Masters of the universe: a surprisingly deep summer blockbuster

In a summer crowded with franchise fatigue and nostalgia for the 1980s, Masters of the Universe arrives as a wildly expensive adaptation of the beloved toys for men now in their 40s. While box-office tracking is grim, the film actually rocks as pure, classic summertime escapism.

A he-man of substance

Anchored by a hunky Nicholas Galitzine and helmed by Travis Knight, Masters of the Universe tells the story of Prince Adam, whose home world of Eternia falls under the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto, in a frustratingly fantastic performance). After his exile to Earth, Adam grows up, lands a desk job, and never stops dreaming of swords and heroes he swears are real, even when mocked by peers and scaring off Hinge dates. When his old crush Teela (Camila Mendes) shows up, he goes off to rediscover his lost powers.

Masters bears an uncanny resemblance to the quip-loaded Marvel tentpoles that worked ten years ago but now induce groans. However, it swerves where most superhero films snag, with vivid colors, wonderfully brought-to-life cartoon characters, zippy action, and a core messaging that's more profound than its plastic surface implies.

On one level, it's just another action-adventure movie when square-jawed, broadsword-wielding heroism and villainy feel old hat. But Masters also invites intelligent readings, exploring themes about the power of having absolute faith not just in yourself, but about yourself. It's a triumphant, feel-good adventure about the awesome message that resonates with impressionable 11-year-olds.

While it's wrong in this moment to encourage folks to see Masters of the Universe, the most IP movie imaginable, when it actually has the power to resonate, it's worth paying attention. Otherwise, it's Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves all over again, and we'll keep asking why they didn't make another one.