The critic finds that Blue Beetle succeeds by focusing on the hero's relatable family background and cultural specificity rather than formulaic spectacle, making the origin story charming and engaging. They single out the warmth of the Reyes family depiction and Maridueña's anxious, likable performance for praise. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-blue-beetle-dcs-latest-superhero-movie.html)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as highly entertaining with more heart and humor than most superhero movies, crediting its success to the irresistible Latino family dynamic at its center and the appealing performance of lead Xolo Mariduena. He notes that the final third devolves into typical carnage but overall finds it a charming entry that stands out for its family focus. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/08/blue-beetle-review-dc-comic-book-adaptation-latino-family-focus-1235520468/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (4/5): The critic finds the film entertaining with real heart, praising its Latino representation, charismatic lead, family elements, and visuals, while noting it follows familiar superhero tropes but succeeds on its own terms. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/blue-beetle-review-dc/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B-): The critic praises the film's focus on smaller stakes and family dynamics as a refreshing change for DC, noting its heart and charm from the family team aspect. They single out the influences from other superhero films as a point of familiarity but appreciate the lighter tone and restrained action. [Read](https://collider.com/blue-beetle-review/)
- **NME**, James Mottram (3/5): Mildly diverting summer blockbuster with some fun family comedy and political undertones, but clichéd; praised for introducing the first Latino DC superhero and the charming lead performance. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/blue-beetle-review-3483775)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (5.5/10): The critic finds it a fun but frustratingly shabby and rushed superhero movie. They praise the Mexican cultural touchpoints and family dynamics while complaining about the lack of awe, rushed exposition, and insubstantial plot. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1367519/blue-beetle-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Ángel Manuel Soto
- **Director:** Ángel Manuel Soto
- **Writer:** Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer
- **Cinematography:** Pawel Pogorzelski
- **Editor:** Craig Alpert
- **Music:** The Haxan Cloak
- **Production design:** Jon Billington
- **Costume design:** Mayes C. Rubeo
- **Producer:** John Rickard, Zev Foreman
- **Cast:** Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle; Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord; Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord; Raoul Trujillo as Carapax; Belissa Escobedo as Milagros Reyes; Damián Alcázar as Alberto Reyes; Elpidia Carrillo as Rocío Reyes; George López as Rudy Reyes
- **Runtime:** 2h 08m
- **Certificate (PISF):** 16
- **Release (Poland):** 18 August 2023
- **Genres:** Action, Science Fiction, Adventure
- **Budget:** $104 million
- **Box office:** $131 million

## Where to watch in Poland

Not streaming, renting or buying in Poland at the last check.

Also available in: GB. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Shazam!* (2019): Another boy handed powers he did not ask for, and a foster family who steal the film.
- *Ms. Marvel* (2022): A Pakistani-American teenager, a Jersey City household, and the same rule: the family is the point.
- *Coco* (2017), Fi1m 84: Pixar’s Mexican family, the dead included, arguing about music with a warmth this film reaches for. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/coco.md)
- *Real Women Have Curves* (2002): America Ferrera and a Los Angeles Mexican-American family, no superpowers, twice the arguments.
- *The Rocketeer* (1991): A retro origin story with a stolen gadget, a villain in a good suit and no cynicism.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/blue-beetle