Michael Fortunato

I've always enjoyed He-Man and the Masters of the Universe since I was a kid. I had the toys, including Castle Greyskull. I went to see the live-action touring show (which was amazing-I still have the souvenir book). I'm also a huge fan of Kevin Smith and have been since Clerks. So, I decided to sit down and watch his version of Masters of the Universe. And you know what? IT'S REALLY FREAKIN' GREAT! The story is compelling and the stakes feel real. I never felt like Skeletor could possibly win in the original series, he was always easily thwarted. This version feels like it was made for fans who grew up and are looking for a bit deeper character development and story in a beloved childhood series. And this delivers that, overall. I don't understand the ire people have over this story? So part one doesn't have a lot of He-Man. The show is called Masters of the Universe, not He-Man. I am really enjoying the other characters getting the spotlight. Yes, I felt Teela's response at the beginning was a bit harsh, but her character needs to grow, to have an arc, and that was a good place for Smith and his fellow creators to start her off. My only gripe about Teela is her voice casting. While I adore Sarah Michelle Gellar, the sound of her voice doesn't fit the character. But you do get used to it the more episodes you watch. The rest of the cast is good overall, but there is flat delivery here and there from all the characters (except Mark Hamill, who hams it up as only he can - great casting choice!) The visuals are gorgeous overall and most of the animation is really well done. There were a few areas I wished the animators had used more in-between frames, especially during a few fight scenes that felt a but too jerky, but this is me nitpicking. Overall this is excellent and I highly recommend it. I also trust we will see more He-Man in part 2, since, c'mon, he's gotta kick some Skeletor behind at some point!