DC Showcase: Blue Beetle – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

DC Showcase: Blue Beetle

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

52%

WISE Score

A forgettable Silver Age superhero throwback that even die-hard DC fans found meh.

DC Showcase: Blue Beetle

movie

NR, 2021

52%

WISE Score

A forgettable Silver Age superhero throwback that even die-hard DC fans found meh.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, DC Showcase shorts are hit-or-miss, and Blue Beetle landed firmly in 'miss' territory. The 5.8 IMDb and 3.4 Letterboxd ratings tell the story: even comic fans who should love a Silver Age throwback found this one forgettable.

The concept is fine—Ted Kord teaming up with obscure Charlton heroes to fight a feelings-manipulating villain—but the execution apparently didn't deliver. At 15-20 minutes, it's not a huge time sink, but there are dozens of better superhero options that will actually hold your kid's attention.

If your child has literally watched every other DC and Marvel property and is desperate for new heroes, sure, give it a shot. But honestly? Just rewatch Spider-Verse or put on Teen Titans Go. This is skippable content in a sea of better superhero media.

Age Fit

Best for 7-12 year olds already into superheroes who want something different, though the retro style and mediocre execution mean most kids will bounce off it quickly. Teens and adults won't find much here.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Silver Age-inspired superhero team-up models cooperation and heroism with a lighter, more optimistic tone typical of that era. The campy 'finagler of feelings' villain suggests emotional stakes without heavy darkness. However, limited data on specific character interactions or messaging prevents a higher score.

Imaginative

Draws on Silver Age comic aesthetics and reunites Charlton Comics heroes, which shows creative homage to comic history. The concept of fighting a 'Doctor Spectro' who manipulates feelings has imaginative potential. However, as a short showcase (likely 15-20 minutes based on DC Showcase format), there's limited room for deep world-building or truly innovative storytelling.

Safe

DC Showcase shorts typically feature action violence but remain within PG-PG13 boundaries—punches, energy blasts, no gore. The Silver Age inspiration suggests a more family-friendly approach than darker DC content. No content ratings available, but the 5.8 IMDb and 67% RT audience scores suggest nothing shocking. Likely standard superhero fare appropriate for kids familiar with Marvel/DC.

Enriching

Limited enrichment value beyond basic superhero themes of teamwork and good vs. evil. As a 15-20 minute short, there's minimal room for character development or meaningful lessons. The Silver Age homage might interest comic history buffs, but most kids won't care about Charlton Comics nostalgia. Mediocre ratings (5.8 IMDb, 3.4 Letterboxd) suggest it's not particularly memorable or impactful.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Introduces lesser-known DC heroes like Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, and The Question for kids who've exhausted Batman and Superman
Silver Age aesthetic offers a lighter, more optimistic superhero tone compared to grimdark modern DC
Short runtime (likely 15-20 min) means minimal time investment if your kid is curious
Standard superhero teamwork themes without heavy violence or dark content

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What to Watch For

Mediocre ratings across the board (5.8 IMDb, 67% RT) suggest even fans found it underwhelming
Silver Age camp and retro style may feel dated and boring to modern kids raised on MCU polish
Expect typical superhero action violence—punches, energy blasts, nothing graphic
Short format means thin plot and character development

Conversation Starters

"Have you heard of any of these heroes before? What makes them different from the Justice League?"
"Doctor Spectro controls feelings—what would you do if someone could make you feel angry or scared on purpose?"
"This is styled after old 1960s comics. Does it feel different from the superhero stuff you usually watch?"

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