Take a nostalgic dive back to Eternia with Masters of the Universe, Amazon MGM Studios’ remake of the classic cartoon, toys, and 80s movie. It’s a rare treat to see nostalgia done right, and with goofy grins (and villain) intact.
Masters of the Universe not only embraces the nostalgia of the series, and does right by it, but also embraces the toys, the weird style of the cartoon, and delivers a movie that feels original.
The main cast has great chemistry together, especially Nicholas Galitzine as Adam and Camila Mendes as Teela, and while it needed to be a bit shorter, it’s a fun ride. This is the perfect summer film, made for the drive-in, full of jokes and a bit of heart, that doesn’t shy away from a big guy in a mini-skirt fighting monsters.
I love the way the film captures the weird energy of the 80s and absolutely runs with it, daring to make some of the action feel like a kid choreographed it, and I mean that in the best way. Even Jared Leto shines as Skeletor, one of my favourite villains of the 80s. Leto lets his hair down and seems to have some fun with this goofy, and yet bad-ass villain.
Most importantly though, Galitzine captures the perfect mix of a goofy, honest hero, with a big heart, who doesn’t really know yet what he wants to be when he “grows up.” He walks the line between wanna-be masculinity, actual masculinity, and the modern guy who wants to make mom and dad proud.
And Mendes not only has a great part to play, she kicks butt the whole time. She’s so much more than a sidekick or a love interest for Adam; Teela is a natural hero for Adam, too.
Idris Elba has lots to work with as Duncan, and while there may even be too much going on with Man-At-Arms, he lends the film a weird level of reality, helping to ground the story.
Masters of the Universe is out in theatres now.
Synopsis: Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
