Mortal Kombat (2021) - Movie Review

Mortal Kombat - Good Enough, But the Games are More Fun

Rating - 6/10

“Finish him.”

    The 2021 Mortal Kombat movie is exactly what you would expect from an adaptation of one of gaming’s most over the top fighting franchises. It is brutal, loud, and packed with gory action sequences that deliver just enough for long time fans to have a good time. It is not a great movie, but it is fun enough if you know what you are walking into.

    The story follows Cole Young, a new character created for the film, as he discovers his connection to the world of Mortal Kombat and prepares to face off against classic characters from the games. The plot is thin and mostly serves as a reason to move from one fight to another, but that is part of the appeal. Nobody comes to Mortal Kombat for deep storytelling, and the movie thankfully knows that.

    The fight choreography is strong, with several standout sequences that highlight the powers and personalities of fan favorites like Scorpion, Sub Zero, Kano, and Liu Kang. Sub Zero, played by Joe Taslim, is a particular highlight, bringing real menace to the screen with an ice cold performance that stands out among the cast. Kano also provides much needed humor, even if his jokes occasionally go too far.

    Visually, the film captures the wild energy of the games with solid effects and plenty of blood soaked fatalities that stay true to its roots. The pacing can drag at times, and the dialogue is often clunky, but for a movie that exists primarily to showcase stylish combat, it gets the job done.

    Mortal Kombat does not reach cinematic greatness, but it embraces its identity without apology. For fans of the franchise, it is a fine enough popcorn flick that offers just the right amount of nostalgic violence and chaotic fun to make it worth the watch.