{"id":1098,"date":"2026-06-03T12:45:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T12:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=1098"},"modified":"2026-06-03T12:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T12:45:35","slug":"review-masters-of-the-universe-needs-to-take-itself-less-seriously","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=1098","title":{"rendered":"Review: ‘Masters of the Universe’ needs to take itself less seriously"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Inspired by a Mattel toy line as well as a 1980s Saturday morning cartoon series many of us look back on with so much nostalgic fondness, Travis Knight\u2019s new film \u201cMasters of the Universe\u201d is colorful and enjoyable family entertainment that could have been better if it leaned even more into its campy nature. There\u2019s a sense throughout this big summer blockbuster it really wants to go all out with the cheese, but too often retreats when it shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s a big weekend for entertainment, as \u201cMasters\u201d arrives the same time as the new \u201cCape Fear\u201d remake and another new season in the \u201cVampire Lestat\u201d series.<\/p>\n

The hit-or-miss screenplay \u2014 credited to four writers no less \u2014 holds back too often from tapping that ready and willing flamboyant vein, which might partially explain why it is a bit deficient in the kinds of punchy lines it needs to deliver. As is, you smile warmly in appreciation at the antics of its motley crew of likable heroes, or past heroes, but rarely laugh like you should at the dialogue given to its talented cast.<\/p>\n

Yes, a few zingers hit their target, and some sly innuendoes tap into He-Man\u2019s gay following. While these references will likely fly right over the heads of the younger set, there\u2019s no denying that they perk up the film for the rest of us.<\/p>\n