Review of Masters of the Universe (1987) by Bill M — 29 Dec 2016

No this is not a good film, but very often even bad films from the 80's have an execution and sense of enthusiasm and an overall good nature to them that makes them endearing in a way modern bad movies tend not to be (Transformers 4 anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller ?) and Masters Of The Universe has enthusiasm to spare, from it's Stars Wars lite yet rousing opening credits music (that even dodgy, lower tier 80's movies have better music and more memorable theme tunes than any Marvel film you care to mention throws embarrassing shade on today's blockbusters shows how far we are now from any of that real sense of showmanship in popular filmmaking) and then there's Frank Langella's memorable and spirited portrayal of Skeletor, even under unfortunately rubbery halloween mask looking make up he totally owns the joint, and is tons of fun to watch eat up all the mid-budget scenery around him.

Lundgren is big muscles little acting chops, but he looks the part (do they, like, oil him up before every shot?) and I have loads of nostalgic affection for the big lug. If your gonna do a fantasy movie in the 80's involving little people in roles then your gonna want Billy Barty and nine times out of ten you will find him in these sorts of movies, and he's a great boon to the film with his likable, eccentric presence as Gwildor the.

...whatever the fuck he is, I think he's sort of meant to be Orko from the cartoon or something, but regardless, Bart is always great value in these films. It also has some terrifically cool side villains, the trio of space assassins are pretty useless but look badass and always used to scare the shit out of me when they attacked the high school (speaking of scary, the hook-handed Karg used to fuck my shit up somewhat too, the fright wig only made things worse) and Meg Foster is pretty mesmerizing as Evil-Lyn with her shockingly vivid milky blue eyes.

By the way, pre-Friends Courtney Cox is in this film! she looks about 18 as well, in fact the actress could be seen all over the place in the late 80's, from the Cocoon sequel to another Canon produced flop Down Twisted (only on VHS, pretty good) and shes actually ok here, she keeps her head above all the silliness well.

Stealing scenes left and right you've got Principle Strickland himself James Tolkan as a brilliantly, grumpy, shotgun wielding police detective. In others word's i've got a soft spot for this film, and it's nostalgia, yes i'll admit, but it's also that they dont seem to know how to make silly saturday morning escapism with this kind of energy and sense of engaging ludicrousness anymore.

It has action, abs, monsters, giant swords, lazer gun battles,Interdimensional travel (always a plus for me in films) gadgets and surprisingly harsh violence. Good fun.