Infectiously entertaining romp featuring a cast having a whale of a time overdoes the jokey tone.
I am an unapologetic fan of the 1987 Masters of the Universe movie.
Yeah, I know it isn’t very good but nostalgia hits hard and the video tape – look it up kids – of the Dolph Lundgren-led adventure was worn out in my house.
It’s incredible that we’ve had to wait just shy of 40 years for another cinematic trip to Eternia .
But after many failed attempts to get another take on the hit 80s cartoon off the ground, Amazon MGM Studios have finally made the seemingly impossible happen.
Nicholas Galitzine stars as Adam , who discovers a secret legacy as the prince of an alien planet and looks to recover a magical sword and return home to protect his kingdom.
First thing’s first; Masters of the Universe 2026 is a blast. Bright, breezy – despite a two-hour-plus running time – and brimming with heart and hijinks, the flick should go down a storm with audiences, particularly those familiar with all things He-Man .
Director Travis Knight nailed 80s-flavoured action with 2018’s Bumblebee and he does a very good job here too.
Unlike the 1987 version, we spend most of the time in Eternia rather than Earth and all manner of colourful characters and Asgardian -like shiny locations bring the world to luscious life.
Galitzine excels as Adam , particularly during his fish-out-of-water routine, although his over-reliance on sensitivity feels very un- He-Man -like.
The film in general is too jokey. Don’t get me wrong, most of the humour lands but when even the otherwise intimidating Skeletor (a revelling-in-villainy Jared Leto) is aiming for laughs it takes away from the peril our heroes should be immersed in.
The story is also very reminiscent of Flash Gordon – complete with the presence of Queen on the soundtrack – and some of the CGI is distractingly weak.
Masters of the Universe 2026 doesn’t quite have all of the power, but everyone involved has a whale of a time and the infectious entertainment is sure to have youngsters repeatedly watching it on video… erm, sorry, via streaming services.
● How do you think the new Masters of the Universe compares to the 1987 version?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
● Masters of the Universe is showing in cinemas now.
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