Masters of the Universe
"Did you guys see that? I ripped that dude's arm off and shot all his friends!" - Adam
release year: 2026
genre: fantasy adventure
viewing setting: home streaming 7/26/26
synopsis: A young prince from a mythical land is sent away for safety when his world is overthrown, and awaits his destiny to return, claim the power, and vanquish the evil.
impressions: This was, I think, an attempt to honor the old series/material while also appealing to modern audiences...and it worked. All of the major characters from the 1980s toy line and cartoon were here, along with plenty of technology, magic, battle, good, and evil. The special effects were solid, the action felt real (and people died in combat) and there was plenty of humor. There were also a number of references to various aspects of the whole mythology, if you knew where to spot them.
acting: Nicholas Galitzine does a pretty good job as the young hero-to-be Adam, who must overcome his doubts and save his world; his character comes a long way during the events of the movie. Camila Mendes is his childhood friend who's a great warrior herself, and who must help him along. Idris Elba is the former general who later becomes a drunk, and like Adam he also has a journey to make here. Jared Leto, under either good makeup or good CGI, is the evil Skeletor, and has some great lines. Alison Brie is an evil sorceress who helps him. Johannes Haukur Johannesson is hilarious as Fisto, ditto Jon Xue Zhang as Ram-Man. Sam Wilson does a great job as a half-mechanical lead evil henchman. Morena Baccarin is the Sorceress and guardian of Castle Grayskull. 1987 He-Man Dolph Lundgren has a brief but memorable appearance as a big guy in the weight room who gives Adam some advice.
final word: Surprisingly and thoroughly enjoyable.
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