'Blue Beetle' blew away expectations

I recently saw the newest offering from Warner Brothers' DC extended universe, and I was blown away by this blue bugged blockbuster.

From a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, and directed by Angel Manuel Soto, comes a fun addition to the stable of DC Comics films.

Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he's bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that's capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

(Trailer courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures)

Xolo Mariduena plays the titular hero in this, the supposed first film in the new era of the DC extended universe being ran by James Gunn.

The Blue Beetle is such a fun character with its beginning going back to the golden age of comics where he was originally a "knock-off" of then-popular hero, The Green Hornet. Because color plus bug was seen as a hit.

Luckily the character evolved past that and grew to have a unique and storied history, including becoming part of DC Comics only in the 1970s.

This film actually focuses on the modern third iteration of the character and does it well.

Elements of character tropes from Batman and the Marvel villain Venom make for a fun adventure here.

Xolo Mariduena plays Jaime Reyes earnestly and lovingly. His character comes home from college hoping to help his struggling family which includes his grandma, mom, dad, sister, and his kooky inventor uncle, played by George Lopez.

Lopez shines as a Doc Brown-like character. I really love how close the family is and how genuine it comes across.

Another highlight is Susan Sarandon as the corporate villain with a plan to use the alien Scarab, for military hardware to the highest bidder.

Her henchman is menacing and sympathetic with a mutilated body from a company's man-made version of the Scarab suit.

The costumes and visual effects are great, and the story isn't overstuffed or aiming too high. I think it finds a good balance of action, comedy, and melodrama.

Be sure to stay after the credits for a fun hint at what could be next for this fun character.

I say see it in theaters or else you'll be "blue" that you didn't.