Review: Masters of the Universe

This could easily have been a cynical exercise in nostalgia, but instead it embraces its roots with a big grin on its face. If, like me, you grew up with He-Man, Skeletor, Castle Grayskull, and a toy box full of plastic warriors, there’s a lot here that will make you smile. The filmmakers clearly understand why those characters mattered in the first place and aren’t afraid to have a little fun with them.

What surprised me most was the tone. It’s irreverent without being disrespectful, happy to poke fun at itself while still treating the world seriously enough that the stakes matter. That’s a difficult balance to strike, but the film manages it.

The soundtrack deserves a special mention, too. It gives the whole film a sense of energy and momentum that never really lets up. And the classic theme tune is perfectly deployed...

Most importantly, it understands that nostalgia works best when it’s used as a bridge rather than a crutch. It gives long-time fans plenty to enjoy while still delivering an entertaining adventure in its own right.

A lot of fun, and exactly the kind of film I was hoping it would be.