It was campy, funny, and at times even ridiculous, but it did what it needed to do. Masters of the Universe is the latest from Mattel, following the massive success of Barbie. Mattel has 16 different projects in active development for its cinematic universe, with around 45 planned for production. Will MOTU see Barbie’s success? Probably not. But it gave every He-Man nerd what they wanted: it fed into the 80’s nostalgia full tilt, with references to Highlander, “The Power” song, and a Dolph Lundgren appearance for good measure.
Directed by Travis Knight, this live-action adventure follows Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine), a young man who was separated from the Sword of Power for 15 years. After an old friend in Teela (Camila Mendes) finds him on Earth, he’s rushed back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and Eternia, Adam must join forces with Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) and embrace his true destiny.
There were ebbs and flows, highs and lows, to the point where the film couldn’t fully be enjoyed. Was it awesome? Yes. But could it be better? Absolutely. Minor tweaks would’ve resulted in massive improvements, and the main one starts with the very basic concept of direction.
Cheesy jokes, puns, and loads of sexual innuendo. It didn’t feel like the studio was aiming to attract a new, young audience. It felt like they were catering to the childlike wonder that remains inside those of us who still hang on to the past. The grown adult who pays rent and taxes but is still childish enough to laugh at dick jokes (in case you were wondering why a film about a children’s toy was rated PG-13).
Skelator had the villain template nailed, but his character lacked. The first problem arose within 10 seconds of his opening monologue since he sounded like a carbon copy of Bane (cadence and all). It would’ve been in the film’s best interest had he been darker and more menacing. But if the aim was for him to be a light villain and delve deeper into meme lore, then they succeeded.
The casting was another pivotal choice by the studio. Leto was excellent as Skelator, as was Mendes with Teela. Idris Elba as Duncan? The guy everyone wants to be the next James Bond… As Duncan? Meh. And Galitzine as Adam (He-Man) was above average at best. Collectively, they work to boost the film in an overall positive direction, but you’re reminded of the casting faults when they monologue, or scenes with odd pairings run too long. The child actors, Artie Wilkinson-Hunt (Young Adam) and Eire Farrell (Young Teela), were great.
Masters of the Universe gets an 8 out of 10. Like previously stated, it’s not a kids’ movie, but more for the kid within us. The innuendo may fly over the heads of children, but that depends on how worldly your child is. If you want a nostalgia trip with some cool music and above-average fight scenes, this is your flick. If you were expecting to be blown away, simma down. It’s campy and way too long (over two hours). But if you like your recollections with a heavy helping of humor in a film that doesn’t take itself seriously, you’re gonna enjoy it.
Masters of the Universe hits theaters Friday, June 5.
-Jon Jones & TBZ
Photos: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 2 hrs 12 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: June 5, 2026