Today’s quick review: Mortal Kombat. Once per generation, the world’s greatest fighters are summoned to a tournament to fight for the fate of the Earth. Emperor Shao Kahn (Frank Welker) of Outworld is poised to invade the Earth, and he only needs to win one more tournament in order to do so, according to the mystic laws that govern contact between Realms. Running the tournament for him is Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), a soul-sucking sorcerer who ensures that each match is fatal for the loser. Among this year’s recruits from Earth are Liu Kang (Robin Shou), a martial arts expert with a grudge; Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), a police officer on an investigation; and Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), an action star seeking to revive his flagging career. The trio are guided by the mysterious Rayden (Christopher Lambert), a thunder god who wishes Earth to win the tournament. Their skills are put to the test against the representatives of Outworld: a fearsome lineup of ninjas, cyborgs, and monstrosities that threaten not only the lives of the heroes, but the Earth as well.
Mortal Kombat is an action movie based on the hit fighting game series. As in the games, its plot is mainly an excuse to have a fighting tournament. The rules of the tournament are unclear in places; Shang Tsung appears to be bound by certain rules of hospitality, but this doesn’t stop him from engaging in downright villainous behavior when the opportunity arises. The fights themselves are solid but nothing outstanding. The graphics are somewhat dated, but they do let the movie use Mortal Kombat’s impressive cast of characters. A modern adaptation might be able to put the roster to better use, but as a creative mash-up of martial arts and Eastern-flavored fantasy, Mortal Kombat works well.
What really makes Mortal Kombat enjoyable is its protagonists. While none are standout characters, they all share a nonchalance that contrasts nicely with the mystical, occasionally disturbing atmosphere of the tournament. Their banter is fun to listen to, cut from the same cloth as Big Trouble in Little China and other action films of the 80s and 90s. Sonya is mostly business, Johnny takes nothing seriously, and Liu Kang keeps quiet until he can get a good quip in, usually at Johnny’s expense. The acting and writing vary from passable to downright cheesy, but the three main characters share the load of action protagonist, giving the audience someone to root for without requiring any of the characters to be too deep.
Casual fans of 90s action movies should give Mortal Kombat a shot. Despite cheesy dialogue, rough special effects, and a thin plot, Mortal Kombat manages to be a fun watch for those who are looking to be entertained. Those who take their movies seriously would do well to skip it, as there is nothing outstanding in the film’s artistry, craftsmanship, or writing. Fans of the video games should use their best discretion depending on their standards of quality. As an enjoyable popcorn flick with 90s flavoring, Mortal Kombat is worth a watch.
5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for quality and a 7.0 for enjoyability.