Mortal Kombat (2021): Nostalgia Gone Brutal
Director Simon McQuoid makes his feature film debut helming the multi-million dollar franchise property Mortal Kombat. Following the critical and commercial failure of the abysmal 1997 film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, MK21 course corrects some of the franchise’s previous failings while also falling victim to the typical trappings of video game adaptations. Still, its harder-edged, hyper-violent slant should appease the fan’s bloodlust.
MMA fighter Cole Young seeks out Earth's greatest champions in order to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe known as Mortal Kombat.
Video games, no matter how great, often make for mediocre films when they’re adapted to screen, and the original 1995 Mortal Kombat directed by Paul W.S. Anderson is no exception. Even though it’s often heralded as a 90s “so bad, it’s good” classic, it’s not really; that’s just the nostalgia talking, kiddos. Aside from bringing the world of the video game to life, proving, financially, that video game adaptations could be successful, and giving us one helluva techno banger theme song, there’s very little pleasure that can come from revisiting that subpar flick. Although it doesn’t exactly vault over the mark for a flawless victory, Simon McQuoid’s Mortal Kombat reboot surpasses the tempered expectations and clears the low bar set for video game adaptations.
This latest installment to the video-game-turned-film franchise falls into some of the same traps as its predecessors, but McQuoid and company manage to shape it into a decently entertaining cinematic thrill ride. Its darker, more adult-oriented tone and gory fatalities should definitely please the fans (since the toned down violence of the previous films were high on their gripe list). The fans of the game are clearly its target demographic, and there’s a lot of shameless fan service built in just for them (most of which works decently well), but it also serves as a nice entry point for the uninitiated. However, it admittedly has very little to offer an outsider who isn’t looking for a silly plot, limb-tearing violence, and a mostly disposable filmgoing experience.
The opening sequence sets the bar ambitiously high, and in some respects, it writes some checks that the rest of the film can’t cash. Set in 17th century Japan, the prologue introduces us to the cultural rivalry between the Japanese Hanzo Hasashi (AKA Scorpion), a member of the Shirai Ryu ninja clan, and the Chinese Bi-Han (AKA Sub-Zero), a member of the Lin Kuei assassins. The cultural rivalry provides an interesting slant, and the opening sequence attempts to build more dimensional characters with deeper emotional ties. The set design is instantly striking; it feels right out of Annihilation or Color Out of Space with all its lush foliage and vine-covered trees. The tone is notably more serious and realistically grounded, and the fighting is more satisfying and brutal.
The rest of the film, which takes place in modern day, intersects with the prologue sequence eventually, but it ultimately fails to create the kind of dimension, tension, or emotions of the opening scene. As the audience, we are kept pretty much at arm’s length the entire time; we’re along for the ride, sure, but we’re never really invested, emotionally or psychologically. Narratively, we wished that the specifics of the tournament would have been handled with a bit more finesse (after all, they are clearly trying to build a larger franchise with this thing). Mostly, it leaves a lot of questions (like why did this whole thing start and how long has it been going on). Humorously, Shang Tsung, the Outworlder spearheading the invasion of Earthrealm, embodies the cheating side of video games. He tries to have his goons take out Earthrealmers prior to the actual tournament, an aspect we found pretty amusing. Its theme is weak and its plot is silly, but there’s some nice character dynamics and inventive moments the occur (particularly centered around Sonya Blade). The acting isn’t the greatest, but it gets the job done. In a weird kinda way, it gives the film more of a video game vibe, which is to say it’s about as compelling as the cut scenes of the game when you’re playing story mode.
Just because there’s so little quality (and we use that word lightly) video game adaptations. Mortal Kombat might just be one of the best there is in that regard out of sheer technicality. Overall, it’s a step in a better direction, but it also kinda feels like a 2-hour trailer for a sequel, which iT shamelessly tees up. Visually, it’s nicely lensed, neatly composed, and really only suffers from some sporadic editing choices that prevent the fight scenes from breathing (something we would have appreciated more of). The set design and costumes are notable and help to create a more tactile world. The writing and performances are the weakest points, which was to be expected, with the graphic violence and gory fatalities serving as the high point.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of the franchise, this film was made for you, and you should definitely check it out. If you’re not into outlandish sci-fi/fantasy and aren’t into seeing bodies ripped apart, give it a pass.
Rating: 3 frozen bullets outta 5.
What do you think? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!