Action, pace and humor make the Mattel action figure look good in the remake with Nicholas Galitzine.
In 1982, Mattel released He-Man, a new action figure, laying the foundation for the long-running “Masters of the Universe” series. Behind the muscle-bound hero is Prince Adam, who fights against the dark Skeletor as the protector of Eternia and Grayskull Castle. The first animated series followed just a year later, “He-Man – Valley of Power”, while the live-action film from 1987 with Dolph Lundgren (68) largely failed with audiences.
Now Amazon is daring to remake the material and is relying on Nicholas Galitzine (31), who has previously mainly appeared in romantic comedies. The new interpretation is visibly based on the tone of classic 80s adventure films: colorful, funny, but always action-packed.
Scene from “Masters Of The Universe”
Story of the film
Fifteen years after his disappearance, Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) returns to Eternia using the Sword of Power to find a world nearly destroyed under Skeletor’s (Jared Leto) cruel rule. To save his family and free the planet, Adam teams up with his closest confidants: Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan, better known as Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba). He is faced with the crucial task of accepting his destiny and finally growing into the role of He-Man – the most powerful fighter in the universe.
Scene from “Masters Of The Universe”
Colorful adventure
“Masters of the Universe” impresses in several ways. What is particularly eye-catching is the colorful color scheme, which stands out pleasantly from many blockbusters, which often rely on a dark look. Instead, the film is colorful and visually opulent, which gives the setting of Eternia something magical. Both the landscapes and the fantastic creatures and detailed backdrops are impressive. The special effects were also convincing.
In terms of content, however, the story remains rather conventional and does not bring any new impetus to the genre, but it does serve its purpose. The overall solid pace of the narrative is positive, even if the film takes a little too much time at the beginning before the action shifts to Eternia. The initial scenes on Earth seem comparatively dull. But once Teela lands on Earth to accompany Prince Adam to Eternia, the pace increases and the action-packed story can begin.
Scene with Idris Elba from “Masters Of The Universe”
Good balance
Director Travis Knight (52) has already demonstrated his flair for action with the “Transformers” spin-off “Bumblebee” and continues this seamlessly here. He effectively stages the action sequences with dynamic camera perspectives. There are some set pieces that stay in your memory. The balance between humor and serious tone is also surprisingly good. The film is clearly based on the adventure films of past decades: serious scenes are lightened up colorfully and with tongue-in-cheek moments and at the same time there is enough action.
At times, “Masters of the Universe” seems over-the-top and you wish there had been no laughs here and there. But at least the film stays true to its line. It should also be acknowledged that there is no romantic love story and the focus is entirely on the origin story of Prince Adam.
Scene from “Masters Of The Universe”
Convincing ensemble
“Masters of the Universe” is also convincing in terms of acting. Nicholas Galitzine shows in the title role that he has effortlessly mastered the transition to action. The intensive preparation paid off: physically strong and with noticeable enthusiasm, he confidently embodies the role of He-Man and convinces both in the fight scenes and in the more humorous moments. Camila Mendes (31), known from “Riverdale”, takes on a central supporting role as Teela and fits seamlessly into the ensemble. In her largest production to date, she not only demonstrates presence and charisma, she also has good chemistry with Galitzine, which gives the scenes together additional dynamism.
Idris Elba (53) gives Duncan aka Man-At-Arms, leader of the Kingsguard, a charismatic touch and provides some of the most entertaining moments in the film with his energetic performance. Jared Leto (54) as Skeletor is menacing and funny at the same time – a combination that generally works in the film. And only this much can be revealed: There is a cameo appearance in the film that will make die-hard fans of the action figure happy.
Conclusion
“Masters of the Universe” is an entertaining fantasy adventure with some fast-paced action sequences and a well-rounded ensemble that clearly had a lot of fun filming it.
3 1/2 of 5 terrifying skeleton masks