Prepare yourself for some critical gymnastics as we dive into an authentic cinematic adaptation of the classic 80s cartoon that was made specifically to sell toys. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was my introduction to pop-culture. It was the first exposure to cartoons and the world of fantasy. I learned about morals and life lessons from each loosely-themed episode of He-Man. He-Man, Cringer and the gang were my first action figures, and I wish I still had them to this day.
While I can’t help but appreciate the roots the cartoon established for me, it’s difficult to get all that excited about a new movie that has characters named Trap Jaw, Spikor, Beast Man, Tri-Klops, Fisto, and Ram Man; and expect any sort of cinematic greatness.
Now, with this 2026 adaptation, we follow Adam (Nicholas Galitzine), who escaped Eternia as a child but must retrieve the Sword of Power in order to save his destined kingdom from the evil reign of Skeletor (Jared Leto). On his journey home, he gets the help of his friend, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba).
One thing that always made me chuckle in regards to the cartoon is that Prince Adam was a dweeb, while still looking brawny beyond belief. Yet, his “secret” identity as He-Man was the royal defender of Eternia. Somehow, this has all been captured in this movie. In the first act, we see Adam as someone who has never quite belonged on Earth. He is entirely unsure of himself. His obsession with getting back home to his fantasy kingdom essentially makes him seem odd to anyone he meets.
Nicholas Galatzine was perfectly cast for this role. While clearly being a beefcake, he displays himself as entirely out of place. He doesn’t become He-Man for a large chunk of the movie, but his sheepish ways always feel sincere. He then effortlessly owns the simple bravado of He-Man when the script calls for it. This movie lives or dies based on his performance, and thankfully he is great.
Outside of Galatzine, I have to give credit to Jared Leto. Yes, I know and I’m sorry. His character design is legitimately great and the movie is better whenever he’s on screen. He is a spitting image of the toy, but just with a bit more aura. Leto plays the role with the perfect chord. He’s not trying to be overly complicated. It’s said a few times in the movie, but Skeletor is a villain because he’s just a bad guy. Nothing more, nothing less.
Unfortunately the movie is rife with issues. At nearly 2 hours 12 minutes, it’s 20 minutes too long. And even with that, they meander in the second act and the script somehow rushes to the final battle. There is some basis for character introspection in the middle of the movie, but it is never really followed up. I’d be fine with more character arcs, but this movie is stuffed to the brim with side characters who are really just there to make you point at the screen and say “Hey, I remember that guy!”
The script is the weakest aspect of the movie, and sadly that’s a major flaw. It has all the foundation of what makes this essentially a big budget cartoon movie, but it doesn’t trust itself to be entertaining. The Marvel humor curse strikes again as most of the movie’s more pivotal scenes are undercut by snide remarks and one-liners. There are a few chuckles within, but 72% of the jokes are cringe-r.
Considering this movie feels like an extension of the 80s, the soundtrack brought me right into the era with its score. Daniel Pemberton composed the movie with some really enjoyable themes. Queen’s Brian May, with his amazing electric guitar riffs, makes this feel like a companion piece to Flash Gordon and Highlander. Don’t judge me if you ever see me rocking out in my car to this soundtrack.
Masters of the Universe is silly. It’s objectively not a great movie. Yet, we’re talking about a big budget saturday morning cartoon adaptation that actually nails it. I got bored in the second act, but the end really won me over, with a morality tale and all. While watching, I was either incredulous or wondering if anyone could enjoy this movie. But… I was smiling ear to ear the majority of the time. I wrote this with a C+ in mind, but as I’m listening to the score, I’m still smiling. B-
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