Masters of the Universe: Hey He-Man! Flash Gordon Would Like His Movie Back
By John Kirk
Rating: B+
I don't think I was prepared for how much I would laugh and enjoy Masters of the Universe.
But I also couldn't help but make comparisons to producer Dino De Laurentiis's 1980 Flash Gordon. Of course, it probably didn’t hurt that the sound of Brian May’s living guitar was wailing throughout the film, echoing Queen’s contribution to Flash.
Oh, and then, at a climactic moment, Queen's “Princes of the Universe” exploded into the theatre.
Derivative never sounded so good..
Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) has the power!
There were so many ways to appreciate this film. There was the cast, the music, the never-ending callbacks to the toys, the humour, the constant ‘80s synthesizer vibe. And while the soundtrack for this film was high intensity ... so was the campiness.
There really was no other direction for director Travis Knight to go. We're talking about a film based on a mid-‘80's toy line from Mattel, the same company that brought us the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, Mr. Potato Head and Cabbage Patch Kids. He-Man fits right in there.
With names like He-Man. Beast-Man, or Trapjaw, (and of course, who could forget good old Fisto?), this toy line hard-targeted every pre-pubescent ‘80s boy-child. The brawny figures, the robotic attachments and the multitude of mass mayhem and injury-inflicting weapons, this was the toy line that captured a child’s concept of absolute masculinity.
Of course, the film doesn’t take itself seriously. When Prince Adam of Eternia, aka the Champion of Greyskull (Nicholas Galitzine) has to flee his homeworld to, of all places, Oklahoma City, even he can’t believe the zaniness of his own secret origin. A minor administrator in a human resources firm, he’s the last person anyone would believe was a muscle-bound heroic champion.
Even his arch-nemesis, Skeletor (Jared Leto) is a hoot and a half. He’s still an evil villain, dedicated to the destruction and domination of Eternia, but even he manages to pop off a great collection of one-liners. I’ve never before heard the expression “balls” so eloquently expressed and with such poignant timing.
But there are so many moments in this film that seem like they were styled after De Laurentiis’s Flash – including the stone faced stoicism of the heroes of Eternia, the patented arms-akimbo chest laugh, and the stereotypically staged hero group walk. There’s even a scene where Prince Adam throws a spiked ball at an enemy that is so reminiscent of the football scene in the Emperor Ming’s ballroom.
Am I showing my age?
Leading man, Idris Elba acquits himself well in the supporting role of Duncan, Man-at-Arms. He is the Royal Family’s sworn protector and the young prince’s childhood tutor. His daughter, Teela (Camila Mendes) also lives up to expectations as Prince Adam’s childhood friend turned soldier. Alison Brie lends to the campy comedy as the evil sorceress aptly named Evil-Lyn and erstwhile SNL comedy genius Kristen Wiig fits right in there as the Battlebot, Roboto.
Like I said, the toy line wasn’t great on names.
But while there was comedy galore, the film also didn’t forget its cartoon predecessor either. There were moments that could have been lifted from the 1985 Filmation cartoon, including the moralizing breaks.
In short, the combination of ‘80s atmosphere, the humour and the music all served to hit the older members of the audience with a powerful blast of nostalgia. At my screening, the audience couldn’t control its cheers when Prince Adam finally holds the sword of power and shouts the words “By the power of Greyskull … I have the power!”
There are unsubtle call-backs to the toys, the cartoon and even elements of the 1987 live action film featuring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella. When you’re riding the nostalgia wave, this makes for an entertaining trip.
Oh, and in typical superhero film fashion, stay for the credits. There are a couple of surprises there that will add to the anticipation of a return to Eternia.
It’s a winning film. Plenty of ‘80s vibes but a lot of fun to be seen and shared with multiple generations of viewers.
Masters of the Universe. Director: Travis Knight. Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristen Wiig, Jared Leto and Idris Elba
Masters of the Universe is in theatres Friday, June 5.