Mortal Kombat first came to life in the arcades in 1992. Considered to be one of the greatest video games ever created, the first sequel, Mortal Kombat II, was quickly released just a year later, and then another (1995), and another (1997), and by now, almost 30 years later, we have simply lost count. Yes, the latest release, may indeed be titled Mortal Kombat XI, but just check out this listing from wikipedia. Enough spin-offs and console exclusives to make your head hurt.
So the franchise is massive. And any big franchise is sure to get a big screen adaptation. But that wasn't always the case. Especially with video games. Back in 1992, when Mortal Kombat hit the arcades, no-one had ever brought video games to film (save from a rather obscure japanese release of Mirai Ninja in 1988). First one to hit the screens was Super Mario Bros. in 1993 and it flopped. As did Double Dragon a year later. Street Fighter was released around Christmas 1994, and did make a good return in the box office, but was panned by everyone, critics and fans alike. The idea of bringing video game source material to the cinema was about to suffer sudden death in its infancy.
And then, in August 1995, the Mortal Kombat film came to cinemas, just three year after the arcade (that's fast even for today's standards). And it was an absolute hit, clearing its budget at the box office by over 100 million USD. Not only, is it still one of the best ever video game adaptations, but it broke new ground, and fans loved it. And many years later, even film critics have come to consider it a cult classic. Its sequel didn't fare as well, though, and the planned trilogy was never concluded. Still, adaptations kept on coming in the form of direct-to-video animated films, animated TV series, and two live-action TV series, and the hope that someday we would enjoy another live-action film was never lost.
Mortal Kombat (2021) released a few days ago in the international market, and a few hours ago in the US and streaming via HBO Max. It currently has a rating of 6.8 on IMDb (over 10,000 votes, so I'd consider that a valid sample). Not only is this far higher than the original's (1995) 5.8, but it is crazy high if you consider it's essentially an action film.
So what does make Mortal Kombat (2021) worth it so much? Just think what made Mortal Kombat successful in the arcades in the first place. Blood? Gore? Uppercuts? Special Moves? Fatalities?
Well let me tell you. It's got it all (even Flawless Victories :D). And they are perfectly executed and delivered. Plus it has one more thing going for it. It doesn't take itself very seriously. It's not pretending to have some crazily convoluted plot, or high drama. It's Mortal Kombat, pure, simple, and enjoyable.
I can't speak for the newer generations out there, but if you consider yourself an early millenial, or a late boomer, you are totally going to enjoy this film. And you'll keep wanting more.
And until you get a chance to watch it, instead of a trailer (which nowadays spoil the plot) you can just watch the opening act of the film.
