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

Netflix Friday - Volume 64

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf the Frey (Ian McKellen), continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Bilbo is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.
 

Drama: In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
A recounting of a New England whaling ship’s sinking by a giant whale in 1820, an experience that later experiences the great novel Moby Dick.
 

Comedy: Ingrid Goes West (2017)
An unhinged social media stalker (Aubrey Plaza) moves to L.A. and ingratiates herself into the life od an Instagram star (Elisabeth Olsen)
 

Animation: Masters of the Univers: Revelation (2021)
The was for Eternia begins again in what may be the final battle between He-Man (Chris Wood) and Skeletor (Mark Hamill).
 

Romance: Rumor Has It (2015)
Sarah Huttinger (Jennifer Aniston) is a woman who learns that her family was the inspiration for the book and film “The Graduate”, and that she might e the offspring of the well-documented event.
 

Horror: Dr. Sleep (2019)
Years following the evens of “The Shining”, a now adult Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.
 

Science Fiction: Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Once told they’d save the universe during a time-traveling adventure, 2 would-be rockers (Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter) from San Dimas , California find themselves as middle-aged dads still trying to crank out a hit song and fulfill their destiny.
 

Crime: The White Tiger (2021)
An ambitious Indian driver (Adarsh Gourav) uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top.
 

Thriller: Official Secrets (2019)
British whistleblower Katherine Gunn (Keira Knightley) leaks information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
 

Documentary: The Speed Cubers (2020)
Discover the special bond and uncommon competitive spirit shared by the world’s Rubik’s Cube-solving record breakers.
 

Family: Pan (2015)
Twelce-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny. To become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.