Review of Masters of the Universe (1987) by Judge D — 20 Dec 2018

This film deserves a higher score, it's not a masterpiece but it's head and shoulders above the usual schlock churned out by Cannon films.

Whats to like? Dolph Lundgren looks awesome as he-man, granted his performance is a little wooden but when he raises the sword and yells "i have the power" all is forgiven. Frank Langella is clearly in his element as Skeletor, chewing the scenery one minute and executing one of his mercenaries the next. The film could really have done without coming to Earth, the human characters, with the exception of James Tolkans Lubic character, are very annoying, especially Courtney Cox. But the supporting cast do their best to take your mind off the hum drum earth setting. Meg Foster is suitably sinister looking as Evilyn, Billy Barty succeeds in making what should be a really annoying character actually quite likable. Jon Cypher and Chelsea Field both give solid performances as man at arms and teela. Another plus for this movie is the awesome soundtrack by Bill Conti. The effects are pretty good for the time and the models/makeup effects are all very good.

As I said, the film could have done without coming to Earth, setting it on Eternia would have been much more interesting, but the Director Gary Goddard did a pretty good job with what he was given.

If you are an avid fan of the cartoon, you probably won't like this movie as they took a lot of liberties with the source material. But if you like cheesy 80's action movies you'll probably like it. It's the sort of film made with enough competence that you can like it, and enough incompetence that you can love it. And I love it.