My love for He-Man began when I was 5 years old. An āoddā choice as a favorite cartoon for a little girl, but I recognized him as a protector and thatās exactly what I needed. So, I never missed a show, excitedly stood in a line of boys to have my picture taken with him (well, his representative in a plastic mask), and dutifully thanked my relatives when they bought me She-Ra merchandise, even though I really wanted his poster on my wall. When the movie came out in the 80s, I took one look at Dolph Lundgren and said, āIāll allow itā and even fangirled him for more than awhile. It was a sweet love for a franchise that made me feel safe and warm, regardless that it was fantasy.
As I got older, cartoons fell away and dreams changed and I giggled when family mentioned him and laughed at all the jokes about it and even saved some inspirational Skeletor memes. I called my first car my Battlecat!
Then, the 2026 trailer came out. I took one look and immediately judged it. Except for Idris Elba, I scoffed at everything; certain that whatever it ended up being would be a disappointment. Still, I felt an obligation to watch it, so I dutifully paid for my ticket, looked for merchandise, and plopped myself down in that theater seat, ready to hate-watch.
Wow, was I wrong.
I loved it. Loved it a surprising amount. It doesnāt take itself seriously but thatās a good thing. Itās funny and timely and has poignant messaging when it counts. The inside jokes had me chuckling. The Dolph Lundgren cameo had me all warm and fuzzy and the hands on hips laugh had me rolling. Each call-out to that 80s child living inside of me made me misty-eyed with tears of joy.
I donāt mean to hype it up so much that it ruins it for you. Honestly, it was probably even better because I had such low expectations. Also know that 95% of my reaction is from that excitable child who tried to temper herself into a serious adult but still laughs too loud and loves what she loves with all her heart.
All this to say, if you were a fan and were on the fence about watching it - run, donāt walk. Itās worth it.
