Mortal Kombat, or as I like to call it, “Flop Kombat,” caused such a disparity between audiences and critics that it’s basically the cinematic equivalent of a dumpster fire 🔥. The sequel now has the Herculean task of making everyone happy, which is about as likely as me winning the lottery and becoming a Shaolin monk. This “modern reboot” (I use the term loosely) of the infamously grisly fighting game series decided to grace our screens in 2021, giving us a “new take” on the battle between realms. Premiering on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously, it became one of the “perennial action franchises” of the COVID era. Translation: we were all bored and desperate for entertainment, so we lowered our standards.
Compared to its “lovably cheesy” (read: hilariously bad) ’90s predecessors, 2021’s Mortal Kombat tries to be more faithful but ends up straying even further. It’s like trying to bake a cake and accidentally inventing a new form of abstract art. Unlike the PG-13 films of yesteryear, this one revels in its R-rating, bathing us in the gore the franchise is known for. Because apparently, buckets of blood are a substitute for a good plot. But fear not, they made some “notable changes” to the story, like introducing Cole Young, the most generic protagonist since… well, ever. And let’s not forget the Arcana magic system, which gives everyone special powers because why not? 🤷♂️
Mortal Kombat was a much bigger hit with audiences than critics? No way! A sharp divide that’s easy to understand.
A crowd-pleaser? More like a crowd divider. Mortal Kombat boasts one of the most drastic divides between critical consensus and the opinions of casual viewers. On RottenTomatoes.com, it has a measly 55% critical approval rating and an 85% audience rating. That’s a 30% disagreement! It’s not surprising, considering the film’s ambitions and what came before. Basically, critics have standards, and audiences apparently don’t. 🤣
Vocal detractors whined that the film, despite being called Mortal Kombat, ends before the actual tournament begins. It’s like ordering a pizza and only getting the box. Cole Young also failed to impress, being correctly identified as an arcless Mary Sue. Lewis Tan’s performance was so bland, it made unsalted crackers seem exciting.
That being said, sharp storytelling has never been the main appeal of Mortal Kombat. It’s all about the bloody fatalities, baby! The 2021 film delivers on that front, with creative choreography and faithful renditions of iconic characters. Even with a critical eye, the Sub-Zero and Scorpion rivalry is genuinely affecting. Because nothing says “high art” like two dudes freezing and burning each other. 🔥🧊
Mortal Kombat 2 can bridge the audience-critic divide? Good luck with that! Johnny Cage might be the key to a flawless victory.
With the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2, Warner Brothers has the chance to win over critics while retaining the goodwill of the average viewer. Critical to fixing this problem will be eclipsing Cole Young with Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage. Because what this franchise really needs is another white dude. Johnny and Liu Kang’s dynamic as two competent fighters with vastly different personalities will be key to creating a lively buddy dynamic. Unlike Cole’s charismatic void.
A more compelling story that spends less time on training montages and more time on a high-stakes tournament will also be key. Mortal Kombat had a weak sense of story progression, making it hard to get invested. A better structure could win over the incredulous critics. Ideally, Mortal Kombat 2 will reinvigorate the franchise after the awkward start of Mortal Kombat. Or, it’ll just be another excuse to watch people get their spines ripped out. 🤷♀️
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
