MORTAL KOMBAT

Director
Simon McQuoid

Starring
Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson

One thing that is certain early on in the piece in this new Mortal Kombat, is that the latest incarnation of the classic 90’s video game sure knows how to pack its punches, and it’s not going to be for those who are a little squeamish. Shot in South Australia, and featuring a plethora of Aussie talent, this could potentially be the best Mortal Kombat yet.

Starting off in 17^th century Japan, we are introduced to Hanzo Hasashi, a member of the Shirai Ryu ninja clan, and his family. Before too long Lin Kuei assassins (led by Bi Han, aka Sub Zero) turn up to exact complete and utter carnage, sending Hanzo to the Netherrealm to wander the depths of Hell. We then fast forward to the present day where we learn that the Outworld, featuring our old mate Sub Zero, has won 9 of 10 ‘Mortal Kombat’ tournaments, and is one win away from fulfilling the prophecy to conquer the Earthrealm. Led by the underhanded sorcerer Shang Tsung, rather than competing fairly in a tournament to claim their final win, the Outworld warriors are sent to hunt down and kill Lord Raiden’s Earthrealm champions (all of which display the distinct mark of the dragon). By the time Lord Raiden is able to bring the champions together, only 5 remain, one being an ancestor of Hanzo Hasashi. Together these champions must unlock their ‘arcana’, a special, unique ability that each champion possesses, so they can defeat the Outworld and save Earth.

The story itself is a little convoluted and not explored particularly well. For those who are new to the world of Mortal Kombat, it might take a little bit to get your head around what’s going on. It’s probably the biggest weakness of the film. It’s almost as if we could have done with an extra 30 minutes of character and story development to really set the scene. The dialogue is at times fragmented and cheesy, particularly early on. That changes about 20 minutes in when we’re introduced to Kano (Josh Lawson), a vile mercenary being held captive by Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee). Lawson makes every scene he’s in a winner. Playing an almost R18+ version of Crocodile Dundee, his over-the-top, irreverent Aussie badass Kano is worth the price of admission alone. This is where the film really starts to find itself too. It starts taking itself a lot less seriously, and it’s where fans of the game will get to appreciate all the nostalgic nods. Mortal Kombat isn’t afraid to be a little hammy where it needs to be, which nicely contrasts its use of graphic violence. The acting overall is nothing to write home about, but it doesn’t need to be. The use of CGI is done exceptionally well and doesn’t distract from the action sequences. This is a genuine popcorn flick that is enjoyable for its humour and mindlessness. Unfortunately the only thing it doesn’t have going for it is a family friendly rating. With an R18+ stamp across it, this one is for the adult fans, which is perfect for us late stage millennials who finished any childhood fight with a sibling with the words “finish him” or “flawless victory”.

Mortal Kombat is a thoroughly enjoyable, nostalgic romp and is in cinemas now.