Masters of the Universe Delivers a Fun Return to Eternia Despite a Slow Start

Jun 7

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., June 7, 2026 — Going into Masters of the Universe, I wasn't particularly confident. I hoped it would be good, but based on the long and often troubled history of live-action adaptations, I was expecting the worst. Instead, I found a movie that is far more enjoyable than I anticipated and one that ultimately succeeds because it understands what makes He-Man entertaining.

The film takes its time getting started — perhaps too much time. The first 40 minutes focus heavily on Prince Adam before he becomes the legendary hero fans know. During those opening scenes, Adam comes across as weak and unprepared, to the point where I found myself wondering how this version of the character could ever become He-Man. While the film is clearly trying to establish a journey from loser to hero, the setup lingers longer than necessary and may test the patience of some viewers.

Fortunately, once the story shifts into gear, the movie becomes a genuinely fun adventure. The action sequences are excellent, easily the strongest part of the film. Unlike many modern blockbusters that rely on dark lighting and frantic editing, the fights in Masters of the Universe are bright, easy to follow and packed with energy. When He-Man finally enters the fray, the movie delivers exactly what audiences came to see: a powerful hero battling villains and standing toe-to-toe with Skeletor.

The standout moment is He-Man's transformation scene. It serves as a satisfying payoff to Adam's lengthy character journey and provides a memorable introduction to the hero's true power. It's the moment where the film finally feels like Masters of the Universe.

Skeletor is another major highlight. Of all the performances in the film, his is the most entertaining. He embodies everything fans would expect from the iconic villain while also bringing more personality and presence than some previous versions of the character. Every scene involving Skeletor feels elevated by his performance.

Man-at-Arms also receives a surprisingly strong character arc. Rather than serving solely as a mentor figure, he experiences a redemption story of his own as he works to reclaim his former glory. His development adds additional emotional weight to the story. Meanwhile, Evil-Lyn is well portrayed, though I expected her to play a larger role in the overall narrative.

Visually, the film succeeds in bringing Eternia to life. The world is colorful, vibrant and faithful to the spirit of the franchise. While some elements of Adam's backstory differ from previous animated versions — particularly his upbringing on Earth — the movie remains largely faithful to the source material. Longtime fans will notice numerous nods and references to earlier shows and films.

My biggest criticism remains the opening act. The version of Adam presented at the beginning clashes with what many fans may expect from the character. However, the film eventually justifies those choices as Adam grows into the hero he is meant to become.

Masters of the Universe isn't a perfect movie, but it is a fun and pleasant adventure that remembers the appeal of the franchise. Strong action, an entertaining Skeletor and a satisfying hero's journey help overcome a sluggish beginning. Whether you're a longtime fan of the 2002 animated series or simply looking for an enjoyable fantasy action film, this is one worth seeing in theaters.