In an era oversaturated with repetitive superhero films, where the same tropes and characters are recycled incessantly. Audiences crave something fresh, inventive and groundbreaking. However, “Blue Beetle”, the latest offering from DC, fails to break free from the shackles of cliché superhero tropes. While the film features significant Mexican-American representation, it squanders its potential by recycling familiar storylines and mechanics, contributing to the growing sense of superhero fatigue.
“As a Mexican-American myself, I liked the inclusion and representation of Mexican-Americans in the superhero universe,” Lambert junior Samuel Sanchez said. “The depiction of the family felt pretty genuine and wholesome. It was like watching my own family even, but I felt like the directors weren’t able to take advantage of it.”
Sanchez’s sentiment reflects a common thread of appreciation among Mexican-American viewers who found comfort in seeing their culture and identity represented in the superhero universe. The genuine portrayal emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling in fostering a sense of belonging. However, his observation about the missed opportunity to fully capitalize on this representation suggests that there is still room for growth and exploration in the realm of diverse and inclusive storytelling within the superhero genre.
“Blue Beetle felt like basically every other movie out there,” Lambert sophomore Ethan Huh noted. “Every time I thought something was gonna happen or someone was going to say something cliché, it happened. It’s hard to articulate, but it was just a predictable plot and script overall.”
Huh, like many others, felt that “Blue Beetle” lacked originality. The film’s narrative, character arcs, and plot twists felt like they had been plucked straight from the archives of superhero cinema. It lacked the creativity and innovation needed to stand out in an overcrowded genre. The script appeared to have been assembled from a checklist of superhero clichés, with little fresh perspective or unique voice.
From its origin story reminiscent of “Man of Steel” to its nods to the”great power comes great responsibility” mantra as seen in “Spider Man”, “Blue Beetle” leaves little room for surprise. It feels like a patchwork quilt of borrowed ideas from other successful superhero films, including “The Flash”, “Batman”, “Iron Man”, “Shazam,” and “Ant-Man”. This lack of originality ultimately leaves the audience with a sense of déjà vu, as if they’ve seen it all before and done much better.
“Blue Beetle lowkey had potential, but it’s like they let the big shots mess it up,” Lambert junior Adam Takeyeddin said. “I feel like it had corporate meddling to an extent. It turned something that could’ve been awesome into something just… meh. It’s like they care more about playing it safe than doing something unique and cool.”
“Blue Beetle” and it’s frustrating mediocrity hints at the possibility of something greater. However, it falls victim to the pitfalls of corporate meddling and a formulaic approach to filmmaking. It’s a reflection of the studio system that prioritizes safe bets over creative risks. Warner Bros., known for its heavy-handed approach to franchise management, appears to have taken the reins, resulting in a film that lacks the boldness and uniqueness that could have set it apart.
“Blue Beetle”, while not among the worst films of the year, is undeniably one of the most disappointingly average ones. Its lack of originality and reliance on recycled superhero tropes leave it feeling like a missed opportunity in a genre that desperately needs fresh voices and innovative storytelling. While the film’s Mexican-American representation is commendable, it remains overshadowed by its reluctance to break free from the formulaic constraints of the superhero genre. As superhero fatigue continues to grow among audiences, “Blue Beetle” does little to reinvigorate the genre or leave a lasting impression, ultimately falling short of its potential despite a promising premise and a talented cast, leaving us yearning for the innovative storytelling and captivating characters that could have elevated it to the heights of cinematic greatness.
