Masters of the Universe review: He-Man has the power but can't use it

Travis Knight's long-awaited reboot of Masters of the Universe struggles to settle on a single tone. The film could play the character straight, yet it repeatedly undercuts itself with self-aware jokes and meta-humor, producing a mix that is often entertaining but frequently uncertain.

The inherent absurdity of a sword‑wielding hero in leather underwear who rides a giant cat seems to invite the film's knowing approach, but the result feels like several competing impulses jostling for control. Nicholas Galitzine sells He‑Man as both himbo and hero, and Jared Leto turns Skeletor into a scene‑stealing, Shakespearean dark lord whose wardrobe and lines — including a relish for describing He‑Man as having an "all-over tan and a big shiny sword" — lean into the character's camp.

The cast also includes Artie Wilkinson‑Hunt as the young Adam, James Purefoy as King Randor, Idris Elba as Duncan, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Alison Brie as Evil‑Lyn, with Sam C.

he-man, skeletor, travis knight, nicholas galitzine, jared leto, idris elba, camila mendes, alison brie, meta humor, camp