I hadn’t planned on writing about “Blue Beetle.” It just happened to be what was playing at the theater when I had to use my birthday freebies before they expired. Though I really do love a good superhero movie, “Blue Beetle” stole my heart in a way I hadn’t expected.
This movie really makes one want to write again about a Latine superhero. Set in the fictional Palmera City, “Blue Beetle” revolves around Mexican-American Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, as he comes home from college. While job-hunting, he inadvertently comes into possession of an alien Scarab that turns him into a superhero.
What sets this DC movie apart is that Jaime Reyes is not the only superhero; it’s the entire Reyes family. From quite an early point, I thought the movie was filled with stereotypes until one scene when everything changed. When Jaime’s father, Alberto Reyes, said, “¿Por qué estás bichicori?”, I was sold. “Bichicori” means “naked” in Yaqui—a language from my natal Sonora. This word, when heard outside of Sonora or even Arizona, is rarely heard, even in places like Mexico City. That one word made me want to write about this movie. Yes, I was that person with my phone glowing during the movie .
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
Vicks VapoRub
When he gains his powers, Jaime crashes through the roof of his own home. His dad revived him by using Vicks VapoRub—a staple that every Viks Vaporú-consuming Mexican household believes can cure anything. To see it revive Jaime after his faint was both endearingly funny and familiar.
In the 90s, Thalia gained fame through telenovelas like “María la del Barrio.” Well, it plays on this with Jaime’s family, comparing all of his romantic moments with Jenny Kord to those classic telenovelas. The family even has a sing-along to “María la del Barrio soy” during one of the major romantic scenes, and I was dying, laughing so hard and nostalgic.
Religion
The Reyes family’s religious faith is subtly woven throughout. Jaime prays in Spanish when he’s nervously coming to grips with his new powers. A Dia de los Muertos-like altar appears when Jaime sees his deceased dad in the afterlife, guiding him back to life.
Supportive Family
The whole Reyes family is presented as superheroes in their own right. They are also extremely supportive of Jaime, from collecting him at the airport to sitting in on and cheering him on during job interviews. Not typical superheroes who have to keep so many secrets, Jaime discusses everything with his family and even recruits their active help in his rescue mission.
La Abuela
Out comes La Abuela, a very significant character with a revolutionary past. She is strong in presence and leadership in the family’s efforts as they go on to save Jaime, which gives importance to the part played by the matriarchs of Latino families.
El Chapulín Colorado
The adoption of El Chapulín Colorado as a childhood character to mislead the people during the robbery was simply fantastic. This not only created a link between the superheroes of the past and the present but did so with a touch of cultural nostalgia.
Latino Music
Also, the soundtrack features Latino talent from Calle 13 to Selena to Vicente Fernández, so the viewer is enveloped in Latinidad from start to finish.
Mispronunciation of Names
Jaime’s conflict with people mispronouncing his name is a legitimate problem many Latinos encounter in the U.S. But again, I related to that authenticity; that happens all the time to me.
Nicknames
The nicknames of the Reyes family were fun and loving—things like “Cabezón” and “Flaco”—showing the light-heartedness of Latino families.
An Immigration Story
The story of the Reyes family’s immigration runs in parallel to that of many Latino families. The movie rivals the terminology of “alien” and likens ICE raids to villainous activity, enhancing its portrayal of the real issues of immigration. Conrad Carapax, the villain-robot, used to be a Guatemalan soldier, a nod toward the complicated history between the U.S. and Central America. Even with a few clichés and a few teary moments, it is somehow able to inspire the audience with its portrayal of the resilience and support within this community. Not a perfect movie, “Blue Beetle” is yet unforgettable and strikingly memorable for its cultural references and attempts at authenticity. Let me know if you find more details or stereotypes in this movie!
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