by Henry Pham
Masters of the Universe marks the second film to be adapted from the sword and sorcery franchise owned by Mattel, the first was the 1987 version featuring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Lagella. It received a score of 21% from Rotten Tomatoes and has made over $17 million at the box office against the targeted $22 million budget. Nevertheless, it became a cultural phenomenon for many fans and Saturday morning viewers.
In this version, it focuses on Prince Adam Glenn, who, after being separated for 15 years, returns from his mother’s home planet, Earth, to his father’s, Eternia, where he discovers his home has been destroyed and is now under the rule of the powerful warlord and sorcerer, Skeletor. In order to reclaim his family legacy and save the world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Man-At-Arms, and embrace who he is truly meant to be: He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
Nicholas Galitzine (The Idea of You, Bottoms) leads as He-Man/Adam Glenn, the former Prince of Eternia who is raised on Earth for his safety. Camila Mendes (The CW’s Riverdale) and Idris Elba (BBC’s Luther) co-star as Teela and her adoptive father, Duncan/Man-At-Arms. Galitzine’s portrayal combines elements of Superman and Thor, effectively capturing a hero sent to Earth for protection. His character is relatable, presenting as an unassuming professional searching for the key (in this case, the Sword of Power) to return home. This approach makes him more accessible and likable compared to the portrayals of Superman or Thor. Mendes delivers a standout performance, capturing the heart of the Teela character and reminiscent of Wonder Woman, while Elba brings both humor and warmth to his role.
This film serves as a character-driven reboot. Three-time Oscar nominee Travis Knight (The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, Missing Link) directs, with Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham writing the script. The story is engaging, particularly for longtime fans, and features clever references and nods. The plot, production design, atmosphere, and Daniel Pemberton’s score evoke the style of Superman films, Thor: Ragnarok, and other fantasy sword films.
While the visuals are not bad, the dialogue and heavy use of humor lack impact, which diminishes the emotional depth of the heroic characters. Still, the entire cast and crew manage to follow the source material from the shows, books, and the 1987 adaptation. The supporting cast – including Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club), Alison Brie (NBC’s Community), James Purefoy (HBO’s Rome), Charlotte Riley (Easy Virtue), Morena Baccarin (Deadpool films), Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla), and Kristen Wiig (NBC’s Saturday Night Live) – adds the film’s magical enhancement and is enjoyable to watch.
I know this reboot is nowhere close to being perfect, Masters of the Universe is far more fun, magical, and superior than the classic 1987 version. I think most people would enjoy this piece better, as the filmmakers have brought more magic and character development in this 141-minute film. Considering that this movie is released in June, I think the fans of the franchise (including those who watched the 1987 film version) would come and have fun seeing this at the movie theater, bringing such appreciation for this rebooted version. If you’re looking for a summer blockbuster movie, you should start your summer with this one, with a turkey leg in your hand to enhance your experience. One more thing: please stay after the end credits, as it will tease the possibility of future installments (including a sequel or spin-off).
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