With video game movies getting a slightly better reputation in recent years, it makes sense to revisit the classic game franchise that also helped usher in “video game movies” as a genre. The newest big budget reboot of a classic video game comes to us in the form of Mortal Kombat, a film that succeeds in what it sets out to accomplish, but also stumbles over itself in other areas.
This new retelling of Mortal Kombat follows down-on-his-luck MMA fighter Cole Young (Lewis Tan). Cole, born with a mysterious birthmark that looks an awful lot like the Mortal Kombat symbol, is recruited to protect the earthrealm from the enemies of the outworld. Cole is the audience surrogate, an original character made for the film, and despite Lewis Tan’s likable presence, the character is a complete blank. Of the vast array of characters in the Kombat lore, the decision to make this character the lead of the film is a baffling one.
While all the expected characters including Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mechad Brooks), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Kung Lao (Max Huang), Kano (Josh Lawson — stealing the show here) and Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), the two characters given the most gravitas are both Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Sub-Zero (The Raid‘s Joe Taslim). The film opens with a harrowing opening sequences showing the tragic backstory of Scorpion and his bitter feud with Sub-Zero. Joe Taslim’s unrivaled physicality is an effect of its own, making him the perfect fit for the classic villain. The brief moments of screen time between Sub-Zero and Scorpion are unquestionably the films primary highlight, with Josh Lawson’s spirited portrayal of Kano being another.
First-time filmmaker Simon McQuoid understands the rich mythology behind the franchise and he blends the fantastical elements along with the brutal violence, and even hints of Raimi-esque horror with sufficient skill. He even nails the specific framing of the fight sequences from the game. While some sequences falter due to over-editing, a majority of the battles in Mortal Kombat more than live up to their potential. Die-hard fans are going to love the abundance of splattery carnage soaked throughout the film.
Despite some occasional over-editing, the fight sequences are a total blast. Living up to its reputation, Mortal Kombat more than earns its R rating with all the splattery carnage you’d hope for. The fatalities are as nasty as you can get in a mainstream studio film, with some genuinely awe-inspiring bouts of gore flung at the camera like a child discovering a new toy.
McQuoid shows no shortage of expertise when it comes to the staging of the film many action sequences, but traditional dramatic moments feel less accomplished. Basic blocking feels unnatural and the film lacks and any distinct visual panache. The writing doesn’t help much either with some bland exposition and cornball one-liners — did you think this movie wouldn’t find a way to jam in classic lines such as “finish him”, “get over here” and “flawless victory”?
McQuoid delivers on fan service first and foremost, but it all ads to the cheesy fun of the film. Benjamin Wallfisch’s rousing score kicks in at all the right moments; especially when that sweet, sweet classic theme comes blasting in. Mortal Kombat won’t do much to move the needle on video game movies and whether there are any great ones, but it delivers most on what you want from a film called Mortal Kombat. Fans will have moments of pure glee, and casual filmgoers will find enough here to stay consistently entertained.
I’ve never played the game. Is it necessary to understand the movie ?
Okay… So, I had a ton of fun watching this. Is it the best movie? No. But I had fun, and that’s what matters. I had a hard time with the dialogue, which wasn’t exactly a master class, though I want expecting that level. I wasn’t a fan of the main character, the plot was everywhere, but I loved the fights. Kano, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion (My Favorite Character) we’re the best parts of the film. Loved the fights, cared more about the characters than the plot, some of their characters were eh, but hey.
I give it a 7/10. Definitely worth the time
Falcon & Winter Soldier finale Two thumbs up! Mortal Kombat… Not two thumbs down, but like, I don’t care to use my thumbs time to really discuss it.
Still mulling over Mortal Kombat. I felt like individual SCENES worked great, but the entire movie didn’t quite gel as much as it should have due to some bizarre creative choices. Overall I enjoyed it though, which is what matters most I guess. I kept flipping between 2 and 3 stars on Letterboxed before I settled on 3. Still might change it again though. Lol
Definitely one of the better reboots in the last few years! Excited to see what will happen with Johnny
Moral Kombat what can I say simply love it!
Well, didn’t expect it to Osacr worthy and groundbreaking, but the film delivered on entertainment. The action sequences were great and it shows. Especially the first ten minutes in my opinion is one of the best I seen in a while. Most of the actors are stunt performers and a few of the actors I recognize in other action films ( The Raid 2, The Night Comes For Us). If you want to see a basic story, great fighting sequences and gore? You be in for a treat.
I’m not really into the level of gore in this film. It really loses the shock value after a while.
This movie was full of cheesy fan service and I was all for it. Very self aware and felt like an unapologetic love letter to the franchise, exactly what it needed to be imo. Definitely won’t be making my top of the year or anything like that, but it was hard not to enjoy the ride. Plus, that Kung Lao fatality was an amazing moment.
Mortal Kombat had a few moments but overall that wasn’t it. Granted, it’s probably the best MK movie in a line of horrid MK movies so the bar ain’t high.
I liked Mortal Combat . I was entertained. They can up their game to Marvel quality with the sequels . But I enjoyed it.
Kung Lao’s fatality was epic. Loved that they literally ripped the special moves and fatalities directly from the games. I’m not a fan of the “creating a new character to be the main character trope”, especially in a series with as many characters as Mortal Kombat. I kept expecting them to reveal he is going to be the next Scorpion, but alas not yet. Bizarre decision for a movie that otherwise was big on the fan service.
Guys Mortal Kombat is… SO bad.
I was more than pleasantly surprised. Whenever you watch a movie from this genre one must understand it’s all in good fun and to help you escape. As long as you understand that is it’s purpose you can appreciate movies like this one that much more. This new adaptation. of the classic video game Mortal Combat fulfills all of those objectives and goes a step further. It provides enough raw emotion to make you care about the characters, and plenty of humor, especially with Kano and Jax, to give great comic relief from all the dark and serious moments. It also does an amazing job in respecting the mythology of the video game by going back to it’s origins. And the fight sequences are some of the best I’ve seen in a couple years. Full of heart, intensity, Raw Emotion, and yes I’ll admit “ I loved the blood and gore “ in them. It took me back to when I played the game on my Sega System as a kid. I really hope this movie does well as a sequel is green lit because I would love to see who they fight next. I don’t quit give this movie an A because at times it is a little flimsy but I give it an A for being overall strong good quality Martial Arts Action Flick in the spirit of the Movies the RZA, and the other members of The Wu-Tang Clan watched when they were kids. I’ll be looking out for a sequel.
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