Details from IMDB:
Masters of the Universe
Prince Adam discovers that the strange memories shaping his life are real when the lost Sword of Power resurfaces, forcing him to return to Eternia and challenge the tyrant who shattered his family and kingdom.
Initial Thoughts:
Like loads of kids who grew up in the 80s, I had Masters of the Universe toys, and I would watch the cartoon. I tried to watch the 1987 movie, but it was really bad, and I don’t think I ever got through it. All that said, I was interested when I saw the new movie come out. I just don’t go to as many movies as I used to, especially in the summer, but when I saw this on Prime Video, I decided to give it a watch.
Main Points:
The 80s cartoon was only made, like a lot of them back then, to sell toys, so it goes without saying that any movie is better if it’s silly/tongue-in-cheek for it to work, and that is often what this movie does. There are a couple of good laughs early on, and a nice cameo from Dolph to hand over the torch. Once we get to Eterina, the plot, such as it is, gets moving, and we get the usual stop Skeletor and his minions deal. There are some nice touches, like how everyone got their names, and yes, Fisto does say he fists people. Everyone involved does a good job, including Jared Leto, even though you don’t even recognize his voice, and I particularly liked Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms and Alison Brie as Evil Lynn.
The plot doesn’t make much sense and is very predictable, and I thought the movie was too long; a full 30-45 minutes could have been easily cut. It was just luck that I was eating chips during the credits, as there are 3 post-credit scenes that are worth watching. If they keep the same cast/director, I would see at least one more, as we have never seen She-Ra in a live-action role (that I know of anyway).
Final Thoughts:
While there is no blood, there are a couple of violent scenes: metal arms get torn off, and there is some coarse language, so not for young kids, ages 13+. I enjoyed this movie but found it dragged out and very predictable (except for the very end, which was a nice surprise); it’s a buy-the-premise, buy-the-bit kind of deal for sure. I give it 6.5 out of 10 and would mildly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the toys or the cartoon. I was sober when I saw this, but it probably would be way better to watch stoned. Good action and special effects, and I did appreciate all the nods to the toys/cartoon; watch carefully for a Stinkor reference.