Mortal Kombat!!!!!! We are finally here, the first real effort towards a big screen feature within the universe in twenty plus years. As an avid fan from early childhood, I could not wait to see this film. Did it live up to fan expectations? Let us dig in and discuss some of the highs and lows of this thrill ride.
Spoilers Ahead!!!
THE GOOD
Fatality...they actually said it in the movie. First off, as a martial arts movie, this passes the test. True to the nature of the game, the combat is brutal and bloody. That was a relief to many fans as it is a core part of the gaming behemoth. It is actually what made the game infamous when it was first released. Blood, guts, and actual fatalities, oh my.
Actors were extremely important to get right in this outing. While not focusing on the films characters per say, just on the actors portraying them. First and foremost in my book, Sub Zero(Joe Taslim), has been in some brutal fighting films. While not well known, he lends a huge boost to the legitimate ability of the cast.
Opposite of Sub-Zero, we have Scorpion( Hiroyuki Sanada), a seasoned vet in the field. Famous for multiple Samurai films as well as work on marvel movies, and a bevy of television shows. The two bring incredible talent to the roles.
Another thing the film does well, is stick to the general lore of the game. With such a storied franchise as Mortal Kombat, there is plenty to pull from. With the film, it seems they did just that, from multiple aspects. The way the fighters find their "Arcana", origin stories, and abilities are all varied. However, they are completely within the realm of lore.
Finally, Easter eggs. The entire movie has small bonus items or artwork throughout. The games are famous for that as well, which was a nice touch. It is well known that within the games, players can receive art, new levels, and other bonus items for completing tasks. Especially within Raiden's temple in the film, one can find a large amount of awesome extras.
THE BAD
The characters, struck many fans the wrong way. It seems most did not care for Liu Kang in the film. I would attribute this to the fact that he is not the main character, as he is in the games, and in the older films. The main characters are clearly Cole Young, Sonya Blade, and Kano. While some did not care for the characters acting, or just general work in the film. I would say this is a solid move for the franchise. They are building, and beginning a new trilogy...possibly.
While some are questioning the choice in character building, again it would seem they are building a franchise around these individuals. One thing some fans were unhappy with was the lack of an actual Tournament. While they found ways to make it work, AKA known as cheating.
Technically, Raiden, while not supposed to get involved due to Godly law, gets directly involved and transports individual fighters to strange places. This allows the fans to see some classic bouts, in classic locations. So while we did not get our official tournament, it could again, be something they will move toward in future films.
TO BE CONTINUED?
Throughout the movie we get hints at other characters, one major drop at the very end. Cole Young is asked what he is going to do next, to which he replies. "I'm going to Hollywood." As he leaves the gym a poster with the name Johnny Cage is shown. Just gonna throw this out there, Chris Pratt. While that is unlikely, one name has been floating around for a few days now. WWE wrestler the MIZ would like to play the fighter. While his actual martial arts ability would be in question, he certainly could play a Hollywood douche pretty well. :)
By the end of the film it is pretty clear we have begun a new franchise. This will at least get a sequel, and with the amount of lore to pull from, could easily be a trilogy. Maybe even saving the "official" tournament till the third installment. Some very important things happened toward the end of the movie. Most game fans would know this, but new fans may have missed them.
After multiple characters had fallen to the bloody finishers of their opponents, the sorcerer Shang-tsung takes them away. The bodies dissolve into smoke. Now, in recent years the game has introduced a multiple title arching angle. The invasion, as the sorcerer says at the end of the movie. "The next time I see you, I will not bring fighters, I will bring armies." Also, in recent games, previously dead characters were revived to serve Outworld as "Revenants."
So I'm just saying....Sub Zero is coming back. :)