Verdict: 2.5/5
‘Masters of the Universe’ is exactly the kind of film it sets out to be: colourful, silly, action-packed, and unexpectedly entertaining.
It is not a movie chasing awards-season nods, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it embraces the campy spirit of its source material and delivers a crowd-pleasing adventure that is likely to leave audiences walking out of the cinema with a smile on their faces.
A major reason for the film’s success is Nicholas Galitzine in the dual role of Prince Adam and He-Man. Galitzine looks as though he is the He-Man figurine come to life, capturing the physical presence fans would expect from the iconic hero.
More importantly, he understands the tone of the film. He leans into the absurdity and larger-than-life nature of the character without ever turning it into one big joke, bringing genuine warmth and sincerity to the role. The film’s attempts to disguise Galitzine’s impressive physique before Adam’s transformation into He-Man are unintentionally amusing, with muscles that prominent, there is only so much costume design can do.
While ‘Masters of the Universe’ never shies away from its goofy and campy roots, it also benefits from a surprisingly solid story. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, and the heroes are developed enough for audiences to become invested in their journey. There is a sense of heart beneath the spectacle that helps elevate the film beyond a simple nostalgia exercise.
The villains, however, are less successful. The movie’s main evil Skeletor is visually striking and undoubtedly looks the part, but lacks the depth needed to make him a truly memorable antagonist. His motivations feel underdeveloped, leaving him as little more than a traditional villain whose evil exists largely because the story requires it. A deeper exploration of his goals and worldview would have added greater tension and made his presence more intimidating.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its action. In a movie era defined by CGI where fight sequences can often become overly chaotic or reliant on excessive visual effects, ‘Masters of the Universe’ keeps its battles engaging and easy to follow. The action is energetic, inventive, and genuinely exciting, providing some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Ultimately, the film succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It is a fun, unapologetically entertaining blockbuster that celebrates its own eccentricity. To fully appreciate its vibrant visuals and impressive action sequences, this is a film best experienced on the biggest screen possible.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
