Masters of the Universe Gets Positive Reviews, Highlighting Jared Leto’s Impressive Performance as Skeletor
Masters of the Universe, the latest attempt to bring He-Man to life on the big screen, faces a tough road ahead. Nearly 40 years have passed since the 1987 film featuring Dolph Lundgren flopped, and He-Man hasn’t exactly been a hot commodity since then.
This likely explains why the upcoming version, directed by Travis Knight and set to hit theaters on June 5, marks the sixth effort to create a live-action He-Man film in four decades. Directors like John Woo, John Stevenson, Jon M. Chu, McG, David S. Goyer, and the Nee Brothers have all been attached to various projects over the years. While it’s a shame we didn’t get to see Woo’s vision, we can be thankful we avoided McG’s take.
A major point of contention for many fans is the casting of Jared Leto, often seen as a divisive figure, as Skeletor, with Nicholas Galitzine stepping into the role of He-Man. Given the long journey to this point, is the film worth the anticipation? Currently, it holds a 76 percent critics score, which is decent, but opinions are mixed.
Most positive reviews hover around the 7 or 8 mark, praising the film for its humor and loyalty to He-Man lore. However, some critics argue that the humor falls flat and that references to the broader He-Man universe may confuse those unfamiliar with the source material.
This situation mirrors the reception of Mortal Kombat 2, suggesting that fans of He-Man will likely enjoy this film, while those who aren’t already invested might not be inclined to buy a ticket.
Ultimately, Masters of the Universe offers an entertaining ride that avoids the common pitfalls of many IP adaptations. Knight presents a vibrant film with a distinct perspective, steering clear of treating the source material as untouchable. The cast embraces Knight’s playful direction, particularly Idris Elba as a bumbling Man-at-Arms. Galitzine handles the action and humor well, while Leto brings a delightfully over-the-top energy to Skeletor.
The production design by Guy Hendrix Dyas is striking, capturing a medieval aesthetic while acknowledging the story’s playful nature. Composer Daniel Pemberton revives the fantasy-metal sound that defined the franchise’s early days. However, the film sometimes struggles to connect with the present and doesn’t evoke strong nostalgia for the past.
Younger audiences will likely be drawn in by the bright colors and larger-than-life characters, while adults who grew up with action figures will find a nostalgic charm. It’s certainly a more enjoyable experience than the 1987 version and signals a shift away from Hollywood’s trend of dark and serious adaptations.
At its core, the film explores the theme of reconciling childhood dreams with adult life. While not everyone will have grown up with He-Man, the film evokes a sense of longing for those who did, and it’s a joy to see the character return in a fresh way.
Masters of the Universe exceeded expectations in terms of humor, and the fight scenes are well-choreographed, adding a stylish flair to the action. Galitzine and Elba provide a solid foundation, while Leto’s Skeletor injects a quirky, cartoonish vibe into the film.
Production values are impressive, with standout contributions from Dyas and a dynamic score from Pemberton, featuring guitar work reminiscent of Queen’s classic sound. Knight ensures this film is a heartfelt homage to a beloved property, making it worth sticking around for the end credits.
However, the film does have its flaws, including pacing issues in the middle and some subpar CGI during fight scenes, which can detract from key moments. Despite these shortcomings, Masters of the Universe is a pleasant surprise that knows its identity and deserves a chance to explore potential sequels hinted at in the post-credit scenes.
Some critics feel that Knight’s version lacks originality and is overly self-conscious, suggesting it might signal the end of 1980s nostalgia. They argue that the film feels stale, as if it’s recycling old ideas without bringing anything fresh to the table.
Nevertheless, the film’s enthusiasm for the source material shines through, with numerous nods to the original series, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
The cast appears to be having fun, though it’s easy to imagine them breaking character during filming. Leto’s performance as Skeletor, complete with a quirky accent, adds some humor, even if it feels somewhat forced at times. The film’s moments of sincerity, from its visuals to its score, prevent it from being a total flop. While it captures the essence of the cartoon, it ultimately struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, leaving Masters of the Universe feeling somewhat powerless.
