Mortal Kombat (2021) is directed by Simon McQuoid, featuring a script by Greg Russo, Dave Callaham, and Oren Uziel. It stars Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Joe Taslim, Mehcad Brooks, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Chin Han, Ludi Lin, Max Huang, Sisi Stringer, Mel Jarnson, Nathan Jones, Daniel Nelson, Damon Herriman, Angus Sampson, Laura Brent, and Matilda Kimber. Based on the popular video game franchise, the film follows down-on-his-luck MMA fighter Cole Young (Tan) after learning he’s been chosen to compete in a high-stakes, otherworldly tournament known as Mortal Kombat. Alongside his fellow fighters who represent Earth, Cole trains to unlock special powers that might just give him a chance at victory. Unfortunately, this dire situation only becomes worse when their opposition’s leader, the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung (Han), enacts a plan to eliminate his competition before the tournament even begins. 

For the most part, the large cast delivers likable, faithful portrayals of these iconic video game characters. They don’t by any means give A-list performances, but are energetic and over-the-top in ways that feel entirely appropriate for this kind of schlock. Although fans of the franchise seem to despise Cole Young for being an original character, I find him a capable, cool hero (but a little generic). Granted, none of these characters are particularly complex or intelligent, but their energy is infectious. This is best exemplified by Josh Lawson’s portrayal of the dim-witted, morally flexible mercenary, Kano. It does feel a bit strange that he’s given more focus than characters who are arguably far more iconic, but it’s clear why. My guess is that they didn’t originally intend for Kano to have such a large role, but bolstered his presence after seeing Lawson’s performance. The other cast members play things much more safely, so they don’t really stand out but also don’t become annoying.

The decision to make this story a prequel to the 1v1 Mortal Kombat fight tournament fans have been dreaming of is “inspired,” to say the least. On one hand, this choice often feels like a cynical way to tease fans of the IP. It’s as if the creators know the tournament itself is the main draw and are desperately trying to draw it out. On the other hand, the film allows less-committed Mortal Kombat fans a chance to ease themselves into the world’s convoluted lore and overwhelming number of colorful characters. If the sequel eventually delivers on the promise of the actual tournament, it theoretically won’t have to waste time building up as many characters. It’s a great setup for the pure fight tournament movie fans have always wanted.

Despite not being set during the actual tournament, the film does a great job of giving the audience plenty of 1v1 fights featuring their favorite characters. It’s all a little CGI-heavy and needlessly, almost comically gory, but it sort of fits the less-than-serious tone. The ‘matchups’ between various characters are mostly unexpected and satisfying, the only thing holding it back being the overwhelming feeling that we’re not actually seeing the fights that matter. 

Overall, Mortal Kombat is a dumb, mostly fun, but ultimately misguided love letter to the iconic video game franchise. The acting is mediocre, the CGI is spotty, and the writing is intentionally hammy. For die-hard fans, the experience is as likely to make you cheer as it is to make you pull your hair out. Your enjoyment of the experience will come down to whether you like the protagonist, as well as how forgiving you are of the fact that it’s essentially just one long prequel. I had fun, but I don’t exactly consider it a good movie to recommend. C+