Masters Of The Universe

Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, Meg Foster, Courteney Cox
Written by: David Odell 

Director: Gary Goddard
Year: 1987

Rating: * 1/2   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * 1/2

Live action adaptation of the popular He-Man cartoons of the 80's.

Skeletor has seized castle Greyskull, and holds the Sorceress prisoner. When the moon of Eternia is in proper alignment with the Great Eye of the Universe, it will bestow great power to Skeletor. He just needs the Cosmic Key to carry out his plan, however He-Man and his allies have the Cosmic Key, and have accidentally opened a portal to Earth. Skeletor sends his minions to Earth to retrieve it. The Key falls in the hands of two Earth teenagers, who know nothing of the Key's true power or potential. 

He-Man fans have much to cringe over as the film takes the cheap route of moving the central backdrop of Eternia aside and putting the principle characters on Earth. Dolph Lundgren is passable as He-Man, and familiar heroes such as Teela (Chelsea Field) and Man-At-Arms (Jon Cypher) are less-than-remarkably translated to film. Courteney Cox brings nothing to the table in this film as the teen musicians girlfriend Julie. It seems if anyone went beyond the call of duty, it was Frank Langella's performance as Skeletor. While everyone's acting was stiff, Frank just seemed to go balls out with his character, and truly had fun playing him.

The special effects are no better or worse than other sword and sorcery sci-fi of this type. A fun romp for kids, but older fans will want to make a pass on this film. 

SEE THE TRAILER: Masters Of The Universe