Masters of the Universe (1987) - A Cult Classic or a Cosmic Catastrophe?

An honest Review of the film’s bold choices, odd Earth setting, and missed opportunities.

Written by Buttonface

Genres: Action, Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Superhero

Somewhere on the other side of the universe He-Man and the heroes of Eternia are losing the war against Skeletor. Until the discovery of a weird little gnome guy and his Cosmic Key brings the battle to earth turning the tide for our muscular hero.

A battle fought in the stars, now… comes to Earth.

Masters of the Universe Movie Review

Buttonface Says…

I got to give it to this flick… it’s daring. It’s daring to think that The Masters of the Universe movie could be anything but terrible. (I have to admit, I recently watched the Power Rangers Movie and is was way less worse than I thought it would be… still bad, but way less bad.)

So, here’s the good.

This section is probably going to be short.

The effects were decent when you take the time into consideration. The whole look of planet Eternia was pretty cool. Kind of had a Dark Crystal vibe that I was digging. It had Billy Barty in it. Gotta love that. It had Meg Foster as Evil-Lyn. Gotta love those eyes. Finally, I have to say there is something fun about these 80s fantasy movies… and fantasy movies in general. We get so few of them anymore.

And the Bad.

Practically the whole thing was just terrible. Not sure how they got one of my friends dad’s from grade school to play Man-at-arms. I couldn’t tell who he reminded me of until the scene where he’s sitting in the dirt eating a bucket of chicken, then I was like. Oh yeah, it’s totally Mr. White!

Also, while the aesthetic of Eternia was good, as soon as they hit earth the whole film, set wise, looked like a cross between Troll and the first Leprechaun movie (The one with Jennifer Aniston).

The movie really couldn’t decide who it was for. The look begged for more and some of the ideas were verging on grown up, but it was whittled down for the youngest of ages.

Frank Langella as Skeletor was a highlight of the movie

Frank Langella’s portrayal of Skeletor was undeniably one of the standout elements of this 1987 He-man flick. His performance elevated what could have been a one-dimensional villain into a commanding and memorable character. Langella infused Skeletor with a blend of theatrical gravitas, intelligence, and sinister charisma, delivering lines with a Shakespearean flair that gave the film unexpected depth. While the movie itself is terrible, Langella’s commitment to the role made his Skeletor terrifying, turning camp into something compelling and iconic.

Conclusion on 1987’s, Masters of the Universe

I haven’t really come up with a rating system yet, but if I had to come up with something, I would give this movie three kicks in the ass for making this crap and one hell of a pat-on-the-back for at least trying.

If your a fanboy of nerd culture don’t miss this. It is absolutely wonderful if you are a nerd historian that loves this stuff. If not? Avoid Masters of the Universe at ALL COSTS!