Movie review
August 16, 2023 · 128 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Blue Beetle.
Woke representation / casting
Latino lead and family in prominent roles with marketing that highlighted authentic Mexican-American culture and experiences; casting fits the story premise without forced swaps.
Woke political dialogue
Some dialogue and scenes critique corporate power, gentrification, and economic policies affecting families, presented through the heroes’ viewpoint.
Identity-driven story themes
Narrative centers on a tight-knit Latino family’s cultural traditions, resilience, humor, and struggles with displacement framed around their community identity.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Portrays a white-led corporation and its CEO as symbols of American imperialism, capitalism, and gentrification harming Latino working-class families; includes modern framing of economic systems as oppressive.
Review
Blue Beetle follows Jaime Reyes, a recent Latino college graduate who returns home to his multigenerational family facing eviction and financial trouble. He gains powers from an ancient alien scarab and joins his relatives to battle a powerful tech corporation. The story mixes superhero action with strong family bonds, Latino cultural humor, and clear critiques of corporate greed, gentrification, and American business influence framed as imperialism.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The film uses the existing Jaime Reyes version of Blue Beetle from the comics without major canon alterations.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Niche criticism from right-leaning outlets highlighted identity politics, white characters as oppressors, and immigration-related lines; no broad viral debate or major public outcry.
Creator track record context
Director has publicly addressed Latino representation and issues like colonialism and privatization; writer emphasizes Latino family themes; remaining crew show standard commercial backgrounds with minimal political signals.
Production
