Masters of the Universe: A Fun Cartoon Brought To Life

Masters of the Universe is the second live action adaptation of the titular animated series based on the popular media franchise created by Mattel (following the failed 1987 adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man). After his home on the planet of Eternia is torn apart by the evil Skeletor (Leto), Prince Adam (Galitzine) is sent to earth, where he has spent the last 15 years. Once he regains the Sword of Power, it would lead Adam back to Eternia where he witnessed the grim aftermath of Skeletor’s reign. To save his family and his world, Adam joins forces with his closest allies, Teela (Mendes) and Duncan (Idris Elba), as they set off to stop Skeletor and help him embrace his true destiny as the mighty He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.

Masters of the Universe delivers a fun, summer blockbuster type experience akin to a silly Saturday morning cartoon, in the best way. Director Travis Knight’s love for the original animated series clearly shows, as he succeeds at adapting the property for modern audiences, imbuing it with the kind of self aware, tongue-in-cheek sense of humour that isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself. While one could argue that there may be a little too much here, the bits that land work tremendously well. Seeing a more family-oriented blockbuster take some risk in terms of its humor and jokes, is a nice departure as well. Similarly, he also helms the action well, whether it be gigantic battle sequences, shootouts, or swordplay, so much so that it is an absolute blast to watch. On the other hand, the visuals are great, for the most part, offering audiences so much in the way of color. Above all else, the film features a great message that is sure to resonate with a lot of audiences at a time where we desperately need it.

In terms of the cast, there isn’t a weak link in a cast who looked to be having a good time making the film. Galitzine is terrific as Adam/He-Man, proving he has the chops to lead a massive blockbuster of this scale. He is charismatic, hilarious, and a total badass. Mendes is solid as Teela, as her excellent chemistry with Galitzine, make for a strong dynamic. Elba can play a role like Duncan in his sleep, yet he gives it his all once again as a great comedic relief and mentor figure. But, without a doubt, the biggest standout of the cast is Leto as Skeletor, whose voice work is almost unrecognizable. He steals every scene and is hilarious as an evil diva who just wants all the power, while having a menace to him across the film’s darkest moments.

All things considered, there are a few issues that ultimately hold the film back from being the home run it could have been. As mentioned, some of the visuals look quite rough considering its budget, and while its humour is appreciated, it sometimes comes off as forced and out of place to the point that it undercuts the film’s emotional moments. On top of that, it certainly did not need its 140+ minute runtime, one which could definitely be felt. Certain elements could have been cut or trimmed to assist in that, resulting in a smoother experience. Keeping to a structure in the vein of other large scale blockbusters, it is on the predictable side and by the end, doesn’t different enough to stand out.

In the end, in spite of its flaws, Masters of the Universe offers up a fun time at the movies that should please fans of the original animated series, while opening the door for new audiences. Hopefully, the film could overcome its early struggles at the box office and eventually finds success there or later on streaming to warrant a sequel, because there are many fans out there who would love to see more of these characters, and their world.

still courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

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Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/