the best mortal kombat adaption of all time
With the ever-changing film landscape of COVID-19, we’ve seen delay after delay of films come and go. 2020 had barely any new releases, save one bright spot in the amazing animated movie that is Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. Back then it was quite easily the best Mortal Kombat film ever made, and maybe even the best video game adaption to date. And now, for this mega-MK-fan, it has been surpassed by the follow-up in Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms.
Picking up almost directly where Scorpion’s Revenge ends, Battle of the Realms sees Earthrealm under invasion from Outworld’s forces, and Shao Kahn poses the idea of a final tournament. Meanwhile, Scorpion embarks on a quest of his own. It is better to leave it at this vague setup, as one going in assumes it’ll be a mix of the standard plot of classics Mortal Kombat II or Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. And that would be a wrong assumption because so many surprises are in store. Just like its predecessor flipped the first tournament’s story on its head somewhat.
It does just edge out Scorpion’s Revenge because it somehow takes the focus of that film and expands it in breathtaking fashion. So many characters and yet almost all of them get their chance to shine and some even gain some tender, reflective moments showcasing the thematic humanity of the franchise. This was more subdued in the first one, so it was a pleasant surprise here. The fights are all great and the animation (mostly) keeps up. There are famous catchphrases, move sets, and matchups that range from classic to unexpected. The world-building especially had this reviewer smiling ear to ear nearly the entire time. So much that fans have wanted to see is here, and it creates a special giddy feeling.
Whereas Scorpion’s Revenge had a focused plot with minimal (yet still present) heart, Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms is the polar opposite. Overflowing with ambition, with a giant heart in the middle. That ambition causes the plot to go a bit off the rails, despite still working most of the time.
One of the fights near the end is suitably epic if a little fast, and then the film really runs with that moment and speeds through a slightly tacked-on finale. While it’s great to see this piece of lore adapted, it could’ve been used as a cliffhanger, and saved for a third film. It’s understandable why it wasn’t – and it mostly works. It’s just entirely too abrupt. Fans are in for a treat but will really need to embrace the symbolism of what is happening for the world and the character to become fully invested. A few more minutes of additional screen time – maybe reaching 90 minutes – could’ve really fleshed out that final battle and ending to not feel as rushed. There’s not as much of a cliffhanger here, but more of an open door to more adventures.
What WB has is an opportunity to do anything now. To crossover with DC again, adapt more games, or do something entirely new. The possibilities are endless as to where they can go. But more importantly, this a wondrous example of the quality this franchise can be. Some tacked-on language and sexual innuendo are eye-roll inducing, and the gore may turn many folks off. However, the story told is fun, and the spectacle is exciting. As usual with MK, the lore is more important than the gore. Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms delivers it all in spades.
What did you think? Did you enjoy Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms? Let us know in the comments below!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
