For the entire run-up to Masters of the Universe being released, I’ve been hit by a wave of nostalgia. Growing up, He-Man was everything to me (until Teenage Mutant Ninja (Hero) Turtles came along!). I spent countless hours playing with the toys, watching the TV show, and recreating battles with my friends (I wish I’d kept my figures). Honestly, it felt like that was all we did and then, when the 1987 Dolph Lungdren film came out, we basically lost our minds! It’s still a classic now (I won’t have anyone say anything otherwise!). In fact, you can watch when Becky and I watched the movie a few years ago and her reactions to it for the first time. Still funny now!
So sitting down to watch this new adventure came with plenty of excitement and a fair bit of expectation. I’d done my best to stay away from Trailers so that I could go into the film fresh. The one that did gut punch me though was the ‘When Times Were Simpler’ trailer which if you haven’t seen, watch here.
Opening with a unique spin on the MGM opening (Bravo whoever greenlit that!), the film definitely has some impressive set pieces, with several large-scale action sequences that look fantastic on the big screen. There are moments that genuinely capture the epic feel that Masters of the Universe should have, and hearing “I Have The Power!” still gave me goosebumps all these years later.
That said, the film isn’t without its problems. At over two hours (132 mins), it feels too long and could have benefited from some tighter editing and removal of some scenes which dragged. Some of the jokes (of which there are many trying to strike that comedic Guardians of the Galaxy tone) didn’t really land for me either, and a few of the innuendos felt unnecessary in a film that’s clearly aiming to appeal to younger audiences as well as nostalgic adults (you’ll know the specific one I mean when you hear it). I also struggled to see Idris Elba as Duncan (Man at Arms) seemingly walk straight off the Thor set onto this one.
There were the expected cameos that you’ll no doubt be pleased to see which got some ooohs and aahs from the audience and The Darkness providing the soundtrack gave it a lovely electronic feel which worked for the most part.
Although the CG around Skeletor was absolutely amazing, one of my biggest bugbears was the spoken dialogue from Skeletor (played by Jared Leto). I thought it was just me but on chatting with others after the screening, they too experienced an issue with it. The robot lady character was memorable, although your mileage may vary on how much she adds to the story. I also felt the big battle sequence was somewhat underused. There were some notable missing elements (Battlecat’s armour for example which does come in the end but it’s a long wait) which were a frustration.
All that said, this is a film that both kids and adults of a certain age and demographic are going to watch to see on the big screen. I went along with a good friend of a similar age who also grew up with He-Man and overall, we both enjoyed it but he too felt it was too long. We took both our sons (aged 12) who both came out of the film saying that it was too long but that they enjoyed it, which was a wonderful thing to hear. If nothing else, He-Man needs to be shared with the next generation and that’s what this will do. Whatever you do, make sure you stay during the credits sequence; fans of the franchise will be pleased to see what’s coming next.
So in a nutshell, go and see the film, get ready to get frustrated that it’s too long but other than that, you’ll have a great experience, especially if you take your kids along and that’s what cinema is all about. Although this isn’t our official review (Linda’s done that here), I think if pushed, I’d give Masters of the Universe 3 out of 5 stars. That said, I’m pleased to report that the kids loved it and happily awarded it 4 out of 5, which in many ways, is probably the most important review you’ll hear about.
While Masters of the Universe didn’t completely recapture the magic I felt as a child, it clearly succeeded in introducing a new generation to the world of Eternia. They have the Powerrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Masters of the Universe hits cinemas everywhere 5th June 2026. You can check out all our coverage here including interviews with all and sundry and the junket and premiere.
