WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat, now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.
One of the biggest concerns with the Mortal Kombat reboot was whether or not the Fatalities would live up to the hit video game series. Given that the first two movies weren't R-rated, fans were left disappointed, and not even the subsequent TV series or web run with Legacy felt like it got these bloody finishers right. However, with this film made for adults who loved gory endings in the game, director Simon McQuoid absolutely nails this crucial aspect of the franchise.
A lot of it has to do with cinematic advancements in terms of technology. The CGI capabilities are way better now than in the '90s, plus it just feels like a perfect fit to a narrative that has the likes of Jax and Co. cursing as they try to stop Shang Tsung's arrogant and very premature invasion of Earthrealm.
Seeing Jax actually using his "Come Here!" grab and punch before his iconic head smash with his bionic arms is spot on, as it reflects the struggle he endures after losing his upper limbs to Sub-Zero. Given that he upgrades them late in the flick, it's a perfect place to test them out against Reiko, giving such an epic fanboy moment and one of catharsis for a Jax that's mostly been on the sidelines after his injuries.
As for the others, they're taken straight from the game, and honestly, they do Ed Boon and John Tobias' creations so much justice. Kano ripping out Reptile's heart and using profane language to celebrate matches his character; Sonya then using her blast to blow Mileena open is also great fan-service; while Kung Lao's razor-rimmed hat buzzsaw has to be one of the series' best moments.
What's amazing is that the latter isn't a classic Fatality; it's taken from Mortal Kombat X and subverted where his hat's stuck in the ground and he uses it to slice Nitara down the middle. But make no mistake; the classics deliver -- which is why seeing Liu Kang harness his fire dragon is another powerful moment.
He doesn't transform himself a la Mortal Kombat II, which would have been cheesy, or better used for when the movies tackle Animalities. Instead, McQuoid cleverly changes things to match the fire powers of the Shaolin order, which results in Liu becoming a Fire God in Mortal Kombat 11. It's brilliant foreshadowing and sticks to the core tenet of his Lotus sect.
That said, simplicity works, as seen with Shang Tsung grabbing Kung Lao and sucking his soul dry, and last but not least, Scorpion unmasking and flaying Sub-Zero from his flaming skull. These are what made the early games tick, so to see new school and old school combining is worth the price of admission alone, reminding us why parents hated these games in the '90s for being over-the-top violent and at times, downright horror.
Directed by Simon McQuoid and produced by James Wan, Mortal Kombat stars Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Mehcad Brooks as Jackson "Jax" Bridges, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero, Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion, Max Huang as Kung Lao, Sisi Stringer as Mileena, Matilda Kimber as Emily Young and Laura Brent as Allison Young. The film is now in theaters and available to stream on HBO Max.