Masters of the Universe: Prime Video Movie Review

Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin
Director: Travis Knight

The latest attempt to adapt Mattel's 1980s toy line and slightly campy animated TV series about Prince Adam of Eternia arrives on the big screen.

Starring The Sheep Detectives' Galitzine as Prince Adam, who's been trying to retrieve the sword of Power for the last 15 years after being trapped on Earth when Skeletor's forces invaded his homeland of Eternia.

Working as a HR representative in a dull company, Adam spends his days online, searching for the one thing he was asked to look after. When one day he's contacted by someone who's found the sword, he heads to collect it - only to run headlong into his past and future.

A little bloated in places perhaps, director Travis Knight and his team clearly have a lot of reverence for both the source material and the idea of tone in the film. 

Whether it's getting a cameo from Dolph Lundgren, setting up the return of another character in the credits, inserting the 4 Non Blondes song which became a He-Man meme or playing on the fact most of the episodes of the 80s animated show ended with the characters laughing, there's enough here to satiate fans of the source material.

It's not entirely a nostalgia-fest though, with Knight doing much to try and shoehorn in the kind of goofy humour Guardians of the Galaxy made the sci-fi genre more accessible for. It has to be said it's not all entirely perfect, and occasionally the tone seems at odds with the seriousness of what's on screen and some of the CGI effects don't land as they should.

But it holds aces in Galitzine's wonderfully game performance as the himbo and also Leto's maniacal Skeletor (who occasionally sounds like Stewie from Family Guy for some reason). Their performances hold together the proceedings which do sag a little in the middle and which in truth could have benefited from an expeditious edit.

Whether it's enough to warrant a sequel is debatable, but for an unapologetic popcorn blockbuster in the middle of the season, it's broad enough to be better than it ever hoped to be.

Masters of the Universe to stream on Prime Video from July 22

Based on the Mattel range of toys and after a cinema release earlier this year, it's been announced the Masters of the Universe movie will stream on Prime Video from July 22.

Starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Featuring Kristen Wiig as the voice of “Roboto” with Jared Leto and Idris Elba 

From Director Travis Knight

In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teel a (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.

Behind the epic battles of Eternia, the Masters of the Universe production team was pioneering something off-camera too — piloting clean energy solutions on set in the English countryside. Mercedes electric vehicles were used to transport the majority of the cast and producers across filming locations, with EV charging stations set up on-site. And to power basecamp and those charging stations, the team turned to hydrogen power units (HPUs) from GeoPura — a clean energy system whose only exhaust is water and operates with very little noise. 

It's part of Amazon's broader commitment to sustainability across its operations — including entertainment. 

Help Kids Unleash Their Inner Power

Masters of the Universe has spread a message of finding power from within for more than 40 years. In partnership with Save the Children, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel’s ongoing philanthropic campaign transforms the idea that “You Have the Power!” into a global movement, mobilizing fans to help children around the world have a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. Fans can support children worldwide by giving via Pledge or by texting HERO to 707070, with all donations benefitting Save the Children directly.

Avengers: Doomsday first look

After months of frenzied online speculation, the first look at Avengers: Doomsday has been revealed with a new poster and trailer.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito and Jonathan Schwartz; and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Quinn, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, Mabel Cadena, with Tenoch Huerta Mejia.

 

In “Avengers: Doomsday,” beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

 

“Avengers: Doomsday” releases exclusively in cinemas December 17, 2026.

What's on Neon in August

Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in August 2026.

The Rapture Season 1 (August 10, 8.35pm)

Forensic psychologist Gabrielle Fox, paralysed from a car crash, takes a job at a juvenile facility. She meets infamous inmate Bethany Krall, convicted of murdering her mother, who claims to have psychic abilities. 

Together, they must discover the truth before Bethany's final terrifying vision comes true. Based on the best-selling novel by Liz Jensen.

Stars: Ruth Madeley (Years & Years), India Amarteifo (Queen Charlotte) and BAFTA winner Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey)

Free Nelson Mandela (August 29)

The story of Nelson Mandela’s journey from activist to revolutionary prisoner, and the global movement and musical activism that helped bring his freedom.

01 Fizzy and Suds S2

01 Hey Arnold! S3

01 Letterkenny S6-12

01 South Park S9-11

01 The Wonder Gang S2

04 Arrested Development S4-5

06 Doubleparked S1-2

07 Homebound 3.0

07 Louis Theroux: The Settlers

10 The Rapture S1

13 Good Girls S1-4

14 The Bay S1-5

15 Cutting the Curve

19 Endeavour S1-9

20 Ugly Betty S1-4

21 Bear Grylls Is Running Wild S9

24 Chapelwaite S1

25 Murdoch Mysteries S1-15

25 Murdoch Mysteries Christmas Special

27 The Red Stag Timber Hunters Club S11

29 Free Nelson Mandela S1

31 A Spy Among Friends S1

MOVIES

Anaconda (August 18)

Two best friends gripped by a midlife crisis decide to head deep into the Amazon to remake their all-time favourite movie - Anaconda. Things get real when an actual giant snake appears. 

Stars: Paul Rudd, Jack Black

Holy Days (August 2)

In 1970s Aotearoa, a grieving young boy joins three nuns on a mission to save their convent. In a car powered by God (and stolen money), this is one unlikely road trip.

Stars: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver Elijah Tamati, Craig Hall, John Bach

The Secret Agent (August 29) 

In 1970s Brazil, a man on the run arrives in the city of Recife during Carnival. Hoping to find refuge and reunite with his young son, he soon realises his hometown is no safe haven.

Stars: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido

The Accountant 2 (August 8)

Forensic accountant Christian Wolff excels at solving intricate problems. A cryptic clue from a murdered friend forces him to team up with his estranged but highly lethal brother to track down mysterious assassins and uncover a deadly conspiracy.

Stars: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons

Heads of State (August 12)

The U.K. Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and the U.S. President (John Cena) have a not-so-friendly and very public rivalry. But when they become the targets of a foreign adversary, they’re forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.

Also stars: Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid

The Smashing Machine (August 6)

The unforgettable true story of mixed martial arts UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend – and nearly cost him everything.

Golden Globe nominees for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

Splitsville (August 2)

When Ashley asks for a divorce, Carey runs to Julie and Paul for support. He's shocked to learn the secret to their happiness is an open marriage.

Stars: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin

 

I, Object: Movie Review

Cast: Bentley Storteboom, Skywalker Hughes, Karl Urban, Anna Faris, Ethan Hawke, Jemaine Clement

Director: Andrew Niccol

For a director who's dealt in Eugenics and digitally created actresses, Andrew Niccol's self-written I,Object marks a distinctly retro movie, reminiscent of the kind of gentle family fare that used to play on Sunday afternoons on the BBC back in the 1980s.

This whimsical tale is the story of Tom (Storteboom, subtle and sweet), a 10-year-old kid who's still grieving the loss of his father and who appears to horde everyday objects, much to the annoyance of his stepfather Frank (a gloweringly monstrous Urban, barely seen in full view during the film).

Unable to connect with other kids and bullied because he talks to himself, Tom has a condition - Pareidolia, wherein he sees faces in normal objects. From a talking grater to a speaking bag via his father's beloved clock Benny (voiced by Hawke, who's the film's narrator), Tom has created his own world to help him cope.

But when he meets Allie (Hughes) who shares his condition, the two form a bond - however, the adults in their lives soon determine both need help from other sources.

A cautionary tale about growing up, it would be easy to posit that I, Object shares similar DNA with Toy Story (even down to one terrifying furnace sequence). But unlike Toy Story, there's a whimsy coursing through Niccol's film that plays toward the innocence of a child and the fear of growing up.

While Niccol has stuffed his story with some terribly crowbarred puns, the script's commitment to the fantastical edges and the grounded heart helps it greatly, bringing a story of grief to life in ways that you'd least expect.

While Clement adds a kind of deadpan humour to his soda can who yearns for reincarnation as part of an aeroplane, Hawke brings a wistfulness to Benny, a clock whose years have brought him wisdom that he hopes to pass on to Tom as he guides him.

It all sounds fantastical - and in many ways, it is - but I, Object's heart lies in its innocence and the ability to see everything in the world as something wonderful. Thanks to its canny effects and its gentle touch, don't be surprised if you end up looking at plugs or many other household objects in different ways after you've seen it.

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced sells 3 million in one week

Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft company, announced more than 3 million copies sold in a week for Assassin’s Creed™ Black Flag Resynced, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, released on July 9. 

The game started strong with 2 million copies sold on day 1 and this new milestone confirms the momentum. Following positive reception from critics at launch, player feedback has been increasingly positive with Steam user reviews improving to Very Positive, showing strengthened player sentiment thanks to responsive post-launch support. 

This includes quality-of-life updates and bug fixes, as well as the recent announcement of the highly requested New Game+ mode, further enhancing replayability for the most dedicated players. 

A testament to Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, originally released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, led by Ubisoft Singapore*, is a faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine. 

READ THE REVIEW OF ASSASSIN'S CREED BLACK FLAF RESYNCED HERE

The game features stunning updated visuals and enriched gameplay, including parry‑driven combat, improved stealth and parkour, deeper naval mechanics, and new narrative content.  

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate captain drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. As Edward pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack, while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance. 

The game is available on Ubisoft+**, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam (Steam Deck verified) and the Epic Games Store.