Hey gang, Valkor here. Color me an on-again/off-again fan of the Mortal Kombat series; I loved the first two games, but fell off after that and never looked back. I had fun with the 1995 film but cringed with disgust when I think of part two. The TV series, the animated stuff, and even the short film featuring Michael Jai White (Misfire, Tactical Force) had its moments. But nothing ever truly brought me back to the franchise. And then DC/WB Entertainment stepped up to the plate to give us an animated MK film that would delight fans in the form of Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. I have to say, mostly, this was one wild ride. It’s doesn’t make me any more or less of a fan, but I had a blast with the film! Read on! And expect spoilers.
Scorpion’s Revenge runs in two parts; The first part begins with... well, Scorpion’s Revenge. Things kick off when a man named Hanzo Hasashi returns to his village with his son, only to discover everyone murdered at the hands of Sub Zero and his crew. To make matters worse, Sub Zero catches up with Hanzo, kills his son in front of his very eyes, and then puts Hanzo down for the count. But Hanzo’s tale isn’t over as he awakens in Hell (though they call it the “Nether Realm”) all chained up with no place to go and about to be tortured for eternity. But Hanzo isn’t going down without a fight as he breaks free of his chains, takes out the one guard who was about to give him the business, and then takes out a thousand more minions. Afterward, we meet Quan Chi, who gives Hanzo an offer he can’t refuse–do him a solid and Hanzo can be resurrected to exact his revenge. To which Hanzo agrees and then takes on the name Scorpion.
The other half of the film centers on the heroes–Liu Kang, Sonya, Johnny Cage, and Raiden, coming together on a secluded island where the Mortal Kombat tournament is to take place. Each hero, much like in the game, have their reasons for being there. But the final outcome is to stop Shang Tsung from winning the tournament and ruling over all realms... or die trying. While Tsung gets his ass handed to him, it all comes down to Scorpion and Quan, as Hanzo will learn who is truly responsible for the death of his people. And all doors are points toward a sequel that may or may not center on Liu Kang. I think it will, and I hope it involves nothing animality. UGH!
Other than our main fighters, you get some sweet cameos in the form of Reptile, Kitana, and Kano. Since I’m not the game’s biggest fan, I couldn’t tell you who else makes an appearance. I could mention Goro, but then you’d expect him to be in it. So, how does the latest MK project squares up in the Val-Cave? Let’s find out in the TOV Breakdown!
The Good:
Right out of the box, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, hits you with all the brutality, action, and gore that you’d expect from a game that does much of the same. Bones crunch, heads are sliced, bodies diced, and there are even those x-ray moves and familiar fatalities. This gets me amped watching the film because there’s so much of it, while not being overdone. If a sequel is going to happen, then I would expect more of the same (maybe pile on a bit more). The story itself is just OK; While Scorpion wanting revenge is the major premise, I enjoyed the parts of Raiden and the other characters gathering for the tournament way more. It’s very reminiscent of the 1995 film with none of the cheesiness. Finally, the voice acting is just OK. No real standouts but nothing that really disappoints save for one character. But I’ll get into that in the next section. If you’re a fan of the MK series or even if you’re just looking for something exciting to watch with plenty of gore to go with it, then definitely take Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge for a spin.
The Bad:
Johnny Cage was an enormous disappointment in his voice and how he’s portrayed in the film, which was way too goofy! I get it, he’s supposed to be a big shot Hollywood actor with some fighting skills. But as I recall, in the original game, he wanted to show that he was more than just an actor, which was why he even entered the competition. Here, he plays up being this popular actor, but so douchy, until he has to fight. Mind you, in his first fight against Baraka, he did nothing but stumble his way out of the fight. Ugh! Now, in the second live-action MK film, Johnny Cage dies straight away. So, can that happen in the next Legend film? Yes?
The Ugly:
Poor Jax. I mean anyone familiar with the game knew he was going to get his arms ripped off. But damn!
Mortal Kombat Legends–Scorpion’s Revenge is available now on digital, DVD, and 4K Combo pack; the film is packed with decent storytelling and it’s heavy on the action and gore. And even though I have my objections, I still think you’ll be in for one hell of an excellent time. So, out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge a 3.5.
