‘Masters of the Universe’ Review: Mattel’s Colorful Cash Grab Does Not Have the Power
Following the success of the Barbie movie, Mattel announced that it would be making over a dozen films based on its many IPs. Masters of the Universe is Mattel’s first major post-Barbie attempt to turn its toys into movies and the second live-action reimagining of the ’80s animated TV series. The film effectively plays on the cheesier aspects of the franchise with a funny, self-aware tone, but suffers from repetitive elements, excessive length, and hand-holding characterization.
Masters of the Universe, rather than adapting the animated series directly, introduces a plot in which the universe can be viewed through a modern lens. The film opens on the planet Eternia, where the young Prince Adam (Artie Wilkinson-Hunt) struggles to keep up with his peers in combat training. Eternia is an idyllic and beautiful fantasy world with dragons and magic. Adam comes from a long line of defenders and heroes, but he struggles to live up to his father’s expectations.
The peace and tranquility are short-lived as the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto) and his army invade the capital city, Eternos. Skeletor wants complete control of the universe, and needs the Sword of Power in order to seize it. Skeletor captures the King and Queen of Eternos and takes the city, while Adam barely to escapes with the Sword of Power. However, as he is teleported to the safety of Earth, he loses the Sword of Power, rendering him unable to return to his home world until he can find the sword.
