Nicholas Galitzine

Masters of the Universe (2026): Travis Knight Strikes Magic with His Latest Movie Based on Toys

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Masters of the Universe” is directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) and stars Nicholas Galitzine (The Sheep Detectives, Purple Hearts), Camila Mendes (Do Revenge, Riverdale), Alison Brie (The Disaster Artist, Together), James Purefoy (The Following, Pennyworth), Morena Baccarin (Greenland, Deadpool), Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Vikings: Valhalla, The Innocents), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Sausage Party), Jared Leto (Blade Runner 2049, Suicide Squad), and Idris Elba (Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Pacific Rim). This film is based on the Mattel franchise of the same name and follows Adam who is sent from his home planet of Eternia to Earth at a young age. When he grows up, he is tasked with returning a magical sword back to his home planet, which he must save from the evil Skeletor.

I am a “Masters of the Universe” novice. Partially because I would have no clue where to start. Well, sort of, as I started my relationship with the franchise weeks ago when I checked out Amazon MGM Studios’ “Masters of the Universe” in theaters. Yes, I knew certain characters from the franchise, and sometimes I would talk in Skeletor’s cartoony voice because I thought it sounded cool. But I was born in 1999. I was not watching He-Man when I was a child, I was watching “SpongeBob.”

Despite my lack of knowledge of “Masters of the Universe,” I was mildly impressed with some of the film’s marketing. Note that I said mildly. It looked a little more serious than I imagined the property to be, but I was open to seeing what the crew cooked up behind the scenes. I am glad to say I thought the crew delivered something delicious.

This film feels like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to the big screen. Or, perhaps a more meta version of a Saturday morning cartoon. There are one or two nods to how absurd some of the concepts of the property happen to be. The film is basically this year’s “Thor: Ragnarok.” I do not know if this is going to have the lasting appeal that “Thor: Ragnarok” would for some people, but nevertheless.

Interesting enough, “Masters of the Universe” tends to take a lot of notes from the Marvel playbook. It presents the origin story of Adam, who we later come to know as He-Man. In fact, much like Thor, a particular incident brings him down to earth. Though whereas Thor was brought down as a consequence for his foolishness, Adam was brought down so he could be safe. If anything, his arrival, and therefore extended time, on earth is similar to that of the title character of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies.

Nicholas Galitzine continues his hot streak of enjoyable films this year between this and another Amazon MGM project, “The Sheep Detectives.” Galitzine plays Adam, who despite being on earth for several years, has not fully embraced the planet. His connection to his planet’s lore is not exactly helping him in his work life, dating life, social life. It makes him look like a bit of a dork. He spends time looking for a sword, which also does not help. Galitzine serves as a convincing lead and brings a dose of fun to the final product.

Given how little “Masters of the Universe” has grossed so far against its $170-200 million budget, this movie continues the Jared Leto curse. I said this before, I will say it again. Jared Leto is a great actor, and I will stand by that notion until the day I die. Sure, he did not play my favorite Joker, but he commits 110% with just about every role he is given, even as the lead in “Morbius,” a movie so bad that Spider-Man could not swing in time to save it. If you had no idea that Jared Leto was in this film, then there is a chance that you could end up watching it from start to finish failing to realize Leto is in front of you by the end of it. Leto plays Skeletor, and as a result, we never end up seeing his face. Leto is given some of the film’s finest material. There is a moment early on where he is delivering a vicious monologue, and once he raises his fist, he just stands there in awkward silence trying to emphasize that he is done, which prompts Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie) to softly affirm her understanding. I laughed quite a bit.

Speaking of Evil-Lyn, I thought Alison Brie was well cast as the character. This film is essentially a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life, and if you have ever seen Brie in real life, you might notice how large her pupils are. I mean that as a compliment. She is adorable. That said, the large pupils really work in Brie’s favor for this role, as she is not given a ton of lines to work with, but her character does spend a lot of time churning up wacky facial expressions. I thought Brie could have been given a tad more to do, but from a non-verbal perspective, I thought she did a great job with the character.

Daniel Pemberton composed the score for the film, which delights me to no end as he is quickly becoming one of my favorite composers between the “Spider-Verse” films and more recently, “Project Hail Mary.” Nearly every track feels larger than life. The real highlight of the music though is Brian May. Yes, the one from Queen, who dropped in some satisfying guitar solos.

This film is directed by Travis Knight, and overall, I thought he did a decent job at presenting a fun story with a balanced pace, despite a longer runtime. The film is 2 hours and 20 minutes long, but never once does it feel long. It is never boring.

This film is not doing so hot financially. About a month into its release, it has yet to make its budget back. Not a lot of people are checking it out in the theatre. But when it comes to those who did check it out, a majority of the reactions seem to be positive. Granted, overall, they seem to lean into mixed territory, but more people seem to like this movie compared to those who do not. This should not be surprising as Travis Knight seems to have a knack for bringing toy staples to the big screen. In 2018, Knight directed the “Transformers” spinoff “Bumblebee.” I personally think “Masters of the Universe” is a bit of a step down from “Bumblebee.” I think there is a little more humanity and wonder in “Bumblebee.” “Masters of the Universe” most certainly has those two elements, but not quite to the same degree. Even so, Knight does a great job at bringing Eternia to life and bringing things down to Earth precisely when he means to.

Also, if you check this movie out, be sure to stay for the credits. There’s bonus material as soon as the credits roll, in the middle, and at the end. You’re welcome.

In the end, “Masters of the Universe” is not the best movie I have seen this year. But if you are looking for something that could put a smile on your face that delivers on humor and action, this movie gets the job done. One note of caution for families… Even though is based on toys, part of me questions exactly how family-friendly this movie is. Granted, it is PG-13. So, not every child is likely going to be able to watch it right away. That rating is not unusual as the Michael Bay “Transformers” movies were also based on toys for example. Those were all PG-13. I watched those movies as a kid and turned out fine. But there is a running gag about “fisting” that makes me wonder if someone of a younger age could end up watching this movie and say something in public that maybe they should not be saying. Just something to keep in mind. Granted, I laughed myself silly whenever that gag played out. Does this movie make me want to explore more of the “Masters of the Universe” lore? I am not entirely sure. Perhaps if a sequel comes out, I will be there. I had fun with this movie. But if I am bored one day, I definitely have a greater chance of diving down a rabbit hole than I did before. The movie has a solid cast with some big names, a talented director, and despite feeling a bit paint by numbers at times, I found myself quite entertained. I am going to give “Masters of the Universe” a 7/10.

“Masters of the Universe” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! As a reminder, be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests, featuring comedian and television host Chris Hardwick! He requested I should watch “Real Genius,” starring Val Kilmer. To hear my thoughts on the movie, click the video above and check it out! Also, if you want to see new episodes in the fastest way possible, do yourself and I a favor by subscribing to my YouTube channel!

My next review is going to be for “Another World.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Breadwinner,” “Disclosure Day,” “Toy Story 5,” “Supergirl,” and “Jackass: Best and Last.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Masters of the Universe?” What did you think about it? Or, since we are on the topics of Travis Knight and movies based on toys, has anyone here seen “Bumblebee?” What are your thoughts on it? And if you have not seen it, please leave this post and go watch it. You will thank me once it is over. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Sheep Detectives (2026): A Flocking Brilliant Family Film

Posted on by Jack Drees

“The Sheep Detectives” is directed by Kyle Balda (Minions, Despicable Me 3) and stars Hugh Jackman (X-Men, Real Steel), Nicholas Braun (Zola, Succession), Nicholas Galitzine (Red White & Royal Blue, Cinderella), Molly Gordon (Oh, Hi!, Shiva Baby), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Onward), Bryan Cranston (Godzilla, Breaking Bad), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd), Regina Hall (Little, Think Like a Man), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, American Dad!), Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones, The Last of Us), Brett Goldstein (The Garfield Movie, Ted Lasso), Hong Chau (Downsizing, The Menu), and Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks, Sense and Sensibility). Based on Leonie Swann’s 2005 novel “Three Bags Full,” this film is about a flock of sheep who try to solve the murder of shepherd (Jackman).

© The sheep detectives

“The Sheep Detectives” had me at Hugh Jackman. Then they showed what his character does, and I refused to miss this movie. That said, for those unfamiliar with the material, do not be fooled, Hugh Jackman’s involvement in “The Sheep Detectives” is minimal, and I knew that, but his presence left me with a solid first impression through what I thought would be a fun family film.

One pleasant surprise about this movie is that it was written by Craig Mazin, whose resume has been… Fascinating to say the least. While I am a little bitter that he is partially responsible for bringing both “Hangover” sequels to life, I will give him credit where it is due, as he is recognized for his success in recent years with HBO. Not only did he write the acclaimed mini-series “Chernobyl,” but he is also involved with “The Last of Us,” which has received rave reviews since its launch in 2023. Mazin knows his stuff.

“The Sheep Detectives” looked moderately funny and charming from the trailers. But color me amazed, because I adore this movie.

Amazon is on a roll right now movie-wise. After releasing “Project Hail Mary” last March, which stands as the best film I have watched in years, “The Sheep Detectives” comes in hot with an experience that is not quite as memorable as “Project Hail Mary,” but much like that movie, I was left with the urge to give this movie a second viewing sometime in the future. Upon watching it, I have talked with family members who heard about the film. One in particular thought it looked stupid. I frankly think they are underestimating what this film is capable of.

After seeing the asinine chore that is “Animal Farm,” it is so fulfilling to see a movie that has fantastic humor. Repeated gags that work and pay off. Memorable and sometimes unpredictable lines. A complete twist on “the chicken crossing the road.” This movie excels when it comes to comedy, and it is perfect for all ages.

“The Sheep Detectives” sort of plays like a more exaggerated Pixar movie. Saying that sounds ironic. After all, “The Sheep Detectives” is live-action, whereas Pixar specializes in animation. But some of the characters, and by that I mean human characters, come off like they belong in a cartoon. When you are making something in live-action, you can only heighten reality to a certain extent, but for whatever reason, this movie sticks the landing in that regard.

© The sheep detectives

This is most evident when showcasing one of the film’s more notable supporting characters, Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun), a local policeman who might as well be this universe’s Jar Jar Binks. Although unlike Jar Jar Binks, I thought this character was well written and executed. Derry is not exactly the brightest of bulbs. But it does not mean he isn’t determined to get the job done. To say he is not good at his job is a bit of an exaggeration. In fact, going back to Pixar, his character almost reminds me of Linguini in “Ratatoullie,” who has no business working in his particular field, but allows unusual outside forces to help them improve at their job.

But it is not just the humans who fascinate throughout the movie. The sheep do their part to bring some solid characterization to the table. One of my favorites in the film is Sebastian (Bryan Cranston). The film takes time to unveil Sebastian’s backstory, where he spent time at a petting zoo. The backstory not only deepens the character, but delivers an emotional reaction. Cranston is not the only big name that makes up the film’s talented voice cast. Other actors include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Patrick Stewart, Regina Hall, and Brett Goldstein. That last actor, by the way, voices two sheep, and they are responsible for one of the movie’s most memorable jokes.

This film also taps into how sheep interpret the afterlife, and the film gets creative with that idea. Sort of similar to how some people see themselves going to a better place when they die, the sheep believe that when one of their kind dies, they become a cloud. This is well explained during a giant rainstorm, when one of them says that the sheep are dancing when thunder sounds off.

The film does require a bit of suspension of disbelief. This should not be a surprise when the main characters include talking sheep, but the movie makes me believe in its rules and characters, even if they sometimes come off as unusual. The movie’s characters essentially go against mankind’s typical expectations of sheep. In fact, the characters even address how the “term” sheep is often used as a negative when used to describe certain people.

There are certain parts of this movie that I saw coming. However, I did not necessarily find myself peeved by this film’s occasional predictability. Just about every moment in this movie feels earned. By the time we get to the very end of this film, I felt satisfied with what it had to offer.

What is somewhat out of the ordinary regarding this film is its tone that could have easily clashed, but ends up working. This is a murder mystery, but beyond that, it is a movie about the beauty of life. It is about friendship, community, and appreciating what’s in front of you. The movie perfectly shifts its vibe when it needs to. At one point, it is mysterious and somewhat dark. At another, it is lighthearted and fun. Sometimes it successfully finds a middle ground.

I feel like I was one of the few people in the world who was genuinely looking forward to “The Sheep Detectives.” It is a premise that sounds silly, but I do not particularly mind silly as long as it works, and in this movie’s case, it ended up doing more than just working. I will be thinking about my experience watching this film for a long time. This film came out the same weekend as “Mortal Kombat II,” which I said I would watch again in my review. I would do the same for “The Sheep Detectives.” While I am eager to watch “Mortal Kombat II” by myself so I can laugh myself to death without sounding like a lunatic, “The Sheep Detectives” is a movie that I am just as hopeful to watch with somebody else just to see the look on their face once they realize what they are in for. Please watch this movie. Get some friends or loved ones to watch it with you. If you have kids, check this film out with them. It is a solid gateway murder mystery.

In the end, “The Sheep Detectives” is a stupendously satisfying and incredibly engaging film. Between this film and “Project Hail Mary,” I did not think Amazon would be cranking out the year’s two best pieces of cinema thus far, but here we are. While the film revolves around a murder, it is nevertheless delightfully wholesome. If Pixar started doing live action material, I would have been convinced this film had come from them. It feels like something in their DNA. This is a fantastic film for all ages. Give it a shot. It may surprise you. I am going to give “The Sheep Detectives” an 8/10.

“The Sheep Detectives” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! If you have not done so already, be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests, the original web series dedicated to yours truly talking about movies recommended by some of your favorite stars. This newest episode features Brian O’Halloran, otherwise known as Dante from “Clerks.” I had a good time checking out his recommendation, “Patton.” Click the video above to see what I thought of it. Leave it a like if you enjoyed it!. And if you want to see more episodes as soon as they drop, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

My next review is going to be for “In the Grey!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “I Love Boosters,” “Backrooms,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Another World,” and “The Breadwinner.” Yep. That is a list of 7 movies. I clearly have time management skills. If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Sheep Detectives?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a film that you think is better than it deserves to be? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Bottoms (2023): A Rambunctious, Raunchy Comedy That is Too Cool for School

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Bottoms” is written and directed by Emma Seligman (Shiva Baby, Void) and stars her co-writer, Rachel Sennott (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Call Your Mother). Joining her in this cast are actors including Ayo Edebiri (Big Mouth, Up Next), Ruby Cruz (Mare of Easttown, Willow), Havana Rose Liu (No Exit, Mayday), Kaia Gerber (American Horror Stories, Babylon), Nicholas Galitzine (Cinderella, Chambers), Miles Fowler (Women of the Movement, The Resident), Dagmara Domińczyk (Succession, We Own This City), and Marshawn Lynch (80 for Brady, Westworld). This film is about two queer girls who start a fight club in their high school that they say is meant to empower women. Only thing, the duo started the club to potentially get lucky with cheerleaders.

The concept of this movie won me over as soon as I heard it. From the very beginning, “Bottoms” sounded like a bombastic, ridiculous good time. Little did I know what I was in for, because I went in expecting this film to be a fine mix of violent and naughty scenes, but this movie overdelivered on its premise because it does not feel like something that fits in our world. It feels like someplace much goofier, perhaps a little more fun than our world. If anything, “Bottoms” plays like a live-action episode of “Family Guy.” That is if “Family Guy” centered around two teenage girls. It is horny, fast, and over the top. Not once was I bored, and I was overwhelmed with the sense of immersion this movie gave me from scene one. I often think about some of my favorite movies like “Blade Runner” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” and when it comes to those films in particular, they emit a certain atmosphere from start to finish. I am not saying “Bottoms” is on the same level those two films, but the atmosphere of this film does a really good job at taking me from my world to the one inside the screen. “Bottoms” is not my favorite movie of the year. In fact, when it comes to this year in comedy, I still give a slight edge to “Joy Ride,” which deserved to do much better at the box office.

Having seen “Bottoms” in live-action, the movie works perfectly the way it is. But I think an argument can be made to justify setting this universe in an animated form. There are a lot of moments that feel cartoony, but yet they never take me out of the movie. Because the vibe is clearly established from the beginning. It goes for such a quick, almost blink you’ll miss it pace from scene one, and it never stops. The best live-action comparison that comes to mind is “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” Because the film’s dynamic stylization feels like a graphic novel come to life. Once the film kicks into gear, it is full of incredibly kinetic energy. “Bottoms” does not have the colorful stylization “Scott Pilgrim” has, but when it comes to dialogue, displayed mannerisms, and personality, this film reaches for the end zone. Plus there are moments of the movie that do not feel they would happen in our lives, but work super well for that world. One of the storylines of “Bottoms” involves the two leads getting into hot water over ruining an egotistical high school football player’s chances of being able to play. How so? By tapping his kneecaps with a car while his girlfriend sits in the backseat. The reaction on said football player’s part is equal to if I were ever so slightly gored by a bull. It completely jumps the shark, but I cannot help but embrace it. And while there are hints of realism in this scenario, the school takes this issue to a level that feels more important than, I do not know, making sure students barely pay attention in advanced algebra.

Say what you want about “high school drama.” This film does a good job at taking situations that may seem silly and miniscule, and making them come off as if they have significantly higher stakes. And as everything is going down, I am rooting for the two leads. Both of them are likable and are well played by their respective performers. Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri are a perfect combo. Speaking of perfect combos, Havana Rose Liu and Kaia Gerber do a fantastic job as the cheerleaders who just so happen to be heavily desired by the two leads. I am as straight as they come, that said I can see why these two leads were attracted to these particular cheerleaders.

But when it comes to the high school in “Bottoms,” this place is in contention to be the single greatest on-screen school in cinematic history. Not because of their ability to educate. Actually kind of the opposite. It goes to show how little the movie takes itself seriously. Because not only are the students and staff, primarily those who we see on screen most of the time, charming as heck. But one of the reasons why “Bottoms” works so well as a comedy is because when it comes to establishing its high school, it is often riddled with things would often get a traditional high school either investigated or shut down. One of the best gags of the movie are the moments when the loudspeaker is being used, and it brings out moments where the principal asks the two leads to come see him, all the while referring to them as “gay and untalented.”

I mentioned this movie is horny. And I am not just talking about the teens. Of course they are horny. They are teenagers. What do you expect? But this movie has a teacher, MARVELOUSLY portrayed by Marshawn Lynch, a freaking football player, having a casual conversation with the leads all the while exposing a dirty magazine. The school football team all look like Ken dolls come to life. Speaking of horny, the school football team happens to be marketing themselves throughout the movie, encouraging supporters to “get horny” for them.

When I watch certain movies, I will sometimes say that there are things that do not add up or make sense within everything the film is trying to showcase on screen. In the case of “Bottoms,” the high level of absurdity of the film is played in its favor. The vibe of the film is clearly established from the beginning. It is almost like a drug. The film knows what it is. It refuses to take itself seriously, and it is all the better for it.

But just because “Bottoms” manages to be constantly naughty, does not mean it stays away from feeling sweet. I am not going to go into much detail as to what the sweet moments are, but there are one or two moments in the movie that allow me to breathe in a story that is presented at such a breakneck pace, and they provided a fine mix of innocence and grace. They were very well executed.

Comedy, like many other aspects of art, happens to be a completely subjective matter. When it comes to the comedy of “Bottoms,” I was laughing consistently. Between this film, “No Hard Feelings,” and “Joy Ride,” I am really glad we are starting to witness a comeback of great raunchy comedy in cinema. If we can get more films like these that are just as good, I will continue to check them out.

In the end, “Bottoms” is one of my top movies of the summer. Again, when it comes to pure laughter and humor, I think “Joy Ride” is slightly better. But “Bottoms” is a close second regarding comedy this year. I do not think we had a year in cinema this decent for comedy since 2018. Ever since COVID-19 started, I feel like pure, straight-up comedies have been missing from the movie market, which is kind of sad because after the start of a pandemic where everything is depressing and seemingly world-ending, you would want a good laugh every once in a while. These movies have all done that with excellence, with “Bottoms” being the latest example. The writing is on point, the casting is perfect, including Marshawn Lynch to my delightful surprise, and it is a rare film where I accept its unserious, goofy tendencies. Not once do they feel distracting. This is a movie that I would not mind watching again if given the chance, and I imagine it aging better with each viewing. I am going to give “Bottoms” an 8/10.

“Bottoms” is now playing in theaters. It is also available to buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “A Haunting in Venice,” “The Creator,” and “Dumb Money.” Stay tuned! If you want to see this and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Bottoms?” As silly of a question as that sounds, I am being serious. Did you watch the movie “Bottoms?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a movie you admire that refuses to take itself seriously? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!