masters of the universe
When DC ComiCs reCently revealeD plans for a six-issue series called He-Man And The Masters
Of The Multiverse i immediately jumped to the conclusion that a multiverse storyline, featuring different versions of he-man, must surely include reference to one of my favourite sci-fi movies of all time. oh yes, i’m going there – because my love for 1987’s live-action Masters Of The
Universe movie is pure. Despite the fact that i’d already moved on to she-ra by this point – i recall being annoyed she wasn’t present in this big-screen outing – the film had a lasting impact. to this day i consider Masters Of The Universe to be the best part of the entire he-man/she-ra franchise, not to mention one of my favourite movies of all time.
the scale of the film seemed gargantuan to me as a child. But even now, as skeletor makes his incredible entrance to Castle Grayskull’s throne room, it still fills me with awe when i watch it.
once more i was championing the baddies – Frank langella’s skeletor is a work of art, from his costume and mask to his performance. he relishes every great line, with nods to his over-the-top tv counterpart: “oh i ache to smash you out of existence, to drive your cursed face from my memory forever!” the way he delivers his line about “the loneliness of evil” is incredible. he’s one of my all-time greatest cinema villains. meanwhile, evil lynn’s casual disinterest – but for a smirk when skeletor causes the sorceress or he-man pain – only added to my love of strong women in sci-fi.
aside from a sticker album, a loose comic adaptation and three supporting character action figures, the film failed to spawn any significant merchandise – although Bill Conti’s soundtrack still fills me with absolute joy. i couldn’t pay fast enough when super 7 recently announced new figures of the movie skeletor (apparently caught up in rights issues for over 30 years).
i truly feel this film was years ahead of its time. it also starred Courteney Cox before the role that would make her a global name – yes, Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise.
Darren would pay good money for a life-size Cosmic Key.