After the insanely successful 2023 hit Barbie, Mattel returns to the big screen alongside Amazon MGM Studios for another film from their established toybox. With this summer packed with big blockbusters like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Supergirl, and The Odyssey, Masters of the Universe arrives as the underdog, poised to prove its worth to movie audiences.
Starring Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, Masters of the Universe is a comedic, action-packed ride through Eternia, yet it falls back on a familiar story structure that audiences will surely have seen plenty of times before.
A Predictable Hero’s Journey Holds ‘Masters of the Universe’ Back From Greatness
While not quite reaching the same heights, Masters of the Universe could easily be compared to Marvel flicks like Thor: Ragnarok and James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The film’s highlights include exciting visuals, silly humour, and wholehearted characters. It’s undeniable that Masters of the Universe follows the same formulaic structure as the previously mentioned team-up films, though it sometimes takes longer to get to where it wants to go. However, the movie still showcases its campy roots rather than shying away from them, giving it an identity that sets it apart from other modern blockbusters.
Director Travis Knight is no stranger to family-adventure films; his 2018 film Bumblebee is among the most entertaining toy-to-big-screen adaptations. With Masters of the Universe, Knight completely embraces the noblebright adventure audiences witness through these characters, making the film accessible to newcomers while honouring the legacy that longtime fans have come to enjoy in this franchise.
Nicholas Galitzine and Jared Leto Delightfully Entertain As He-Man and Skeletor
Despite the familiar plot structure to introduce and reintroduce this world to audiences, what makes the movie worthwhile is its cast. Led by Nicholas Galitzine, the cast is unafraid to go all in on their over-the-top fantasy characters.
Galitzine is the perfect Prince Adam/He-Man. He plays the character with such genuine duality that it’s satisfying to watch on screen – balancing Adam’s unapologetically goofy personality with He-Man’s godlike, gym-bro, towering presence. His performance is what sells the movie, especially during the big heroic He-Man moments and the emotional human aspects Adam undergoes throughout.
Camila Mendes is a delight as Teela, providing the warmth and courage that comes from a strong female character. Although at times she is sidelined to showcase He-Man at his full glory, Mendes’ strongest moments are in scenes with Galitzine and Idris Elba. The trio help ground the story in wholesome, heartfelt elements that are even more impactful than the fantastical worldbuilding that Masters of the Universe is known for, along with the undercut humour the film tends to oversprinkle.
Lastly, the award for the scene-stealer in Masters of the Universe surprisingly goes to Jared Leto. Although he has been box office poison over the past few years, Leto, for better or worse, absolutely rocks as Skeletor. He perfectly embodies the character’s meme-able, cartoonish mannerisms in his fearful, villainous stature. There are a couple of laugh-out-loud moments that make it hard to believe it’s Leto behind the skull as he dramatically disappears while playing He-Man’s archenemy in an amusing fashion.
‘Masters of the Universe’ Embraces Its Silliness
What makes Masters of the Universe appealing is its ability to go wild with its characters and world-building, as if the film knows the entire concept is wonderfully ridiculous. Although the film features a predictable plot, the other pieces fit together well enough to make it a very enjoyable experience.
The ensemble cast’s convincing performances, Knight’s engaging direction, thrilling action sequences, comedic timing, and commitment to its fantastically campy identity make it difficult not to get swept away in the fun, larger-than-life adventure to Eternia.
Masters of the Universe hits theatres everywhere on June 5. Stay tuned to Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
'Masters of the Universe' Review
'Masters of the Universe' ReviewThe Good
- Nicholas Galitzine headlines engaging performances from the cast.
- The film contains captivating and stunning visuals.
- Daniel Pemberton and Brian May deliver a booming and hopeful score.
- Get ready for a silly and wonderful time at the movies.
The Bad
- The film features a predictable plot that has been duplicated many times over.
- Sometimes the overuse of humour tends to overshadow the emotional elements of the film.
