When I first saw the trailer for Masters of the Universe, I got chills of nostalgia. He-Man holding up the Sword of Power while shouting, “I have the power!” in the animated series was an indelible image of my childhood. (Yes, I’m that old, thank you very much.) I wondered if this new film could possibly recreate what I felt as a kid. I’m pleased to report that Amazon-MGM Studios’ Masters of the Universe does provide an entertaining ride, for the most part.
Nicholas Galitzine plays this version of He-Man, also known as Prince Adam. He is the prince of the planet Eternia. His world is populated by many unusual characters and creatures, from a Beast Man to green talking tigers. Eternia is constantly threatened by the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto). He wants to control the Sword of Power and, in turn, the entire planet. This film functions as an origin story. When Adam is a child, Skeletor gathers enough of an army to attack the palace, but the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) manages to send Adam and the Sword of Power to Earth in the nick of time.
From there, Masters of the Universe intermittently replicates the campy tone of the ‘80s animated series, stages fun action sequences, and delivers great music. The sincerity of the filmmakers’ approach results in some stumbles with the script. However, especially for viewers of my generation, the overall end result is worth watching.
MORE: Refresh your memory about the release of the Masters of the Universe title by reading our thoughts about it!
“This world is no place for the weak.”
Eternia was always a strange mix of elements. The setting seemed mostly high fantasy, with medieval influences and magic as a commonplace factor. But Eternia also has technology like flying ships and robots. It’s like Mattel said, “Screw it, let’s put everything in this toy line.” Though it’s a hodgepodge, it resulted in some iconic character designs. This film brings those to vivid life. Any visuals for Masters of the Universe have to start there. Beyond that, Eternia itself has to be photogenic. It includes every kind of landscape, and the architecture has to feel majestic as well, and I think this film accomplishes that most of the time, too.
By contrast, CGI often overwhelms big-budget sci-fi action films like this, and this one doesn’t completely avoid that. The music helps counteract those moments. Both the score and the soundtrack added a lot to my enjoyment while watching this film. Daniel Pemberton’s score is in an ‘80s rock style that is a clear reference to the animated series. It really worked for me. I’m tempted to listen to it separate from the film, which doesn’t happen often. The songs are similarly fun. My favorite needle drop was Queen’s “Princes of the Universe” after a Highlander reference earlier in the film.
MORE: Take a look at our thoughts about when Nicholas Galitzine wrapped on Masters of the Universe and shared THAT picture.
“When you fall, that’s your chance to stand tall.”
Now let’s discuss the thing that needs the most work: the script. It’s a wildly mixed bag. I think the premise of Adam being sent away to grow up on Earth is a good plot hook. It sets up a bit of effective fish-out-of-water comedy, especially because Adam works in conflict resolution for human resources. Galitzine performs this kind of humor effortlessly. He’s really got a knack for it. What doesn’t work so well is when the screenplay tries to recreate the kitschy tone of the cartoon in an unironic way. Especially with dialogue.
In fact, the final scene is the most consistent example of a successful evocation of the animated series. I won’t spoil anything but it definitely felt like something I saw on the show. There was even an extra scene where the cute little magician creature, Orko, pops up to tell the audience the lesson of the film, just like the series used to do. Orko was one of my favorite characters, actually, and I wish he’d been in the film more than once! Besides that, there are a few double entendres here that the cartoon would never have gotten away with.
MORE: We celebrated when we found out Idris Elba was joining Masters of the Universe and we stand by that.
“Muscles don’t necessarily make the man.”
I also appreciated the effort the script made to make Adam’s transformation into He-Man more of a difference than the animated series did. When Adam becomes He-Man, his physical strength is his defining characteristic. This film makes more of a distinction. Adam is a weakling but learns that emotional bravery is more important. More moments like when Adam and Duncan (Idris Elba), the royal Man-At-Arms, talk about feelings would have done the film good. Of course, part of the reason why this works so well is Elba. He’s one of the best things about the film.
Obviously, the question of a sequel comes up with a well-known property like this. When you get enjoyable action beats like in this film, it’s natural to hope for more. The same goes for characters you want to see more of. (After all, we need to meet the live-action She-Ra, don’t we?) I think the setting, the characters, and the story possibilities are established well enough in Masters of the Universe that I would be in the audience for another visit to Eternia.
3 ½ stars out of 5
Masters of the Universe is now playing in theaters.
