Mortal Kombat – A Modernized Albeit Lackluster Reimagining

The Mortal Kombat franchise has definitely had its share of publicity over recent months, building up the hype machine to a fever pitch. However, that can occasionally ruin the expectations of viewers, particularly those with a particular fondness for a bestowed franchise. Mortal Kombat is the latest film based on the hugely popular video game franchise of the same name. The first iteration was released in 1995 and is one which most would rather forget. So how does this modern version compare?

There are pros and cons to both films. There are certain aspects to the story this time around that are actually better than the original film. But there are also many questionable ones, such as the introduction of a new character named Cole (Tan). Cole, unfortunately, is one of the reasons the storyline fails to deliver. His character was not only poorly-written but his only connection to this world is that he bears the same markings as the other warriors chosen to compete.

The opening sequence is definitely a highlight, focusing on the part of the background story between the two eternal and opposing warriors Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada). Those with little experience with the source material should be fine going into Mortal Kombat though knowing the characters certainly helps to mold the pieces together. Unfortunately, the focus on Sub-Zero and Scorpion is nowhere near what it should have been with the film instead focusing on Cole and the introduction of the other fighters.

One of the best parts about a modernized version of an older film is improved special effects and fight sequences and Mortal Kombat delivers. The fight sequences are amazingly well-choreographed as the film uses real martial artists to portray some of the main characters in the film. Sometimes it’s just better to have a martial artist who speaks three lines in the role than an actor who knows nothing about martial arts. Or ideally, an actor that has had training in the martial arts. And it really pays off here. There are also a few actors viewers may recognize who happened to have martial arts training, such as Sanada and Taslim.

The introduction of new characters from the video games was a nice touch and will surely be appreciated by anyone who has played the games. Unfortunately, this was where the positives end. The story falls flat as the main character can’t quite pull viewers in to his storyline because of poor acting from Tan and the poor dialogue. If we’re supposed to be supporting this character, viewers need to be given more of a reason to do so. In the end, those looking for anything more than merely fighting, Sub Zero and Scorpion will be bitterly disappointed.

At the end of the day, Mortal Kombat makes more of an effort than the original film to draw viewers in thank to fantastic special effects and action sequences and succeeds at both. But without a compelling protagonist to get behind, the film offers very little for viewers to invest in on a deeper level therefore lessening the intended impact of the story.

If the studio happens to make another film in the future which seems inevitable at this point, hopefully it will be one that will focus on more of the characters beloved by fans and their backstories instead of bringing in a new character that no one will care about.

still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

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