Instead of doubling down on the precedent set by the 2021 reboot, “Mortal Kombat II” switches gears, bringing in screenwriter Jeremy Slater (“Moon Knight”) for a more faithful adaptation of the video games. The fast-paced sequel, helmed by returning director Simon McQuoid, isn’t concerned with plot or character development. Sorry. But you can expect more kills, bloody carnage, over 50 uses of the f-bomb, an actual tournament, and, thanks to the debut of popular character Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), comedic relief. As Scorpion would say, “Get over here!”
2021’s “Mortal Kombat” opened with a 1617 flashback scene that highlighted the origin story of Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his rivalry with Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) before jumping to the present day. The sequel begins much like its predecessor. This time the flashback sequence sets up Kitana’s backstory, as the young girl (Sophia Xu) witnesses the death of her father, King Jerrod (Desmond Chiam), at the hands of the story’s villain, Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), which sounds too close to Chaka Khan. Every time the antagonist with the horned skull helmet appears on screen, I want to start rapping “Let me rock, let me rock you, that’s all I want to do.” Shao adopts Kitana after conquering Edenia. She grows up as his personal assassin, and the story moves to the present day, where the character is played by Adeline Rudolph.
Next up, the introduction of fan favorite Johnny Cage, who was sorely missed in the prequel. Karl Urban, best known for playing Dr. “Bones” McCoy in the “Star Trek” reboot films and Éomer in “The Lord of the Rings” franchise, steps into the role, adding comic relief with a standout performance as the washed-up action star. FYI, Cage’s $500 sunglasses are intact; the iconic shades are as important to the character as the red cape is to Superman. Only Johnny Cage has more swagger.
Earthrealm protector and God of Thunder, Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), returns, evoking “Big Trouble in Little China” vibes—the character was inspired by Lightning from the 1986 film. Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) steps up as Earthrealm’s leader, relegating non-game character Cole Young (Lewis Tan) to a smaller role. The introduction of the new character upset fans who viewed him as a replacement for Johnny Cage in the 2021 film. Blade and Raiden recruit Cage at a comic con, in one of the film’s many Cage-related humorous moments.
Comic relief also comes in the form of brash, foul-mouthed mercenary Kano (Josh Lawson reprising his role), the laser-eyed leader of the Black Dragon criminal organization, who gets a bigger role (not big enough, in my opinion) in “MKII.” Yes, he was killed by Blade in the last film, but thanks to necromancer Quan Chi (Damon Herriman), he’s resurrected—personality intact.
Cyborg Jax Briggs (Mehcad Brooks) is back after losing his arms—which were frozen and shattered by Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) in the last film—ready to help defend Earthrealm with his new bionic limbs. Brooks brings 80s action-hero vibes to the film, in the tradition of Carl Weathers and Al Matthews. The Austin-born actor underwent intense conditioning and martial arts training for the role, a fan favorite.
There were many things missing in the 2021 film, most notably an actual tournament. “Mortal Kombat II” rectifies the situation by using the competition as its center point. There are 12 matchups in the film, the best of which includes close friends Liu Kang vs. newly resurrected Kung Lao, now fighting for Outworld. Lao’s circular saw-like hat becomes a lethal weapon, tossed like a frisbee, in the exciting duel.
Scorpion gets a second shot at nemesis Bi-Han, a.k.a. Sub-Zero, and there’s also a funny Jackie Chan-style fight scene with Johnny Cage battling Tarkatan mutant Baraka (CJ Bloomfield), leading to a great final chapter scene with both characters in a “Project Hail Mary” moment.
A story is only as good as its villain, and even better when the villain has familial ties to the protagonist. Shao Kahn wields a giant spiked version of Thor’s hammer, known as the Wrath Hammer, good for pulverizing skulls and impaling combatants. The film comes down to his fight against his adopted daughter, Kitana, whose blade fans are among the film’s coolest weapons. While Cage takes center stage for most of the film, “Mortal Kombat II” is grounded by Kitana’s story. This is her film.
My sister used to manage an arcade back in the day. Unlimited games? You bet. “Mortal Kombat” was a 90s staple. However, even if you’ve never played the video game, but you enjoy science fiction, you should get a “kick” out of the film. Remember, the violence is gory, the language is crude, and the film doesn’t take itself seriously. As it should be. Now, “Finish him!”
(3 stars)
Now showing in theaters
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