Written by Sofia Mongillo Bermejo

Based on the media franchise created by Mattel,

Masters of the Universe has returned to the big screen for the first time since the 1987 live-action adaptation. Directed by Travis Knight, the story follows Adam (Nicholas Galitzine), who spends his days working a mundane 9-to-5 on Earth while recounting memories of his home planet, Eternia, to anyone willing to listen. As he remembers it, he fled his home as a young boy during a war, carrying a powerful sword that was lost on his journey to Earth. Convinced the sword is the key to returning home and reclaiming his title as prince, Adam sets out to find it before it's too late.

A flashback serves as the film's opening scene, and it's not a particularly strong one. Fortunately, the story that follows is engaging and entertaining enough to overcome its shaky start.

Galitzine's charm once again steals the show,

much like in his previous roles such as Bottoms and 100 Nights of Hero. As Adam grows into the role of He-Man, Galitzine balances heroic confidence with an awkward sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing. Even as his appearance transforms and the stakes grow increasingly serious, he never loses the endearing qualities that make the character so enjoyable to watch. He's the best kind of superhero: one who never takes himself too seriously.

Jared Leto delivers a surprisingly nuanced take on Skeletor,

making the iconic villain both likable and genuinely funny. While a few jokes miss the mark and some of the dialogue leans cheesy, Skeletor's theatrical melodrama works far more often than it doesn't, resulting in one of the film's most entertaining performances.

While the film's action sequences are serviceable,

they're rarely the main attraction. Most of the fight scenes feel surprisingly routine, lacking the creativity and impact expected from a fantasy epic of this scale. Instead, Masters of the Universe finds its footing as a comedy. Galitzine's awkward, self-aware take on He-Man gives the character a refreshing sense of individuality, making him far more entertaining to watch than the average invincible superhero. His humor and relatability help carry the film through moments when the action falls flat.

The world of Eternia is equally compelling,

particularly in the film's opening flashback. Once depicted as a vibrant realm filled with colorful landscapes, strange creatures, and a sense of harmony, Eternia has since become a darker, more desaturated place under Skeletor's influence. The visual contrast helps reinforce the story's central conflict, even if the film doesn't spend as much time exploring the planet as it should. Among the various costumes and creature designs, He-Man's iconic look stands out as one of the film's strongest visual achievements.

At 132 minutes, Masters of the Universe drags more than it needs to. While the story remains entertaining throughout, several scenes feel either unnecessary or underdeveloped, preventing the film from reaching its full potential. Ultimately, it would've been a more satisfying experience with a good 40 minutes trimmed away. And, on a personal note, there simply wasn't enough screen time for the beloved green tiger, Cringer.

Even with its uneven pacing, Masters of the Universe succeeds thanks to its charismatic lead, entertaining villain, and willingness to embrace the larger-than-life fantasy at the heart of the franchise. It may not reinvent the superhero genre, but its humor, heart, and delightfully awkward hero make it a fun return to Eternia.