By: Shawn McKee
It’s been almost 35 years since Mortal Kombat debuted in arcades, bowling alleys, and gas stations everywhere. Yes, arcade machines were once common in gas stations, where a Slurpee and a handful of quarters were all you needed.
Riding the massive success of Capcom’s Street Fighter II in the early ‘90s, Midway’s Mortal Kombat quickly stood out as a serious contender to be reckoned with. Its combined digitized graphics, distinctive martial arts influences, and a dark, mystical aesthetic with unprecedented levels of violence, launched a global phenomenon that continues to resonate today.
As fighting games, Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat had their unique differences that set them apart. In Street Fighter II, the defeated opponent was taunted by the victor in a cut screen before the next fight. No such fighters were spared in Mortal Kombat, where matches often ended in bloody “Fatalities” (for those skilled or lucky enough to pull them off).
Mortal Kombat featured decapitations, heart-ripping, and other gruesome deaths that may seem primitive by today’s standards, but nothing compared to the initial shock of witnessing Sub-Zero rip off an opponent’s head with the spinal cord still dangling. Of course, such bold and graphic gameplay was not without controversy, ultimately contributing to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system that remains in use today.
Midway Games quickly capitalized on the success of Mortal Kombat with the release of Mortal Kombat II in 1993. Not only did the sequel improve upon its predecessor, but it is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise and one of the greatest fighting games ever made. The series continues to this day across nearly every major home console, producing more entries than one could count.
The franchise’s popularity led to the early PG-13 film adaptations Mortal Kombat (1995) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). In 2021, both longtime fans and newcomers were introduced to a more faithful—and far bloodier—reboot with Mortal Kombat. The recent release of Mortal Kombat II further continues the legacy of one of video game history’s most iconic and brutal franchises.
Much like the game that inspired it, Mortal Kombat II improves upon its predecessor with expertly choreographed fight scenes, sharp humor, and satisfyingly over-the-top violence. The film succeeds as both thrilling escapist entertainment and a worthy continuation of the franchise.
The story begins in the Outworld and introduces Princess Kitana (one the two mysterious masked female fighters from the original game, played here by Adeline Rudolph) as a young girl. Her father’s kingdom is conquered by the nefarious Emperor Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), who ushers in an era of darkness. Several years later, a tenth tournament takes place to decide the fate of Outworld.
The thunder god Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) assembles a roster of familiar Earthrealm fighters that include Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mechcad Brooks), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), and washed-up martial arts movie star Johnny Cage Karl Urban). Shao Kahn’s roster includes Shang Tsung (Chin Han), Sub-Zero/Noob Saibot (Joe Taslim), Kitana, Kung Lao (Max Huang), Kano (Josh Lawson), Queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), and others. Loyalties, however, aren’t what they seem, with sides being played throughout. Baraka (CJ Bloomfield) even makes an appearance as a neutral party of sorts enlisted to aid the Earhrealm fighters.
Arguably the film’s standout fight scene is the clash between Liu Kang and Kung Lao, who fights under Shao Kahn’s control. The emotional weight and visceral intensity of two former allies forced into combat make the sequence worth the price of admission alone. In a subtle but effective nod to the games, the film frequently opens its fights with a wide shot that mirrors the iconic “Fight” stance, with opponents positioned on opposite sides of the screen.
The two unlikely protagonists, Kitana and Johnny Cage, portrayed by Adeline Rudolph and the always reliable Karl Urban, are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Urban shines in the role and perfectly encapsulates an actor past his prime who reluctantly joins the tournament against his better judgment.
I’m pleased to say that just about everything in the film works. The action moves along at a brisk pace with versatile backdrops and eye-popping visuals throughout. The reliance on CGI is evident and often necessary, but it never becomes so excessive that it feels cheap or inauthentic.
For a live-action video game adaptation, the film succeeds in honoring its source material while bringing an unexpected sense of realism to the experience. Most importantly, viewers don’t need to be longtime fans of the games to enjoy the movie, depending on their tolerance for unapologetically over-the-top violence.
The film’s success can be credited to director Simon McQuoid and his talented cast and crew, who deliver an effective tribute to one of the most recognizable and innovative fighting game franchises alongside Street Fighter.
Mortal Kombat II delivers plenty of spectacle, though some of the larger set pieces, particularly the multiple climactic battles near the end, border on excess. Baraka is a welcome addition but suffers from an unintentionally goofy character design (obvious in early promotional stills). Kano also returns with constant wisecracks that wear thin over time.
Despite its flaws, the film never pretends to be anything more than an action-packed visual thrill ride. It succeeds based on its genuine investment in its characters and clear respect for the franchise on which it is based. After seeing it, I commented to my wife that it felt good to see an old-fashioned R-rated movie again.
It had no agenda, it wasn’t watered down, and it only sought to entertain. Test your might and check it out. It’s a nearly flawless victory.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
