Despite being in the generation that grew up with Masters of the Universe, it was not my thing. I had a couple of the toys as a child, I'd watch the show occasionally, but I was never into it or followed it that closely. I never quite understood the appeal. This is a property that is based on a toy line before it is any narrative or set of characters. Everything is built around the toys being sold. So the attempt to readapt it into something for a modern audience faces specific challenges and now that I've seen it, I'm not sure the new attempt pulls it off.
Is this as bad as 1987 live action film? Not even close. That was a disastrous mess that wasn't even on a it's-so-bad-it's-good level. But is this a clever, self-acknowledging nostalgic tribute a la Dungeons and Dragons Honor Amongst Thieves? I don't think it gets there. It certainly leans into its self-awareness, mocking itself manytimes throughout, but it pushes past a teasing tone into mockery.
And the story just isn't the fun, playful romp it needed to be. It's rather on the cliched and rote side. Dare I say it was a little dull? The production is at a high level (especially when we have 1987 to compare it too) but the script feels half-assed. The cast, acts like they are constantly winking at the audience with Leto and Brie being the most scenery chewing of the bunch. I get that it would be incredibly hard to take the premise and characters of Masters of the Universe not feel ridiculous but it could have been done with a tone that wasn't so condescending to itself and perhaps showed a bit more affection for the property.
Masters of the Universe
Starring: Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Kristen Wiig, Jared Leto, Dolph Lundgren,
Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, David Callaham
