Buckle up, 80s kids. He-Man is back in Sony Pictures’ new offering: Amazon and MGM’s Masters of the Universe.
Remaking a classic can be such a double edged sword. On one hand, the nostalgia of a much loved franchise equates to an instant audience. However, when you’re translating an old classic to the screen, leaning too much into the past could result in a horribly dated movie.
Thankfully, Masters of the Universe seems to get the balance just right.
When we are introduced to the lore, we see an extended view of the universe we grew up with. Thanks to tight budgets, and the necessity to recycle stills, the 80s TV series tended to focus their shots on where the action took the cast.
In this movie, we see Castle Grayskull and The Royal Palace in their foreboding and majestic splendour. However, the shots are complemented by sweeping views of the landscapes, we see the monumental statues of previous rulers, we see life within the kingdom.
Consequently, we are immersed in a world that is simultaneously new and familiar. It’s akin to revisiting a country you’ve visited before and picking up things that you didn’t notice on your first trip.
More importantly, this smart expansion is the perfect device for deepening the audience’s investment in the plot. We understand Prince Adam’s connection to his home and why he is unrelenting in his pursuit of the Sword of Power.
The soundtrack is a ripping tribute to the 80s, which isn’t a surprise given Sir Brian May’s involvement. Think predominantly glam metal/rock with electric guitar riffs, falsettos and a grandiose vibe. The Darkness’ theme song: Masters of the Universe eloquently sums this up.
The costumes are mostly faithful to the original cartoon series albeit with some modern refreshes. Prince Adam is still in the pink and white, albeit a more modern take of a pink long-sleeved shirt over a white t-shirt. Similarly, the bangs are gone in favour of a natural looking mane.
Skeletor also mostly maintains his blue and purple colours but we have less of a cartoonish vibe thanks to the realistic renderings of his muscles and his face. In fact, the skull in combination with the almost mechanical looking red eyes are truly menacing.
This look works. Even though the canonical Skeletor has a comedic quality to him, we don’t want a goofy looking villain. The funny moments are amplified by the disparity between his intimidating stature and his buffoonery.
But what about the man behind the suit? Would he live up to the facade and memories we have of Skeletor?
Jared Leto as Skeletor was an interesting choice. His recent roles as villains have been widely panned, with some reviewers even calling him box office poison.
However, Leto’s Skeletor was a riot to watch. Just like the classic Skeletor, he cuts a threatening figure and shows no mercy when he is angry. Yet in the same breath, his insecurity manifests itself as awkwardly long laughs and random snark. He’s just a bad guy who wants the security of having all the power, of course he’s deliciously cranky.
Camila Mendes was delightful as Teela. After years of associating her with the savvy Veronica Lodge, she brings the fierce independence of that character to this role.
Only this is Veronica Lodge supercharged with serious combat skills. Mendes spent months bulking up and training and it pays off. Teela is the modern action heroine we need; fierce and protective in her own right. She does not play second fiddle to the men, in fact she supports them when they can’t support themselves.
And boy does Nicolas Galitzine’s Adam need help.
The movie delves deeper into Adam’s origin story. He is depicted as the runt in the academy, shorter in stature and skills than his peers. Even though he fills out as an adult (thank you, casting gods), he still seems lost and socially awkward.
And this is probably the only weak point in the story.
Adam has been on Earth for fifteen years. While I understand the need to fast forward past this time for the sake of a decent run time, questions linger about Adam’s time on Earth.
How did he survive fifteen years? How does a child who insists on the existence of an alternate universe not get red-flagged? And more importantly, how self-absorbed is Adam to not realise that maybe he should dial down the Eternia talk while trying to exist on Earth?
Galitzine does a good job acting the part but I really wish that we had more of an insight to Adam during these lost years. The film sets up the mythical Eternia well; developing Adam’s struggle away from his home would have made the reunion even sweeter.
This is just a comparatively minor gripe.
Masters of the Universe delivers an 80s vibe without feeling like you’re trapped in the past. Seeing the iconic neon flashes of lightning gave me the shivers but the well-utilised ensemble cast were on fire bringing depth to previously skimmed over characters.
I can’t believe I’m saying this… but I’m all for a sequel.
Hot tip: Stick around for the post movie scenes. There are THREE scenes to look out for – pre-credits. mid-credits and post-credits.
Masters of the Universe is now showing in cinemas nationwide.