Story

The story begins in the past, with the young Adam (Artie Wilkinson-Hunt) disappointing his father, King Randor (James Purefoy), who sees him as a weakling. Adam is taught swordfighting by the guardian Duncan (Idris Elba), but he and Duncan use only sticks. Unfairly, Randor makes Adam fight with real swords and easily beats his son. When the evil Lord Skeletor (Jared Leto) invades their planet, Eternia, the Sorceress who guards Castle Grayskull (Morena Baccarin) opens up a vortex and sends Adam through it with the Sword of Power. Adam loses the Sword but lands on Earth, where he lives for 15 years.

As an adult, Adam (Nicholas Galatzine) has memories of his past and knows he must find the Sword of Power. He does eventually find it, and this draws him back to Eternia where he discovers that Skeletor and his troops have destroyed his former home. In Eternia, Adam’s father and mother are still alive, Duncan has become a drunk, and his friend Teela (Camilla Mendes), Duncan’s adopted daughter, is now the Captain of the Resistance.

Using the power of the Sword, Adam takes on the persona of He-Man, ‘the most powerful man in the universe’. Can he defeat Skeletor and return his father to the throne?

Themes

Science fiction; fantasy; superheroes; supernatural powers; death; separation from parents.

Violence

Masters of the Universe has a lot of violence, including many battle scenes that feature characters fighting with swords, axes, maces, scimitars, guns, laser guns and other weapons. Many characters are killed and thrown from heights. There are also many explosions and buildings on fire. Here are some examples:

• Children are taught to fight with sticks. Adam’s trainer hits him, and his father knocks him down with a real sword.
• Skeletor’s army invades Eternia. The army fires laser weapons from spaces. When the laser fire hits the grounds, it destroys everything in its path.
• A man is shot and falls through a burning window.
• A huge, hairy creature known as Beast Man comes to Earth, landing heavily on cars. He roars and chases Adam. People run away in panic. Beast Man grabs Adam and throws him to the ground. Teela sends Beast Man flying with her sword. Beast Man throws cars in rage, and then gets hit by a van.
• Skeletor grabs a woman by the arm and twists it sharply, leaving burn marks on her arm. Another time, Skeletor grabs the woman by her throat.
• A main character is killed.
• Adam and Skeletor fight in the final battle scene. Adam is wounded and Skeletor grabs him by the throat, lifting him up in the air.

Sexual references

Masters of the Universe has some sexual references. For example, Adam and Teela are attracted to each other and flirt.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Masters of the Universe shows some use of substances. For example, Duncan becomes a drunk.

Nudity and sexual activity

Masters of the Universe has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:

• As Adam transforms to He-Man, his chest is revealed.
• As He-Man, Adam wears only a small battle chestplate, a short gladiator skirt and boots. This outfit exposes his muscular body.

Product placement

The following products are displayed or used in Masters of the Universe: Coca Cola and Mattel.

Coarse language

Masters of the Universe has some coarse language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Masters of the Universe is an action-packed fantasy adventure based on the Masters of the Universe franchise by Mattel. The movie is often tongue-in-cheek and funny, but it’s also very violent throughout. This means it’s most suitable for teenage and adult viewers.

These are the main messages from Masters of the Universe:

• Stand up for what you believe in.
• Family bonds endure and are worth fighting for.

Values in Masters of the Universe that you could reinforce with your children include teamwork, bravery, courage, heroism, loyalty and friendship.

Masters of the Universe could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues like the difference between fact and fantasy. For example, superpowers and superheroes are entertaining, but you could emphasise that they’re only fantasy. Children often look up to their heroes and try to emulate them, but it’s better to admire a character’s positive attributes and moral strength, rather than their physical power and strength.