Step back in time to 1987, where Dolph Lundgren donned the iconic He-Man persona and saved the universe in the campy classic “Masters of the Universe” brought to you by Cannon Films. While Margot Robbie’s Barbie rules the box office, let’s revisit the not-so-lucky big-screen adaptation of the beloved Mattel toy line.
Cannon Films, known for its budget-friendly productions, took on the task of bringing the powerful plastic figures to life on the silver screen. Though the animated TV series was a hit, the movie’s resemblance to it stops at the characters. He-Man, along with Man-at-Arms and Teela, find themselves in present-day California after a battle with Skeletor. The transition is made possible by a quirky “cosmic key” created by the hideously charming locksmith/elf played by Billy Barty.
Now picture He-Man navigating our mundane world, teaming up with two human teenage lovebirds, portrayed by Courteney Cox and Robert Duncan McNeill, in search of the lost “cosmic key.” It’s far from the epic adventure fans anticipated, and the movie’s fate mirrored the fate of Cannon Films itself. “Masters of the Universe” flopped alongside other cinematic disasters like “Over the Top” and “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” leading Cannon to bankruptcy.
But fear not, the film still offers Awfully Good delights reminiscent of the best bad movies. Prepare yourself for cheesy effects, tough-talking gun-wielding cops (played by James Tolkan), and the captivatingly campy performance of Frank Langella as Skeletor, which beautifully contrasts with Dolph Lundgren’s still-awkward acting style as He-Man.
In the end, “Masters of the Universe” remains a hilariously bad masterpiece, granting its viewers the power of laughter, if nothing else. So, if you’re up for a trip down memory lane and some delightfully cheesy 80s fun, this He-Man classic is a must-watch.
