Blue Beetle

While it’s progressive in terms of genre representation, Blue Beetle fails to distinguish itself among entomological superhero sagas.

That disconnect is felt throughout this comic-book adaptation, which affectionately infuses cultural heritage into its story. However, otherwise it’s a familiar origin story combined with an underdog coming-of-age comedy about a big dreamer overcoming the odds.

It starts with precocious teenager Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) returning to his working-class community in Palmera City following his college graduation. He takes a summer job working for corporate tycoon Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), whose family possesses a secret relic of alien biotechnology known as the Scarab.

An act of mischief later, Jaime comes into contact with the Scarab, who chooses the youngster as its symbiotic host — giving him an unwieldy cerulean suit of armor.

Along the way, we’re introduced to his eccentric and borderline obnoxious blue-collar family, including a stern yet supportive father (Damian Alcazar), a rebellious younger sister (Belissa Escobedo), a tough-minded grandmother (Adriana Barraza), and a paranoid uncle (George Lopez) who also dispenses the occasional wisdom: “They have sent you a gift,” he tells Jaime. “You have to figure out what to do with it.”

With his destiny forever altered, Jaime’s new identity is tested immediately when Victoria unleashes an effort to reclaim the Scarab for her own malicious intentions.

As directed by Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings), the slick and stylish film turns more conventional in the second half as it inevitably funnels toward an elaborate, effects-driven, color-coded final showdown.

At least the screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (Miss Bala) doesn’t take itself too seriously, conveying a playful throwback vibe that struggles to reconcile its cheesy sense of humor with the heavier dramatic stakes. Themes such as imperialism and gentrification are muted amid the large-scale set pieces.

Mariduena (“Cobra Kai”) generates a rooting interest with an endearing mix of resilience and naivete in the title role. One highlight is the extended sequence chronicling his transformation and the aftermath, when Jaime learns the nature of his alter-ego and the extent of his powers. Sarandon effectively chews the scenery as an unscrupulous villain who personifies systemic oppression and corporate greed.

The charms of the gritty family narrative too often clash, rather than blending in, with the science-fiction concepts and high-tech gadgetry. As a result, Blue Beetle starts to resemble an innocuous cinematic pest.

Rated PG-13, 127 minutes.