Don't expect 2021's Mortal Kombat to be anything like the hit 1995 film. Indeed, the Simon McQuoid-directed movie feels more like a prologue for an entirely new set of blood-soaked stories to be told about these Earthrealm warriors, while honoring the video game series' brutal action and eye-popping fatalities.
In fact, Mortal Kombat doesn't contain a tournament at all. In lieu of having the film set around an otherworldly martial arts tournament, the audience is treated to two hours' worth of back-to-back matches, whether it be between Earthrealm warriors training for the tournament or the chosen ones facing surprise visits from Shang Tsung's fighters, who try to finish them.
While a bold choice (and one that inevitably makes the story a little thin), the decision to root the film solely in the gathering of fighters lends it greater freedom to dive into the creativity of each fight. Characterization is completely rooted in fighting technique, letting audiences know more about Jax from his right hook and Kung Lao in his deft spin/hat sling combo. For fans wondering just how much blood is shed, there are enough buckets to make The Shining's elevator scene look like a first course.
Unlike its predecessors, 2021's Mortal Kombat is extremely careful about balancing the screentime between its many leads, ensuring that each beloved character is uniquely represented with their video game-like introduction, fatality scene and overall fighting style. Additionally, it's worth noting that the film is aware of its Asian characters, empowering Kung Lao, Liu Kang and Japanese Thunder God Lord Raiden and even tricking Kano to use his racist, narcissistic ways to help them.
Mortal Kombat focuses its story initially on down-on-his-luck MMA Fighter and family man Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan. After being recruited by Jax to join the Earthrealm warriors in Mortal Kombat, Cole serves as the entry point into this strange world of vampires, four-armed princes and soul-sucking demons. Tan gives the newcomer role much-needed heart and an earnestness that almost seems too precious for this spine-ripping world.
Hiroyuki Sanada's Hanzo Hasashi steals the show with the legendary fighting skills, seriousness and compassion that he lends to the role. Fans of 2013's 47 Ronin will be delighted to see Sanada returning to a samurai-like role, whereas diehard Mortal Kombat fans will likely scream in glee when he inevitably rises as Scorpion.
Central to the film's plot is how the Earthrealm's warriors are chosen. Unfortunately, the way the film handles Sonya Blade's calling is misguided. Although it is addressed later on, fans of Blade's Kartwheel will be sadly disappointed that it takes two-thirds of the film for her to get out those energy ring blasts to kick some Otherworld butt.
Ultimately, Mortal Kombat feels like a well-thought-out fake-out. It reminds me of the first time I played the arcade version of Mortal Kombat as a sweaty, pimply 12-year old at my dojo, because someone rented the box for an instructor's going-away party; how I searched my pockets for the dirtiest of quarters, waiting and willing for my next turn, just to see how the battle will unfold. The draw of Mortal Kombat wasn't necessarily ever about winning, so much as about discovering new moves of the character that you -- and by your playing, them -- stumbled into on the journey and marveling at that feat.
McQuoid's Mortal Kombat film feels like that -- like the thumb-smashing hope of unlocking something greater than what has come before. And, in a lot of ways, it does. However, it feels like the beginning of something greater, that knows it can be greater, that is only just stretching out and giving us a glimpse of the mythos and lore that is begging to be molded.
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 arrives in theaters and on HBO Max April 23.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
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.
- Release Date
- April 23, 2021
- Director
- Simon McQuoid
- Cast
- Lewis Tan , Jessica McNamee , Tadanobu Asano , Mehcad Brooks , Ludi Lin , Chin Han , Joe Taslim , Hiroyuki Sanada , Max Huang , Sisi Stringer , Matilda Kimber , Laura Brent
- Runtime
- 1 hour 50 minutes
- Producer
- James Wan