The fan-favorite champions — now joined by Johnny Cage himself — are pitted against one another in the ultimate battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.
“Mortal Kombat II” might not be your first choice for a subtle flick, but for pure, unadulterated heads rolling (sometimes, quite literally), this is a definite yes. Picking up where the original left off, the film throws us back into Earthrealm’s desperate fight for survival at the hands of its most powerful warriors.
As for the story? Think loose connective tissue to string together a violent tournament of fists, feet, and fancy fatality moves. And let’s be honest, no one’s here for the dramatic monologues. The clear step up is the action. The fight choreography has improved dramatically since the first movie, offering truly exciting and brutal martial arts sequences. MKII perfectly taps into the game’s roots with classic locales, recognizable sound effects, and yes, those over-the-top finishings.
Fatality sequences are imaginative and gruesome enough for fans to be simultaneously horrified and gleefully amused. Even veteran players will find themselves letting out surprised “whoas” at the sheer ingenuity of the gruesome fates. Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage embodies the movie with a wink and a punchline, lightening the mood and providing a steady stream of jokes while the bodies pile up. Josh Lawson reprises his role as Kano, and he undeniably steals every single scene he’s in, his comedic timing on point amidst a flurry of CGI blood.
The story does hold MKII back a little. The pacing is rushed in some aspects, leaving plot threads and character development hanging. The middle section in particular loses some steam, and you might catch yourself glancing at your watch, but then the next explosive battle snaps us right back in as it’s clear this movie is nothing but a love letter to its gaming source and the fans that have loved the franchise for years.
“Mortal Kombat II” is not without its flaws, but by no means is it boring. If you want silly and outrageous, MKII delivers in spades. You’ll walk away with an ear-to-ear grin and an urge to yell “Finish Him!” at the top of your lungs. “Mortal Kombat II” is the over-the-top action film that fans asked for. Wild, bloody, and incredibly fun, it delivers a no-holds-barred good time.
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