Mini Film Review – Mortal Kombat

Yesterday I watched Mortal Kombat; and it was pretty enjoyable! Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, and starring Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Mortal Kombat is a fantasy, martial arts, action film based on the video game series of the same name. The film follows a group of seemingly random people, who are chosen to compete in a tournament, which could decide the fate of their realm. OK, lets just get one thing straight before we get going – Yes: the CGI is dreadful! It is appalling; the shadings, textures, animation, everything in every bit of CGI created content in this film is simply awful! The more practical effects and set pieces are a lot better though. I am not saying that they are perfect, or astonishing; but by comparison to the CGI, they are more fit for purpose, and a whole lot more easier on the eye. The film was actually pretty enjoyable. The plot can get a bit lost at times, and that whole final act is pretty much uneccessary and a bit too long too, but on the whole it is still a positive experience. Plus there are plenty of fight scenes, which are both well choreographed, and very entertaining. The real joy in this film though, is the many references to the video game series. References which fans of the more classic entries in the series would appreciate. These include, but are not limited to; things people say, the characters on show, and above all else; the classic Mortal Kombat theme song!