Movie Review - Masters of the Universe

Director: Travis Knight
Genre: Fantasy/ Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Jared Leto
 
Description: A young man (Nicholas Galitzine) on Earth discovers a fabulous secret legacy as the prince of an alien planet, and must recover a magic sword and return home to protect his kingdom.
 
Review: “Masters of the Universe”, a movie that every 80s (and early 90s) kid was looking forward too. And it has turned out to be a wonderfully nostalgic movie that the people who grew up with the cartoon will appreciate to the fullest, because it’s a love letter to the show.

It’s abundantly clear that director Travis Knight is a fan himself. He consciously chooses to take the mythology surrounding Eternia and He-Man seriously, rather than reducing it to a cynical parody. The iconic characters, the colorful costumes, and the epic Sword of Power have been brought to the live-action screen with immense love. I did miss some characters, because the TV show has so many iconic characters. And most side characters that were in this film, don’t get enough time to really shine.

This movie was made for the fans and probably not for today’s youth. Although the action scenes are spectacular, this isn’t a movie that will win over everyone. The film relies heavily on nostalgia. People who didn’t grow up with the original animated series from the 80s, may find the specific tone, the wacky creatures and the campy humor a bit harder to appreciate. To them it might sometimes feel like a somewhat absurd action movie. But for the children of the era, it’s a wonderful, emotional reunion.

The cast is really good. Nicholas Galtzine is a convincing He-Man, Camila Mendes shines as Teela and Alison Brie is delightfully overacting as Evil-Lyn. But all points go to Jared Leto as Skeletor.

What is probably the strongest part of the film, is its soundtrack by Daniel Pemberton and Brian may. It transforms this film from an entertaining trip down memory lane into an epic spectacle. It combines bombastic orchestrations with thick 80s synths and Queen-like melodies. With Brian May on the guitar, who co-wrote the score and weaves his iconic guitar solos throughout. The result is strongly reminiscent of the legendary sound of “Flash Gordon”, but with a modern, powerful dynamic. The music elevates the action scenes to a much higher level and guaranteed to give you goosebumps. I think this soundtrack is an absolute highlight of 2026

“Masters of the Universe”  is not a perfect movie for the average moviegoer, but definitely the ultimate dream for anyone who used to shout “I have the power!”

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Dangerous Lies

Director: Michael M. Scott
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Mystery
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Camila Mendes, Jessie T. Usher, Elliott Gould, Sasha Alexander, Cam Gigandet, Jamie Chung

Description: When a wealthy elderly man (Elliott Gould) dies and unexpectedly leaves his estate to his new caregiver (Camila Mendes), she’s drawn into a web of deception and murder. If she’s going to survive, she’ll have to question everyone’s motives, even the people she loves.

Review: A young couple tries to keep their head above water financially, when they are dealing with unemployment and college debt. When they suddenly inherit the fortune of a wealthy man, these problems seem to be history for Katie and Adam. But this is only the beginning of much more misery. Greed and murder lurk at every corner and nobody can be trusted.
After a strong opening, the film looses its path. “Dangerous Lies” never manages to get pass superficiality. And it seems like the leading couple was only cast for their looks, because their acting is terrible. But who can blame them, with the dialogues they have to work with. They sound like they were stolen from a soap opera that didn’t air.
The plot is such a mess, with nonsensical plot twists that follow each other in a fast tempo. The film lack tension and is overall very dull, which is pretty bad for a thriller.
The film looks good with the beautiful settings, but is completely meaningless and superficial.

Rating: 1,5 / 5

TV Show Review - Riverdale (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 22
Year: 2017/ 2018
Starring: K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse, Casey Cott, Madelaine Petsch, Marisol Nichols, Luke Perry, Mädchen Amick, Skeet Ulrich, Ashleigh Murray, Lochlyn Munro, Nathalie Boltt, Barclay Hope, Tiera Skovbye, Trevor Stines, Molly Ringwald, Shannon Purser, Martin Cummins

Description: While navigating the troubled waters of romance, school and family, Archie (K.J. Apa) and his gang become entangled in dark Riverdale mysteries.

Review: Season 1 left us with a new mystery: who shot Archie’s father? And it’s not the only crime he commits. The so-called “black hood” is on a killing-spree and the question is: whodunit?
Like the first season, each episodes ends with tension and you find a reason to click on the next episode. And the mystery is still strong in the series. But some storylines don’t work as well. The ‘Red Circle’ is just very unbelievable and Veronica as a mobster daughter just doesn’t work. And that thing with Kevin, meeting up with strangers in the woods. What was that all about?
Betty and Jughead are still the couple to love. They are the interesting characters on the show. So is Cheryl, but her dialogue is sometimes very annoying. No one talks like that!
Now, “Riverdale” has become more of a guilty-pleasure and season 2 isn’t as strong as season 1. Especially because it’s not as surprising anymore. And Archie is the main character, but he is just not that interesting and kind of stupid actually.
At this point, I’m not sure if I will check out season 3. Somethings are just too ridiculous.

TV Show Review - Riverdale (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 14
Year: 2017
Starring: K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse, Casey Cott, Madelaine Petsch, Marisol Nichols, Luke Perry, Mädchen Amick, Skeet Ulrich, Ashleigh Murray, Lochlyn Munro, Nathalie Boltt, Barclay Hope, Tiera Skovbye, Trevor Stines, Molly Ringwald, Shannon Purser, Martin Cummins

Description: While navigating the troubled waters of romance, school and family, Archie (K.J. Apa) and his gang become entangled in dark Riverdale mysteries.

Review: Riverdale is a simple town, a typical American town. But when teenager Jason Blossom is found murdered, the whole town turns upside down. Who did it and why?
“Riverdale” is your typical teen show. A bunch of teens, with your stereotypes, growing up in a small town. Teen drama, I love it. But there is some mystery and crime drama added to the mix. Which makes it a bit different.
The actors are fairly unknown. Cole Sprouse might be a familiar face, who used to shine in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” with his twin brother. His role of Jughead Jones is easily my favorite character of the show so far. But as I am a thirty-something woman, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Luke Perry! He was one of my crushes in my teen years. I also love Lili Reinhart, as the ‘Nancy Drew’ of Riverdale, playing Betty Cooper.
“Riverdale” is a perfect binge-watch show. After each episode, you just can’t wait to watch the next. When the body of Jason Blossom is found, the series turns into a whodunit and I love those. You start to tag along with the characters in their search for Jason’s killer.
I’m glad this season didn’t have that many episodes and it wraps up a lot of the answers at the end. So that it’s time for another mystery. Which it does. It ends with a tragic happening, which will obviously set the second season.
The series isn’t original. This type of story has been done so many times. But it’s really enjoyable and easy to watch.