Opening in theaters on May 8th, 'Mortal Kombat II' is the long-awaited sequel introducing several fan favorite characters, including Karl Urban as Johnny Cage and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana. The film also sees the return of Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and more.
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Initial Thoughts
'Mortal Kombat II' knows exactly what fans want this time around. The first film set up several characters and gave us video game references, but it never showed the tournament itself. This is something fans had been asking for, so it comes as no surprise that they absolutely delivered this time around. It should also come as no surprise that fan-favorite additions, Johnny Cage and Kitana, steal the show.
Story and Direction
The story is a simple one. It should be noted that this is a video game movie. The point of it is to squeeze in as many references to the popular fighting game as it can, so the story is built around that. It is there to serve this particular purpose and because of that, it is predictable, but that doesn't make it any less fun.
'Mortal Kombat II' definitely is a step up from the first movie. It feels like this time around it absolutely knows what it is and it embraces that. Filled with blood, gore, finishing moves, and iconic lines, it gives fans everything that they could ask for. It is also genuinely funny. This is a movie to see in a packed theater and scream every time your favorite character says or does "the thing" that you are looking forward to.
Cast and Performances
Picking up pretty much exactly where the first movie left off, it makes sense that a lot of the characters return. While it is exciting to see their stories continue, and the actors deliver solid performances, it is Karl Urban as Johnny Cage and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana that steal every scene they are in.
Perhaps it is because they are fan-favorites from the game, but they are given some of the more memorable dialogue and the biggest moments. Both are at the center of the story. Johnny Cage delivers hilarious line after hilarious line, offering up some of the best comedic relief amongst the gore-filled brutal fight sequences.
Final Thoughts
Sure, this movie is filled with fan service, but that is the intent from the start. If you love playing the games, chances are you will love watching the movie. It never shies away from embracing its roots, and it knows exactly what it is doing. To no one's surprise, 'Mortal Kombat II' lays the groundwork for a third film. One that is sure to continue to give fans everything they want in the franchise.
'Mortal Kombat II' receives a score of 85 out of 100.
What's the plot of 'Mortal Kombat II'?
The fan favorite champions - now joined by Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) himself - are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.
Who is in the cast of 'Mortal Kombat II'?
- Karl Urban as Johnny Cage
- Adeline Rudolph as Kitana
- Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade
- Josh Lawson as Revenant Kano
- Ludi Lin as Lui Kang
- Mehcad Brooks as Jax
- Tati Gabrielle as Jade
- Lewis Tan as Cole Young
- Damon Herriman as Quan Chi
- Chin Han as Shang Tsung
- Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden
- Joe Taslim as Bi-Han
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion
- C.J. Bloomfield as Baraka
List of 'Mortal Kombat' Movies and TV Shows:
- 'Mortal Kombat' (1995)
- 'Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins' (1995)
- 'Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm' (1996)
- 'Mortal Kombat: Annihilation' (1997)
- 'Mortal Kombat: Conquest' (1998-1999)
- 'Mortal Kombat: Legacy' (2011-2013)
- 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge' (2020)
- 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms' (2021)
- Mortal Kombat (2021)
- 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind' (2022)
- 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match' (2023)
- 'Mortal Kombat II' (2026)
