Masters of the Universe (1987)

Masters of the Universe (1987)

6/10

Starring

Dolph Lundgren

Frank Langella

Courteney Cox

James Tolkan

Directed by Gary Goddard

Here’s a cult classic from the ’80s, featuring a young Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and a young Courteney Cox long before she became Monica on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. The movie’s characters can feel out-of-place and weird, and the costumes are downright bizarre. But despite its flaws, the film has a way of keeping you engaged from start to finish. Sure, you can criticize its mediocre plot and numerous plot holes, but everything about it can be seen in a childish light. It’s the kind of movie that ticks the “so bad, it’s good” box.

Even though this movie wasn’t a box-office success and was considered a critical flop at the time, it’s ended up being a must-see in my book.

The movie is based on the Mattel toy line of the same name. It introduces us to the planet Eternia, which is at the center of the universe. The antagonist, Skeletor, and his army have taken over Castle Grayskull and are wreaking havoc on the planet. He-Man and his defenders—veteran soldier Man-At-Arms and his daughter Teela—must find a way to save their world.

When Skeletor took over Grayskull, he also captured the Sorceress. He-Man and his team decide to rescue Gwildor from Skeletor’s forces so he can help them. Gwildor is a locksmith from the planet Thenor who created the Cosmic Key, a device that can open portals to anywhere in the universe. Skeletor stole Gwildor’s key and used it to breach Castle Grayskull and conquer his planet. After being rescued, Gwildor reveals he has another key and uses it to help the team infiltrate Grayskull. During a battle with Skeletor’s men, they’re overpowered and use the key to escape, accidentally winding up on Earth.

During their jump through the portal, they lose the key on Earth. Two teenagers find it, thinking it’s some kind of music device. When they activate it, Skeletor triangulates their location and sends his men to retrieve it.

He-Man and his defenders are searching the area when He-Man hears a cry for help. He arrives just in time to save one of the teenagers, a girl named Julie (Courteney Cox). She reveals the key is now with her boyfriend, Charlie, and that Skeletor’s men are after him.

The rest of the movie revolves around the chase for the key and the heroes’ efforts to return to their planet and save it.

This movie is good fun anytime you watch it.