Mortal Kombat 2021
"Mortal Kombat" (2021) is a martial arts fantasy action film based on the iconic video game franchise of the same name by Midway Games (now NetherRealm Studios under Warner Bros.). It was released in April 2021 both in theaters and on HBO Max.🧱 Plot Summary The film introduces a new original character, Cole Young, a washed-up MMA fighter with a mysterious birthmark in the shape of the Mortal Kombat dragon logo. He soon discovers he's part of a legacy of champions chosen to fight in Mortal Kombat, a secret and ancient tournament that determines the fate of Earthrealm. As Earthrealm stands on the brink of invasion by Outworld, Cole is recruited by Jax and Sonya Blade, and later trains with Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Lord Raiden to unlock his arcana (a unique power). Meanwhile, Outworld’s sorcerer Shang Tsung sends his deadly warriors—including Sub-Zero, Mileena, Kabal, and Reiko—to kill Earthrealm's champions before the tournament can even begin.🗣️ Critics Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 55% approval based on ~299 reviews. Critics Consensus: "Largely for fans of the source material but far from fatal(ity) flawed, Mortal Kombat revives the franchise in appropriately violent fashion." Audience Score: Around 87%, indicating generally strong viewer enthusiasm.Metacritic Metascore: 44/100, based on 43 critics — categorized as “mixed or average reviews”.CinemaScore Audiences rated it a "B+" on the A+ to F scale. PostTrak positivity: 92% positive, with 78% saying they'd definitely recommend it.🧠Highlighted Critic Reviews GameSpot (9/10):“This new take on Mortal Kombat is one of the most successful video game adaptations yet... wonderfully captures the essence of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise.” IGN (7/10):“...a spectacular display of blood, guts, and effects-heavy martial arts battles...” TheWrap:“Viewers interested in martial‑arts action... more likely to have fun... with over‑the‑top geysers of fake blood.” The Hollywood Reporter:Called it “not exactly a knockout” and likened it to a B‑movie needing more wit and charisma. Vanity Fair:Criticized its narrative, saying it fails to strike a balance between honoring fans and welcoming newcomers, and criticizes its lack of the actual tournament and weak script. Wired:Framed the film as part of the broader struggle of video game movies to effectively translate interactive storytelling to a passive medium.Additional voices from media included a range of observations—from commendations on its gore and homage to the games, to critiques of its exposition-heavy scripting and lack of true tournament action.💰 Box Office PerformanceIt grossed approximately US $84.4 million worldwide. This includes around US $42.3 million domestically (U.S. and Canada) and US $42.1 million internationally.🎬 Conclusion – Mortal Kombat (2021) Mortal Kombat (2021) serves as a brutal, action-packed reimagining of the iconic video game franchise. While it delivers on fan-favorite elements like bloody fatalities, classic characters, and the long-standing Scorpion vs. Sub-Zero feud, it also stumbles with a thin plot, a lack of the actual tournament, and a new protagonist (Cole Young) who didn’t resonate with all fans. Despite its flaws, the film successfully lays the groundwork for a broader cinematic universe and shows potential for improvement in future installments. For fans of the games, it's a fun, violent tribute — and for newcomers, it's an accessible (if imperfect) introduction to the Mortal Kombat mythos. Verdict: A solid start with room to grow — especially if future sequels deliver the true Mortal Kombat tournament experience.
- English (Canada)
Recommended
Starring
Related Products
Black Adam 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
Godzilla x Kong The New Empire 4K Ultra + Digital
Ip Man 3 Blu-ray
Mortal Kombat 4K Ultra HD + Digital
Transformers One 4K UHD + Blu-Ray+ Digital Copy
X-Men 10 Movie Collection Blu-ray [Region Free]
Upcoming Films
Review
Add Review
You have to Sign In to share the review


Not Rated Yet