Mortal Kombat - It may be a computer game-based movie, but it's fun!

I feel kind of bad giving 1995's 'Mortal Kombat' 5/5.  I mean… that's the top rating possible and basically makes it sound like it's up there with 'The Godfather' and 'Empire Strikes Back.' Spoiler: it isn't.  But it is good fun.  Video games have a bad (no, make that TERRIBLE) reputation for their transfers from pixels to film.  However, I dare to argue that 'Mortal Kombat' is one of the - very few - exceptions.

In case you weren't around in the early to mid nineties and didn't play the game in the arcade (or 'Mortal Monday' as it was known when the game came to the home consoles of the era), it simply centres on a supernatural fighting tournament where you had to select one of a handful of fighters and beat the rest into a bl00dy submission.  Hardly an inspiring 'story,' but at least that allowed the film-makers some creative liberties to build a narrative around it.

There are no real 'stars' attached to the project.  Our plucky trio of human heroes who enter the 'Mortal Kombat' tournament to defend our 'Earth Realm' against the evil forces of 'Outworld' are Robin Shou as Liu Kang, Linden Ashby (as the 'comic relief') Johnny Cage and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras as Sonya Blade (no, I've never heard of them either - not before and barely after!).  The only real 'name' attached was Christopher Lambert, as their Thunder God guide, Lord Raiden and, although he's pretty amusing, his screen-time amounts to little more than an extended cameo.  They all look the part (i.e. like their computer-generated source characters), however they seem to have been chosen on their looks (and vague martial arts fighting ability), as what they have in looks, they kind of lack in the acting department.  However, if there's one bright spark in terms of casting, it's the villain 'Shang Tsung' (played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa).  I've never seen him in anything before or after, but, based on his performance here, I kind of wish I had!

I think if you're sitting down to watch 'Mortal Kombat' nowadays, you need to be aware that special effects weren't quite as, er, 'special' back then.  The sets are nice and resemble the computer game's levels, plus the fight scenes are well-choreographed, however when computer generated effects are used, they do look a little dated.  Plus, if you're hoping that what was arguably one of the most gore-laden computer games ever made at the time will be filled with heads being ripped off and hearts being pulled out (if you're aware of the games infamous 'Finishing Movies' then you'll get my references) then you won't find them here.  I think it was classified as a '15' here in the UK at the time.  Watching it now it would probably be a PG.  I can't remember a single moment of 'real' gore and next to no bad language.  I guess a couple of the baddies are a bit creepy and intimidating, but nothing worse than you'd find in any of today's Marvel movies.

Also, if you're sitting down to the film 'cold' today and know very little of the game, all the 'in-game references' will pass well over your head.  The film-makers have done their best to include plenty of subtle (and not so subtle) nods and winks to fans.  I'm guessing anyone who hasn't played 'Mortal Kombat II' and performed Johnny Cage's 'Friendship' finishing move will be at a loss as to where that signed photo comes from!

My main criticism came that there were no (or hardly any 'proper' in my opinion) 'special moves' performed by the (human) fighters.  In the game you can shoot streams of fireballs from your fingertips etc and I expected those to be replicated on screen.  They - sort of - are, but I just think the producers missed a trick on that one.

Ultimately, 'Mortal Kombat' certainly isn't the best film ever made (although there can be an argument made for it being the best VIDEO GAME film ever made!).  It's more of a 'guilty pleasure' movie and definitely a B-movie with just enough of a budget (and a cult following) to justify its theatrical release in the cinemas.  I have to say that it's held up pretty well over the years.  Fans of the nineties games/arcades should love it and anyone who likes 'good bad' movies should also find it a fun little offering.  Just don't mention that absolutely awful sequel that was just 'bad-bad.' Oh, and the soundtrack to 'Mortal Kombat' is worth listening to as well!

Just don’t expect the film to answer the question, ‘Why does ‘Kombat’ start with a K?’

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one