Masters of the Universe Review: Power Sword Swings, Jokes Land Unevenly

Introduction

After nearly four decades, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe finally make their grand return to the big screen. The anticipation for this live-action adaptation has been palpable, promising a new generation a taste of Eternia, while offering a nostalgic trip for long-time fans. This latest cinematic outing aims to reintroduce Prince Adam and his heroic alter-ego to a world that has evolved significantly since his last live-action appearance.

From the outset, the film establishes its premise: Prince Adam, played by Nicholas Galitzine, was zapped to Earth as a child but, unlike other "chosen one" narratives, he vividly remembers his origins on Eternia, Castle Grayskull, and the looming threat of Skeletor. The initial setup in Eternia, depicting a land under the tyrannical rule of Skeletor, effectively hooks the audience, setting the stage for a classic tale of good versus evil. The early moments do a solid job of establishing the magical realm and the stakes at hand, making the return to save everyone feel urgent and necessary.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man delivers a solid performance, though the visual gag of him being "layered up" as Adam to hide his physique, only for it to be revealed as He-Man, feels a bit transparent. The film attempts to portray his "leveling up" to He-Man, but the physical transformation isn't as dramatic as intended. The dynamic with Idris Elba's Man-At-Arms, initially a mentor figure, takes an unexpected turn. While Elba is a lock for the role, the narrative choice to portray Man-At-Arms as a "drunk burnout" who needs to be picked back up feels like a missed opportunity, leading to an unresolved tension with Teela that the script claims is resolved but never truly feels earned.

When it comes to action, the film presents a mixed bag. The CGI, a cornerstone of any big-budget sci-fi fantasy, oscillates between looking solid and appearing overtly cartoonish. While Eternia itself is often depicted as a vibrant, magical land, some sequences feel confined to smaller sound stages, diminishing the epic scale one expects. Specific action set pieces are present, but the overall impact is sometimes undercut by the film's pervasive comedic tone, which often prioritizes a joke over a truly badass moment. A powerful march or a tense confrontation can be instantly deflated by an ill-timed gag, wearing on the audience's patience.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The plot sees Adam returning to Eternia with his power sword to confront Jared Leto's Skeletor, who has taken over. Leto's portrayal of Skeletor is, surprisingly, a standout. Despite initial skepticism about his casting and his "Baindalf" voice, Leto leans into the villain's theatricality with gusto. He embraces the "twirly mustache" vibe, delivering a performance that is genuinely fun and often the most entertaining element on screen. His comedic timing, especially with the film's abundant sexual innuendo, works better than most other comedic attempts.

However, not all characterizations land. Alison Brie's Evil-Lyn feels underdeveloped, serving primarily as a comedic foil rather than a character with her own agency or ulterior motives. This detracts from Skeletor's overall menace. The film also struggles with its narrative stakes, often borrowing heavily from familiar "chosen one" tropes. While this isn't inherently bad, the constant stream of comedy frequently compromises moments of genuine heart or dramatic tension. The film feels like "a few different movies crushed into one," a consequence perhaps of its multiple writers, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative that struggles to balance its nostalgic fan service with a cohesive, compelling story.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Under the direction of Travis Knight, Masters of the Universe embraces a decidedly comedic tone. It has been compared to the Thor: Ragnarok energy, though it feels even more comedic, and not always for the better. While Ragnarok's humor landed more consistently, this film's jokes are hit-or-miss, with some comedic moments dragging on far too long. This constant pursuit of laughs often undermines potentially impactful scenes, turning what could be a powerful moment into a cheap gag. The film's length, at 2 hours and 12 minutes, feels excessive, with opportunities to trim down the Earth-bound sequences or the less effective comedic bits.

One undeniable highlight is the musical score by Daniel Pemberton, featuring the iconic electric guitar work of Brian May from Queen. This element perfectly captures the '80s sci-fi fantasy vibe, more so than any other aspect of the film. The music is crucial in establishing the desired atmosphere, providing a much-needed anchor in the film's otherwise chaotic tonal landscape.

The Final Verdict

Masters of the Universe is an enjoyable, albeit messy, cinematic experience. It's a film that struggles with its identity, feeling like a blend of several different ideas for what a He-Man movie should be. While it offers moments of genuine heart and life lessons, these are often overshadowed by an insistent comedic approach. To truly appreciate this film, audiences should go in expecting a "Masters of the Universe comedy" rather than a straightforward action-fantasy epic. It's a wild ride that delivers some fun, but ultimately leaves you wishing for a more consistent and focused vision. It's the kind of movie that might be more enjoyable with a relaxed mindset, perhaps even a few drinks in hand, for those seeking a lighthearted, nostalgic romp.