Review: Masters of the Universe
After years of delays, the live-action Masters of the Universe has finally hit theatres, but anyone hoping for an epic fantasy revival is going to leave the theatre feeling deeply disappointed. Directed by Travis Knight, the movie follows Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) returning to defend his home planet of Eternia. Visually, the movie looks great, offering a blend of ancient sci-fi tech with high-fantasy landscapes, but unfortunately, the gorgeous visuals can’t hide a totally hollow script.
The main issue is that the movie is scared to take itself seriously. Every time the story builds actual urgency or stakes, the script kills the momentum with a self-aware joke or a bit of jarring slapstick. Because the movie treats its own mythology as a joke, it’s impossible to actually care about Adam’s journey or the fate of Eternia.
The biggest disaster here is Jared Leto as Skeletor. Hidden by a CGI mask, Leto resorts to the kind of exhausting, over-the-top overacting that completely misses the mark. Instead of being a menacing, formidable villain who could save a weak script, he becomes a walking punchline. Ultimately, Masters of the Universe mistakes constant irony and loud nonsense for entertainment, resulting in a mediocre summer blockbuster that just falls short. 2/5
Watch the trailer for Masters of The Universe below