“Masters of the Universe” (1987) is a cult classic fantasy/sci-fi action film directed by Gary Goddard, based on the popular Mattel toy line and animated series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The movie, despite its commercial failure upon release, has gained a devoted fan base over the years.

Plot Summary:

The story follows He-Man (played by Dolph Lundgren), who battles the evil Skeletor (Frank Langella) for control of the mystical land of Eternia. Skeletor has already captured Castle Grayskull, and it’s up to He-Man, along with his companions Teela (Chelsea Field), Man-At-Arms (Jon Cypher), and the dwarf-like inventor Gwildor (Billy Barty), to stop him. They are transported to Earth via a cosmic key, where they meet two teenagers (played by Courteney Cox and Robert Duncan McNeill) who become entangled in the interplanetary conflict.

Strengths:

1. Performance by Frank Langella: One of the standout aspects of the film is Frank Langella’s portrayal of Skeletor. He brings an unexpected gravitas and theatrical flair to the villain, imbuing him with menace and a memorable screen presence, despite the campy nature of the film.
2. Nostalgic Appeal: For fans of the He-Man franchise, the film has a certain nostalgic charm. While it diverges from the animated series in significant ways (such as the absence of some key characters and lore), it captures the essence of the heroic battle between good and evil.
3. Production Design: The film’s set design and practical effects, particularly the scenes in Castle Grayskull, are commendable given the movie’s budget constraints. The blend of science fiction and fantasy aesthetics also gives the film a unique visual identity, blending swords and lasers with futuristic tech.

Weaknesses:

1. Budget Limitations: The film’s limited budget is glaring, especially when compared to the source material’s fantastical world. Much of the movie takes place on Earth, which detracts from the more exotic and imaginative setting of Eternia. The special effects, particularly for the time, are hit-or-miss, and the final battle between He-Man and Skeletor, while memorable, could have been more epic with a larger budget.
2. Script and Dialogue: The script is often criticized for being simplistic and cheesy, with dialogue that feels stilted. While this can add to the film’s charm for some, it also hinders its ability to be taken seriously by wider audiences.
3. Deviation from the Source Material: Fans of the He-Man cartoon and toys were disappointed by the film’s deviations from the established lore. Iconic characters like Orko and Battle Cat are notably absent, and much of the story takes place on Earth rather than in the richly imagined world of Eternia.

Legacy and Cult Status:

Despite its commercial failure, Masters of the Universe has earned a cult following, largely due to its nostalgic value and the sheer enthusiasm of its performances, especially Langella’s Skeletor. Over time, it has become appreciated as a fun, if flawed, 80s action-adventure that exemplifies the era’s fondness for fantasy and sci-fi mashups.

Final Thoughts:

Masters of the Universe is far from a cinematic masterpiece, but it delivers a certain charm for fans of 80s action and the He-Man franchise. It’s a product of its time, with all the highs and lows that come with that, and for many, it’s a beloved slice of campy, nostalgic fun. If you’re a fan of the original cartoon or enjoy 80s fantasy/sci-fi, it’s worth a watch, though you’ll need to forgive its limitations.