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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
After nearly two-and-a-half decades of waiting, a new film adaptation of Mortal Kombat has arrived. Of course, longtime fans have been in much anticipation of its release. Indeed, it does better than the 1995 film and, undisputedly, its 1997 sequel. Please beware as there will be spoilers ahead in this article because I will not pull my punches.
Plot Summary
Mortal Kombat (2021) follows a young MMA champion named Cole Young (Lewis Tan) discovering his bloodline. His “dragon logo” birthmark symbolizes his selection in protecting his world — Earthrealm — from otherworldly (or rather, Outworld) forces. He joins Special Forces Major Jackson “Jax” Briggs (Mehcad Brooks) and his partner Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) in locating Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano). With the help of Earthrealm champions Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and Kung Lao (Max Huang), they take down the evil that threatens their existence.
While the plot presumably takes the characters to the iconic “Mortal Kombat” tournament, this is not so. Instead, Shang Tsung (Chin Han) and his group of evil warriors break the Elder Gods’ rules and reject the tournament. Mileena (Sisi Stringer), General Reiko (Nathan Jones), Kabal (Daniel Nelson, Damon Herriman), Nitara (Mel Jarnson), and Prince Goro (Angus Sampson) aid the soul-consuming grandmaster. Lin Kuei ninja Bi-Han/ Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and Australian Black Dragon mercenary Kano (Josh Lawson) pose as major team players.
Discussion
With a runtime of nearly one hour and fifty minutes, I truly wish we could have gotten more. The fight scenes begin well-paced but then feel rushed when characters are split up in the way they are. In the sub-categories below, I will explain the pros and cons of the movie.
Performances
For the most part, the performances from the acting personalities are excellent. In my opinion, the most convincing of the cast are McNamee and Stringer’s characters, respectively. With a cast comprising two-thirds male figures, Sonya Blade is given the most screentime. Mileena follows in second place. Props to the former for her development and the latter for being intimidating. However, the other six female characters are barely present, including whom I may argue Emily (Matilda Kimber) and Allison Young (Laura Brent).
When the first trailer for the film released, fans were hoping to see more of Hanzo Hasashi aka Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada). However, that is not the case. He only appears in the introduction of the film and reappears later in the climax. Given Sanada’s performances in past works including The Wolverine, Westworld, and — dare I say — Rush Hour 3, I thought his role would be radical and tremendous. With his acting skills and fighting caliber, I would have expected this. Instead, he is reduced to a small backstory and a deus ex machina that deserves more explanation.
Additionally, Lawson’s Kano is written as obnoxious, albeit sometimes in an unnecessary way. He makes dull references to popular figures, including Warner Brothers characters Gandalf, Harry Potter, and Magic Mike. Kabal, another unnecessarily written character, is given dialogue that I felt could be fortified. Also, let’s not forget Lin’s Liu Kang is presented as melodramatic, initially. I cannot be mad at any of the film’s actors, though, since they’re just abiding by the screenplay.
Writing
The shooting script is far from horrible, but that is not to say it is the best. Although there are backstories for Scorpion/Sub-Zero and Sonya/Jax, the writing is unusual. Hasashi’s clan is killed by Bi-Han, Jax loses his arms — this time by Sub-Zero. Young’s Shirai Ryu lineage is interesting, however, it could have been more potent. Kano points out Liu Kang and Kung Lao’s abilities, and then he and Sonya are given powers of their own. This is wildly peculiar to me since the latter two do not possess “power-from-within” in the video game series.
With the help of production designer Naaman Marshall, the film’s several major place settings are neat set-ups for stages. I found these reminiscent of the video game installments’ styles of pick-and-select where you want to fight.
Easter Eggs
As they should be, the Easter Egg references to the games are my favorite parts of the film. Sonya has several years’ worth of Mortal Kombat historical research. In here, we can see a history book clipping about “The Matoka Warrior” — Nightwolf. At Lord Raiden’s temple, we see trophy possessions: Shinnok’s amulet and Princess Kitana’s steel fans. There is also a namedrop of Kang and Lao’s mentor, Bo’ Rai Cho.
Young also earned his place in the fighting world, having “took the belt from Eddie Tobias.” This is a reference to the series creators Ed Boon and John Tobias — also the namesakes of character Noob Saibot. (Perhaps Bi-Han, although killed by Scorpion at the film’s conclusion, could return in a future sequel as this character.) Additionally, the film pulls a Power Rangers (2017) and teases the appearance of its iconic lead, Johnny Cage, in a faceless movie poster.
I am also fond of the fighting moves and fatalities that originated from the games. Some examples include Kang’s Bicycle Kick, Kung Lao’s buzzsaw-on-the-ground, and most notably Scorpion’s Fire Breath. (Although, that last one lacks his skull set ablaze.)
Music, Cinematography, and Costumes
I didn’t have any issues with Benjamin Wallfisch’s music or David Krystal’s orchestrations. Mortal Kombat’s updated cinematic theme is a good listen, just as much as I liked Germain McMicking’s cinematography and Chris Godfrey’s VFX. In terms of the Cappi Ireland’s costume design, it was either a hit or miss. I adored how it turned out, and I’m hoping this improves in the future.
Final Thoughts
Simon McQuoid’s Mortal Kombat is a decent tease for what’s to come if there were to be a future with these characters. Much set-up is similar to earlier game installments. As Shang Tsung says, “[D]eath is only another portal. Next time I see you [Lord Raiden], I will not bring fighters. I will bring armies!” If the amount of Easter Eggs are any indication that the next film will improve, I cross my fingers. I loved watching these characters and their stories — no matter their size — play out on-screen, but I wanted to see more happen.
Tan’s Cole Young reminds me of Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon‘s protagonists. There’s no doubt he’s a special character. However, I’m not confident he’ll return in a larger capacity unless given stronger writing. With a longer runtime, I would hope for the film (or its prospective successors) to further develop its secondary characters. For instance, look at the supporting antagonists and what they bring to the table. It’s also unfortunate to see Huang’s character being killed off after being introduced not too long into the story.
Watching this film made me feel as if I was watching an episode of 1990s Power Rangers with the way characters face off on-screen. For what it’s worth, the film succeeds in its diverse cast and original storytelling decisions. Overall, embarking on a new quest that isn’t at a Mortal Kombat tournament holds good promise. The main problem, however, is how such a story is executed.
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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
