Title: Mortal Kombat 2
MPA Rating: R
Director: Simon McQuoid
Starring: Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban, Ludi Lin
Runtime: 1 hr 56 mins
What It Is: Following the events of the first film, Earthrealm is once again in danger. This time the ruler of Outworld, Shao Khan, has his eyes on merging with Earthrealm. Now it’s up to the champions of this realm to stop him and his Deadly Alliance from acquiring the necessary power to be unbeatable. With new champion Johnny Cage (Urban) firmly in tow they might not be prepared for the fight ahead but they’ll surely look good doing it. Just ask Johnny!
What We Think: I liked this one a lot more than the first Mortal Kombat from a few years ago. It builds on the lore in such a way that a fighting game nerd like me can appreciate it. MK (Mortal Kombat) has always had a deep and interesting lore. I love that it is quite clear to Simon McQuoid what he is making. He knows the movie in front of him is based on a ridiculously violent over the top mess of a fighting game. He treats the characters with respect to their source material and gets it. The best part of the first movie was Josh Lawson as Kano and I am so glad they figured out his whole situation. He’s once again excellent.
Our Grade: B-, When it gets down to brass tacks I had a ball with this. That’s all this ever really needs to be, fun. I don’t need heavy narrative, but enough to just keep everything contained. This does that and is incredibly fun along the way. I can give a recommend here. Even if you didn’t like the first film I think this is a much better film. Structurally and from a technical standpoint. Definitely check it out!
