The 2026 reboot of 'Masters of the Universe' delivers an infectiously entertaining romp, with a cast having a whale of a time, though it overdoes the jokey tone. Director Travis Knight, known for 2018's 'Bumblebee', brings 80s-flavoured action to the screen, spending most of the runtime in the lush, Asgardian-like world of Eternia rather than Earth.
A Blast of Nostalgia with a Modern Twist
Nicholas Galitzine stars as Adam, who discovers his secret legacy as the prince of an alien planet and embarks on a quest to recover a magical sword and return home to protect his kingdom. The film is a bright, breezy adventure despite its two-hour-plus running time, brimming with heart and hijinks. Galitzine excels in his fish-out-of-water routine, though his over-reliance on sensitivity feels un-He-Man-like.
The 1987 original, starring Dolph Lundgren, holds a nostalgic charm despite its flaws, and this reboot improves upon it by immersing viewers in Eternia's colourful characters and shiny locations. However, the story bears a strong resemblance to 'Flash Gordon', complete with Queen on the soundtrack, and some CGI is distractingly weak.
Too Much Humour Undermines Peril
The film's main flaw is its excessive jokiness. While most humour lands, even the intimidating Skeletor, played by a revelling-in-villainy Jared Leto, aims for laughs, which diminishes the sense of peril. According to critic Ian Bunting, 'when even Skeletor is cracking jokes, it takes away from the danger our heroes should be immersed in.'
Despite these shortcomings, 'Masters of the Universe 2026' is a blast. It doesn't quite have all the power, but the infectious entertainment is sure to have youngsters repeatedly watching it via streaming services. The film is now showing in cinemas.
