Skip to main content

Masters of the Universe (2026)


Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight, known for Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee, and while the film is competently made, it often struggles with execution. The action sequences look impressive on the surface, but many of the larger one vs. many fights suffer from a common problem where enemies appear to stand around waiting their turn to attack. The script, written by Aaron Nee and Adam Nee, known for The Lost City, takes the story in a direction that feels at odds with what many audiences might expect from a Masters of the Universe adaptation. Rather than embracing the larger than life heroic fantasy at the center of the franchise, the film spends much of its time deconstructing its protagonist in ways that don't always serve the story.

Nicholas Galitzine, known for The Idea of You and Red, White & Royal Blue, plays He-Man and does what he can with the material. The character is written in a way that often undermines the masculinity associated with the role, but Galitzine remains likable and charismatic throughout. The shortcomings of the character stem more from the script than from the performance itself.

Camila Mendes, known for Riverdale and Do Revenge, plays Teela and is given a prominent role in the story. She performs the part well enough, though the character is written with such certainty and competence that she rarely feels challenged by the events around her. As a result, some of the relationship dynamics feel less natural than they should.

Idris Elba, known for The Beast of No Nation and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, feels surprisingly restrained here. Elba is usually able to elevate weaker material through sheer presence, but this role gives him little opportunity to showcase the charisma and energy that make him such a compelling performer. The result is one of the more annoying performances in the film.

The real highlights come from the villains. Jared Leto, known for Blade Runner 2049 and Dallas Buyers Club, fully commits to Skeletor's theatrical nature and brings a welcome sense of fun whenever he appears. Alison Brie, known for GLOW and Community, is equally entertaining as Evil-Lyn, delivering a performance that balances ambition, menace, and charisma. It is somewhat surprising that the antagonists emerge as the most compelling characters in the movie, and they consistently inject life into scenes that otherwise feel flat.

Overall, Masters of the Universe is a film with solid production values and a handful of entertaining performances, but it struggles with CGI and to capture the spirit that many fans associate with the franchise. The villains frequently outshine the heroes, the action is inconsistent, and the story often feels more interested in modern commentary than embracing the fantasy adventure at its core. Masters of the Universe is watchable, but it never becomes the epic adaptation it could have been. Result: C

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tuner (2026)

Tuner is written and directed by Daniel Roher and centers around a piano tuner who becomes involved in cracking safes, balancing his growing criminal life with his personal relationships. The film has a very specific tone that will not work for everyone, but it knows exactly what audience it is aiming for. Roher keeps the story grounded and character-focused, allowing the tension to come more from personal choices and atmosphere than from explosive action. It moves at a deliberate pace, which may lose some viewers, but those willing to settle into its rhythm will likely appreciate what it is doing. Leo Woodall , known for The White Lotus and One Day , plays the lead role and does a strong job carrying the film. He balances the nervousness and charm of the character well, making the transition between ordinary working man and reluctant criminal believable. Woodall gives the film its emotional center and keeps the quieter moments engaging through sheer screen presence. Havana Rose L...
Post a Comment
Read more

Backrooms (2026)

Backrooms is written and directed by Kane Parsons , with producer  Osgood Perkins , known for Longlegs and The Monkey . Parsons gained attention through the original web series, but this adaptation shifts heavily away from pure horror and toward character-focused storytelling. The problem is that much of the audience is likely coming in wanting unsettling imagery, tension, and scares rather than extended emotional exploration. The film certainly captures an eerie atmosphere and the endless liminal spaces remain creepy, but it rarely escalates into anything genuinely terrifying. Chiwetel Ejiofor , known for 12 Years a Slave and Doctor Strange , initially appears positioned as the film’s central figure. He brings his usual gravitas and instantly feels like the strongest actor in the movie. However, the story eventually pivots away from him in a bait-and-switch that leaves the film feeling less anchored once the focus changes. Renate Reinsve , known for The Worst Person in the Wo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lost in the Stars (2023)

Lost in the Stars  is a Mandarin thriller with twists you'll see coming and one you might not.  Directed by newcomer  Rui Cui, and cinematographer  Xiang Liu . Liu knows his cinematography very well while cherry Cui lets the viewer know he's relatively new with mistakes that will leave the average audience going "somethings off with this" and not really knowing what's wrong. It's the camera angles and quick cuts. I believe the quick cuts are intentional and this isn't a deep movie, its feelings are very much surface-level.  Yilong Zhu plays He Fei, a man who has lost his wife while on their anniversary trip to Southeast Asia. He is the most experienced actor and carries the film with his performance. By the end of the film, you'll understand the depths Zhu has in his acting. He hasn't done much, if anything, that would be considered American, but he's been working since 2010. Janice Man  is the femme fatal in this film. She plays the beautiful ...
Post a Comment
Read more