Hey gang, Valkor here. While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is making the theatrical rounds. I’ll be biding my time on this MCU martial arts tour de force and whetting my taste for all things action-packed with the WB Animation latest Mortal Kombat film–Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms. It’s a continuation of MK Legends: Scorpions Revenge, and while it brings in a heavy dose of violence and gore... it’s lacking in a little something. Read on, but there are a few spoilers ahead.
MK Legends: Battle of the Realms kicks off right after the previous film; Actually, we start things off in the past where we find a couple running for their lives, with a baby in tow, who are being chased by a bunch of Barakas. The parents meet their end, but before a Baraka could take a bite out of the baby, he’s suddenly saved by Raiden. It’s revealed that the baby is Liu Kang and from there, the story switches to the present. It is at this moment where the forces of the earth realm, which includes an adult Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Stryker, Jax, and Kung Lao, battle against Shao Kahn and his monstrous army. The battle concludes with the two sides at a standstill. So, Shao Kahn and Raiden agree to end the fighting, meet with the elder gods, and offer a proposal that is unprecedented–to put on another mortal kombat tournament, which isn’t supposed to happen for another thousand years. The gods agree. And not only would this make this tournament the last battle, but also Raiden agrees to give up his godhood in exchange to become human and fight alongside earth’s warriors.
On a side note, they brought Scorpion back from his hellish prison, to help the nether realm’s leader, Shinnok, to retrieve an item that’s connected to him (Scorpion). But Scorpion wasn’t having any of it and makes his escape. To help find him, Shinnok enlists the aid of the Lin Kuei, specifically Smoke and Sub Zero. However, Sub Zero wants Scorpion’s head. So to ensure that Scorpion is brought back taken alive, Grand Master of the Lin Kuei makes use of technologically enhanced Cyrax and Sektor. Their job is to not only capture Scorpion but to bring back an item that would resurrect a creature known as The One Being, who could then destroy all realms. So, not only are we getting some sweet MK tourney action, but we’re also getting an interesting side story to boot. There’s a lot going on, under this 80-minute film, but does that make the trek worthwhile?
Now, I read a report that said Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms would make Shaggy (of Scooby-Doo fame) canon in the MK universe. Now, there have been plenty of memes that show Shaggy’s ability to not only take on MK’s finest but that he can also win the whole shebang. However, Shaggy doesn’t appear in the film-not even in the briefest of cameos. Instead, we see him take out Scorpion at the film’s opening logo sequence. I think it’s a fun nod to the meme, but it doesn’t make Shaggy canon in the MK universe–not even by a long shot. I don’t care what the memes say, Shaggy is too much of a wimpy, hippy, stoner that spends more time running away from scary situations than facing them. And the world of Mortal Kombat is as scary as they come. Do you think Shaggy could survive even a minute in an MK tournament? I highly doubt it! And now, on with the TOV Breakdown!
The Good:
I had a lot of fun with Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms; While I had some issues with the story, it's the action that takes center stage. And it's represented well as everything about the video games makes it in this film. You get tons of beat downs, x-ray moves, fatalities, and signature phrases such as "fatality" or Scorpion's "get over here!". And did I see an animality in the last battle? The animation is pretty decent, and I enjoyed the voice acting, mostly. But I came into this film for the action and it does not disappoint. If you’re a fan of the first film, then Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms, should be the next film you want to see. I enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to watching it again!
The Bad:
First up, I think the story shouldn’t have included Scorpion’s part in his search for this key, which could have been saved for a different film. My reason for saying this is because the pacing is off as things move way too quickly. At one point the earth fighters go to take a break. But the fighting continues? I would have liked the film to take its time, tell the story of this last battle and then end with a climax of Shinnok wanting to get this key to destroying all the realms. Last, I’m still not a fan of Johnny Cage in this series. The dude is just too goofy! I was hoping he’d meet his end with a fatality. Instead, his buddy Stryker gets taken out in the worse way. Yikes! Should have been Cage...
The Ugly:
Did I mention Stryker getting taken out in the worst way? No, wait, it was Kung Lao that got it worse! No, wait...
Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms is available now. And while the story is quirky, it’s still a lot of fun, as it’s everything you love about the video games and then some! The film does a fine job showcasing all the action and brutality that makes the game hard to pass up. And you won’t want to pass up on this film as it’s a joy to watch! So, out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms a 3.5.
