Hollywood's embrace of 80s nostalgia continues with the release of the long-awaited, semi-live-action remake of 'Masters of the Universe'. Based on a beloved fantasy cartoon and comic book series, the film is a reimagining of the original toy line featuring He-Man. Despite its well-known status among older millennials and younger Gen Xers, the movie has never successfully translated to the live-action realm. The original 1987 film, produced by Cannon Films, was a box office flop, making less than the animated 'The Care Bears Movie' of 1985. The new movie, however, is expected to outgross its predecessor, despite being decades removed from He-Man's commercial peak. This raises the question: What caused the original 'Masters of the Universe' to fail during its release in the 80s? The film was a branch-out for Cannon, known for action and semi-exploitation movies, and it attempted to capitalize on the success of 'Star Wars' and other fantasy films. However, the movie's budget was limited, and it was released during a time when action/cop movies dominated the box office. The new film, set in contemporary times, winks at its 80s origins with a soundtrack filled with period hits and a vibrant, garish color scheme. While it is more coherent and visually appealing than its predecessor, it also carries a sense of knowing fandom. The original 'Masters of the Universe' was a crass commercial venture, made to boost toy sales and video rentals, and it lacks the sophistication demanded by modern audiences. The new movie, despite its attempts to be taken seriously, may be a sign that audiences are demanding less at a greater expense. The author, Jesse Hassenger, reflects on the film's charm and the inherent nostalgia it evokes, questioning whether audiences have truly evolved or are simply settling for less.
