Masters of the Universe (1987) Movie Review: A Campy Sci-Fi Fantasy with Nostalgic Charm
Overview
Directed by Gary Goddard, “Masters of the Universe” (1987) is a live-action adaptation of the popular 1980s animated television series and toy line. Starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, Frank Langella as Skeletor, and Courteney Cox in one of her early roles, the film blends elements of science fiction and fantasy in a campy, action-packed adventure. While it deviates significantly from its source material and suffers from various production issues, the movie has garnered a cult following for its nostalgic appeal and over-the-top performances.
Plot Summary
The film opens on the planet Eternia, where the evil Skeletor (Frank Langella) has seized control of Castle Grayskull and imprisoned the Sorceress (Christina Pickles). With the castle’s mystical powers at his disposal, Skeletor plans to conquer the universe. Standing in his way is He-Man (Dolph Lundgren), the most powerful man in the universe, and his loyal allies: Man-At-Arms (Jon Cypher), Teela (Chelsea Field), and the diminutive inventor Gwildor (Billy Barty).
Gwildor invents a “Cosmic Key,” a device that can open portals to any location. During an attack by Skeletor’s forces, the heroes use the Key to escape to Earth. There, they meet two teenagers, Julie (Courteney Cox) and Kevin (Robert Duncan McNeill), who become entangled in the battle to save Eternia. As Skeletor’s minions pursue them, He-Man and his friends must recover the Cosmic Key and return to Eternia to stop Skeletor’s plans and restore peace.
Performance and Direction
Dolph Lundgren’s portrayal of He-Man is physically imposing, capturing the hero’s iconic look, but his performance is often stilted due to his limited acting range and the film’s weak dialogue. Despite these shortcomings, Lundgren’s dedication to the role is evident, and his presence adds to the film’s campy charm.
Frank Langella, as Skeletor, delivers a performance that is both menacing and theatrical. Langella fully embraces the role, adding depth and gravitas to the character despite the film’s often cheesy tone. His portrayal is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the movie, providing a memorable villain that stands out in the film’s otherwise uneven narrative.
Courteney Cox, in an early career role, brings a sense of sincerity and relatability to Julie, grounding the film’s more fantastical elements. The supporting cast, including Jon Cypher, Chelsea Field, and Billy Barty, add to the ensemble with their committed performances, even if their characters are underdeveloped.
Gary Goddard’s direction attempts to balance the film’s science fiction and fantasy elements, resulting in a visually eclectic and often disjointed experience. The pacing is uneven, with moments of excitement interspersed with slower, less engaging scenes. Despite its flaws, the film’s ambitious scope and imaginative set pieces provide a sense of adventure and fun.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Hanania Baer captures the film’s contrasting settings, from the mystical landscapes of Eternia to the suburban streets of Earth. The practical effects and set designs are a mixed bag, with some elements looking impressive for their time while others appear dated and low-budget.
The film’s use of practical effects, costumes, and makeup contributes to its nostalgic appeal, evoking the aesthetics of 1980s fantasy and sci-fi films. The special effects, though often cheesy by modern standards, add to the film’s campy charm and provide a sense of spectacle.
Themes and Relevance
“Masters of the Universe” explores themes of good versus evil, heroism, and the power of friendship. The film’s narrative follows a classic heroic journey, with He-Man and his allies standing against the forces of darkness to save their world. While the story is straightforward and lacks depth, its themes resonate with the film’s target audience, particularly fans of the original series and toy line.
The film’s emphasis on teamwork and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds aligns with the values of the 1980s adventure genre, providing a sense of nostalgia for viewers who grew up with similar stories.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Masters of the Universe” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“Masters of the Universe” is a campy, action-packed adventure that offers a blend of science fiction and fantasy with a heavy dose of 1980s nostalgia. While the film suffers from uneven performances, a disjointed narrative, and low-budget effects, it has earned a cult following for its over-the-top charm and memorable villain.
Dolph Lundgren’s portrayal of He-Man and Frank Langella’s theatrical Skeletor provide the film’s most notable moments, anchoring the story amidst its flaws. Fans of the original series and those with a fondness for 1980s genre films will find “Masters of the Universe” to be an entertaining, if imperfect, journey into a world of heroes, villains, and epic battles.
