Video game to movie adaptation is a hard genre to master. Filmmakers run the risk of making the material either too serious, with not enough fan nods, or the reverse, including too many nods to the game’s fan-base to leave room for a compelling story. Some of the worst offenders of the latter include “Doom” (2005) or “Hitman” (2007). Well, okay, ‘worst offenders’ is up to the beholder; these were two of my favorite video games, and I felt the treatment was less than deserving of the material.
From the arcade to the Big Screen
“Mortal Kombat” has a mixed history. The 1995 origin film, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson doesn’t deserve its failing audience and critic scores. With the exception of its sub-par treatment of Scorpion and Sub-Zero (along with dated CGI), I felt the film did a good job with its subject material. The villains were adequately creepy, the heroes sympathetic, and the fight choreography good. It was missing that X-factor, though; and I’ll admit disappointment that my two favorite characters, as mentioned above, were turned into mythical wraiths without any real sense of purpose or screen-time.
A number of other “MK” films followed through the years, all faring worse than the original, with the exception of the series starring Casper Van Dien, which seemed to land slightly better with critics and audiences.
And now we have the new adaptation, titled simply “Mortal Kombat,” seemingly going back to roots. Directed by Simon McQuoid, the film has an award nomination for ‘Best Fantasy Movie’ by the Scream Awards. It also features a cast list not comprised of well-known Hollywood celebs, which I feel is a good thing. It includes many of the famed players (Sonya Blade, Jax, Lord Raiden, Liu Kang, etc.); but I’m amused to see David Field playing ‘referee’ and downright ecstatic to see the addition of Kabal, played here by Daniel Nelson.
Updated CGI, updated story?
But what is most exciting is that Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) seem to be given the menace and backstory they deserve. They have a deep history (and eternal grudge), which I hope the film takes the time to explore. It gets enough of a pass from me that they appear to be fighting in the trailer (Scorpion using a real spear, no less), and are not mere minions of the Emperor as in the ’95 film.
Additionally, I like the intrigue of Lewis Tan’s ‘Cole Young,’ a MMA fighter that seems to have a birthright invitation to the tournament. It’s just enough creative license to get audiences interested. Likewise, the CGI of the trailer looks well done but not excessive; for a movie based on one of the earliest controversially gory video games of the ‘90s, I hope we get to see something this side of fan-service fatalities this time around.
The music is done by Benjamin Wallfisch (“It,” “The Invisible Man,” “Blade Runner 2049”) and will hopefully add to the ambience. As for Director McQuoid, he’s a new director, and a fresh vision may be just what this project needs.
Meanwhile, give the trailer a watch in the screen below. The Movie Buff will have our review out shortly after the film’s release on April 23rd.
Note: “Mortal Kombat” will be available to watch on HBO Max via subscription and also in theaters.
