Even though I consider myself a gamer, I’ve never been particularly fond of the Mortal Kombat games, likely because I didn't really know how to play them. Aside from occasional visits to my neighbor's house to play on his PlayStation 1 or 2, and playing the game on nostalgic arcade machines that brought me joy when I was younger, my experience with the franchise has been limited. To be honest, I don’t precisely recall if I watched the previous film adaptations of this popular series, but I do know they didn't get great reviews from critics or audiences, especially the 1997 movie. Therefore, I went to a movie theater – my first time in over four months – with very little hope. I just hoped that the action would make up for what was likely to be a predictable and flawed story. Overall, I'm surprised by how much enjoyment I got out of this film. Considering this is Simon McQuoid’s first feature directorial effort, as well as Greg Russo’s debut screenplay credit, my hopes rested on Dave Callaham's previous works (Wonder Woman 1984, Zombieland: Double Tap) and the violent, graphic action sequences. The fighting scenes are definitely the best part of the entire film, and they will certainly satisfy viewers looking for a lot of action. The opening sequence showcases just how brutal each fight is through impressive stunt work (Hiroyuki Sanada is remarkably talented), long takes with great choreography, and a shocking amount of blood – something quite characteristic of the game franchise. The only downside about this beginning is that no other action scene quite reaches its level, although it doesn't mean the rest of the battles fail to meet the expectations of even the most dedicated fans. Despite some shaky and hastily edited scenes, almost all of the fights are easy to follow and feature incredible moments, like the "Fatality!" finishing moves. McQuoid and his team of writers tried to make the movie accessible and exciting for everyone, but whenever they had a chance to include a reference or Easter Egg, they proudly and openly presented it to the audience, which will get the most devoted fans cheering with excitement. I have to admit that I didn’t expect the film to feature those iconic announcements from the game. From "Flawless Victory!" to "Fatality!", not forgetting the classic "Fight!", I smiled during these moments when the actors changed their vocal delivery to mimic the well-known catchphrases. Is it incredibly cheesy and over-the-top? Absolutely. Would any fan want it any other way? It might be a bit much for some viewers, but I have to commend McQuoid for fully embracing this adaptation. There’s no hint of embarrassment or regret; it's a movie made with an enthusiastic audience in mind, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to every single fan of the games. I believe people will either love or hate this film depending on how much the action compensates for the lack of a compelling story, which is what even the most dedicated fans are probably anticipating as well. With some nonsensical plot decisions and uninteresting characters, the screenplay primarily focuses on explaining everything about Mortal Kombat – Earthworld, Outworld, champions, stakes, rules of the tournament – through exposition scenes that are admittedly efficient but feel rushed. The characters could have been better developed, and the actors aren’t always convincing. However, no one will go to see it or click "play" on HBO Max expecting a story worthy of an Oscar... Mortal Kombat is a surprisingly decent adaptation of the popular franchise, which should please most hardcore fans. For viewers unfamiliar with the games, it might be challenging to follow. But if all you’re looking for is action-packed entertainment, then Simon McQuoid's directorial debut delivers on reasonable expectations. Packed with references that even casual gamers will recognize, the fighting scenes are mostly well-shot and energetic, emphasizing the gruesome, bloody, and impressive Fatalities. Although the opening sequence sets a high bar for action, there are a few moments comparable to its intensity. The screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham is as flawed as expected, with ridiculous plot developments and too much exposition, but the underdeveloped use of some potentially interesting characters has the biggest negative impact on the movie. Ultimately, I definitely recommend it to fans of the franchise, who will likely appreciate this film even more than I did. Rating: B-

Source on TMDB