Blue Beetle
New No. 1 on the iTunes Top Movies chart: Blue Beetle by Angel Manuel Soto.
Movie Description
"Blue Beetle" is a superhero film directed by Angel Manuel Soto, featuring Jaime Reyes, the first Latino superhero in the DC Extended Universe [apnews.com]. The movie stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, and is filled with Mexican references and elements of other Latin American cultures [apnews.com]. The film is based on the DC Comics character created in 1939, with Jaime Reyes being the most recent incarnation, introduced in 2006 [english.elpais.com].
Background Information
Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto and Mexican screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer worked together to create the film, which is described as a "love letter to our ancestors" [apnews.com]. The movie faced several challenges, including a SAG-AFTRA strike that prevented the cast from promoting the film and a change in DC Studios leadership [hollywoodreporter.com]. Despite these obstacles, the film was released in theaters on August 18, 2023 [hollywoodreporter.com].
Reviews and Reception
"Blue Beetle" has received mixed reviews. The New York Times criticizes the film for its boilerplate plot and lack of a compelling superhero, but praises the family members who steal the show [nytimes.com]. The Hollywood Reporter highlights Xolo Maridueña's captivating performance and the film's focus on the family unit, which adds vital stakes and comedy to the story [hollywoodreporter.com]. AZCentral describes the movie as lighter, more fun, and delivering the jokes and bright colors that audiences want from a superhero film [azcentral.com].
YouTube Videos
There are several interviews with director Angel Manuel Soto on YouTube, where he discusses the making of "Blue Beetle" and the importance of Latino representation in the film [youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com].
Availability
"Blue Beetle" is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video [amazon.com*] and on Apple TV [geo.itunes.apple.com*].
Written by Perplexity AI
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