Masters of the Universe offers enough style, charm, and self-awareness to make for a fun trip to the cinema on a hot afternoon.
Written by Sarah Abraham
Travis Knight’s Masters of the Universe succeeds most when it embraces exactly what it is: a big, colorful fantasy adventure that refuses to take itself too seriously. In an era where so many blockbusters seem desperate to prove their importance or "legitimacy," this film is refreshingly committed to having fun. That energy is, for the most part, very infectious from beginning to end, with Nicholas Galtizine, underwear wardrobe in all, clearly relishing every moment. His enthusiasm helps anchor the film, even when the story occasionally stumbles.
Much of the film’s charm comes from its commitment to its aesthetic roots. Daniel Pemberton’s score, especially, is a standout, leaning heavily into its 1980s influences while giving the film a larger-than-life sense of adventure. Pemberton has been consistently proving that he is one of the most versatile composers, yet he maintains his distinct voice with his creative orchestrations and arrangements. On the flip side, Richard Sale’s costumes were perfectly nostalgic yet managed to adapt the Mattel toy design in a unique way on the big screen. The world here feels vibrant and playful—much like how one would feel interacting with the originals back in its prime.
Unfortunately, the film’s biggest obstacle is its length. The runtime being over 2 hours feels unnecessarily stretched, causing the pacing to drag in places where the story should be charging forward. The screenplay is also a bit uneven, often leaning into dialogue and story beats that are more corny than charming and fun. While that campy quality occasionally works in the film’s favor, there are just as many moments where it holds itself back from reaching its full potential.
As a result, Masters of the Universe ultimately settles into fairly average, summer blockbuster territory. It delivers the expected spectacle and entertainment but rarely rises above them. Still, what separates it from many of its peers is its distinct personality. The film has a clear identity, embraces its influences without embarrassment, and only occasionally loses sight of its sense of fun.
This may not be a game-changing genre film, but it is an enjoyable one, especially for the summer. Despite its flaws, Masters of the Universe offers enough style, charm, and self-awareness to make for a fun trip to the cinema on a hot afternoon. For audiences willing to embrace its goofy spirit, there’s plenty here to enjoy and be nostalgic over.
Masters of the Universe is now playing in theaters.
Photo: Amazon MGM Studios
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