Mortal Kombat II – Movie Review
It may have felt like the cards were stacked against 2021’s Mortal Kombat when it was released. It was a post-COVID, simultaneous cinema and HBO Max release, rebooting a beloved but flawed cult film franchise, based on a widely popular video game series, and needed to live up to the hype of one of the most viewed movie trailers of all time. And yet despite this, the imperfect film from first time feature director Simon McQuoid showed some strong potential as to what a great Mortal Kombat film could be. The fight scenes were bloody and exciting, and the world building was deep and faithful to the source material. It just so happened to be an incredibly boring story.
There is a wonderful feeling when filmmakers take on the criticism of audiences and fans alike, and mould those thoughts into the DNA of any follow up movie. Mortal Kombat II is an example of this, and while it’s not necessarily a flawless victory… It’s a victory nonetheless for audiences who are looking for a colourful, campy, action-packed fun time at the movies.
Picking up where the first film leaves off, Mortal Kombat II sees the return of Earthrealm’s defenders – a team of ragtag fighters led by Raiden (Tadanobu Asano – who are now tasked with taking part in a deadly tournament, fighting opponents from the Outworld in order to save Earthrealm from plummeting into darkness. However, even with warriors like Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Jax (Mechad Brooks), and Cole Young (Lewis Tan) ready to fight, Earthrealm still needs another hero. Enter – Johnny Cage (Karl Young), a past-his-prime, B-movie action star of the 90s who may hold the key to Earthrealm’s victory.
Mortal Kombat II also sees the return of Josh Lawson as the foul-mouthed, quick-witted Australian Kano and Hiroyuki Sanada as the iconic Scorpion. Plus, the addition of a multitude of characters certain to get true fans of the games excited, including Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), and Baraka (CJ Bloomfield). Not all of the characters in this story don’t get expansive backstories, often playing more into the Easter egg sentiments that movies like this carry, the plot revolves heavily around Kitana, whose world is taken over during the film’s opening scene by Shao Khan, leading to her involvement in the Mortal Kombat tournament on behalf of the Netherrealm, despite her conflicted feelings towards their dark villainy.
In fact, those opening moments exploring Kitana’s backstory harken back to that same feeling the first film had – it’s very serious and dark. And knowing that was a criticism initially, it does begin Mortal Kombat II with a sense of unease where you’re hoping it doesn’t tread down that same path. It does take a solid 20 to 30 minutes for the film to find its footing, with expositional talk of an immortality granting amulet, the setting up of the tournament itself, and the addition of many new characters, focusing mainly on Johnny Cage and Kitana. However, once Mortal Kombat II finds its path, and begins to focus on the fantastical, bloody, ass-kicking fight scenes, then it’s a visceral and dynamic action flick that undoubtedly excites.
Utilising IMAX filmmaking technology this time around, director Simon McQuoid and his team have created some absolutely brilliant fight scenes that are aggressive and awesome. McQuoid often juggles multiple fights happening simultaneously between characters, but each fight feels so unique based on the fighters themselves and the fantastical locations of which the fights take place in, something else fans of the games will absolutely love to see come to life on the big screen. The story also allows for a lot of emotional character arcs to progress during these fights, helping the pace of the film throttle along as the story progresses through the fight scenes. The standout moments of the film include a truly epic battle between brothers Liu Kang and Kung Lao, that is entirely presented in the IMAX aspect ratio on an otherworldly, cosmic styled battleground. And a simultaneously funny and brutal showdown between Baraka and Johnny Cage. It’s also worth noting that the final 25 minutes of this film is pure action, all shot in IMAX, and it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in the excitement of it all.
With the story being absolutely jam packed with characters and Easter eggs, not everyone gets their moment to shine, whether they’re returning players or new additions. The focus of the film is on Johnny Cage, of which Karl Urban effortlessly brings the hero’s journey to life through the cocky and jaded former movie star’s demeanour, armed with witty one-liners and utter bewilderment at the insanity of something like a Mortal Kombat tournament. Kitana is also a featured character who serves as the film’s heart, often utilising her fight scenes to bring a lot of emotion into the story. But, as it was with the first film, anytime Josh Lawson appears on screen as Kano and opens that foul mouth of his, it’s guaranteed laughs and good times.
Mortal Kombat II is a success in the sense that the team behind it took what audiences had issue with on their first attempt, and made a genuine effort to construct a film that is an ode to the fans. It’s jam packed with action, full of humour and heart, and is truly epic in scale and spectacle. It may not be a perfect movie, but it’s a perfectly fun, gory time at the cinemas for certain.
Mortal Kombat II is in Australian cinemas May 7
