Mortal Kombat

1995

Mortal Kombat

Critics Consensus

Despite an effective otherwordly atmosphere and appropriately cheesy visuals, Mortal Kombat suffers from its poorly constructed plot, laughable dialogue, and subpar acting.

46%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 37

57%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 311,567
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Movie Info

Three reluctant fighters are drafted for an intergalactic martial-arts tournament that will determine the fate of the human race in this special-effects-driven adventure. Inspired by the popular and notoriously bloody video game, Mortal Kombat provides a semblance of a plot as an excuse for rampant mayhem, with the evil alien forces challenging humanity to a kung fu battle to decide the Earth's fate. Following the failure of several previous human defenders, mankind's last chance lies with egotistical action film star Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), tough but beautiful special agent Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), and vengeance-minded hero Liu Kang (Robin Shou). Under the guidance of inspirational sorcerer Lord Rayden (Christopher Lambert), this unlikely trio faces off against a series of terrifying alien adversaries. As in the video game, the martial arts battles are the true point, with standard fighting combining with magical touches supplied by computer-generated effects. The dramatic content often resembles a Saturday morning cartoon, but Jonathan Scott Carlson's appropriately dank production design and the visually spectacular battle sequences made the film a hit amongst younger fantasy-action fans, spawning a sequel and a TV show. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Cast

Christopher Lambert
as Rayden
Linden Ashby
as Johnny Cage
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
as Shang Tsung
Robin Shou
as Liu Kang
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
as Sonya Blade
Talisa Soto
as Kitana
Trevor Goddard
as Kano
Chris Casamassa
as Scorpion
François Petit
as Sub-Zero
Hakim Alston
as Fighting Monk
Kenneth Edwards
as Art Lean
John Fujioka
as Chief Priest
Daniel Haggard
as Assistant Director
Sandy Helberg
as Director
Greg McKinney
as Jaxx
Steven Ho
as Chan
Gregory Paul Martin
as Prince Goro
Peter Jason
as Master Boyd
Lloyd Kino
as Grandfather
Gregory McKinney
as Jaxx
Mikal Moore
as Singer at Techno Club
Brice Stephens
as Singer at Techno Club
Keith Cooke
as Reptile
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Critic Reviews for Mortal Kombat

All Critics (37) | Top Critics (9)

  • A martial arts action-adventure with wondrous special effects and witty production design, it effectively combines supernatural terror, a mythical slay-the-dragon, save-the-princess odyssey and even a spiritual quest for self-knowledge.

    Apr 18, 2019 | Full Review…

    Kevin Thomas

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • The guys in the recording studio who made the ooofff! augghhhh! sounds are the ones who really had all the fun.

    Sep 7, 2011 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

    Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic

  • Where others have sunk in the mire of imitation, director Paul Anderson and writer Kevin Droney effect a viable balance between exquisitely choreographed action and ironic visual and verbal counterpoint.

    Sep 22, 2008 | Full Review…

    Leonard Klady

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • British director Anderson does a fair job with what he was given: four good-looking leads, some very impressive sfx, Babylonian sets, a bone-crunching soundtrack, and a battery of well-choreographed fights.

    Jun 24, 2006 | Full Review…

    Derek Adams

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • The most intriguing is a glassy-eyed follower whose right hand shoots out a hissing reptile that can extend itself for miles. Exotic creatures like these make watching Mortal Kombat feel like being in a high-tech fun house.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Stephen Holden

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • The movie has everything a teenage boy could want... Everything, that is, but an interesting plot, decent dialogue and compelling acting.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 1/4 | Full Review…

    Laura Evenson

    San Francisco Chronicle
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (37)

Audience Reviews for Mortal Kombat

  • Jun 03, 2016
    Truly bad, but in a 100% watchable way.
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 12, 2015
    Probably one of the most underrated game to movies around as it's very loyal to the games with using most of the main characters from the game, The plot was abit silly but it had to be for this film to exist, The fight scenes were pretty good but should of been better, The acting was poor but if you go into a film like this expecting great acting then you need more film knowledge, At the end of the day it's one of the better game to films there is outside the Resident Evil franchise.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Jun 18, 2015
    Having never played the games and just taking the movie for itself Mortal Kombat succeeds with intriguing characters, awesome action sequences, and great sets. I can't give it a 5 because of some of the cheesy CGI. Its a great popcorn movie and will always impress action junkies like myself.
    Ian I Super Reviewer
  • Jun 24, 2014
    Fans would enjoy this adaptation from the popular yet controversial series. I can see the effort but it didn't work out as what it promised. First of all, the dialogues were laughable, I honestly don't know how badly written it could be. Secondly, there were a bunch of random extras that served no purpose. Lastly, the film tried to be humourous, which was the ultimate downfall of the film, stick with the gore please. On the bright side, the fight between Johnny Cage and Scorpion was pretty good, other than that, the film could go straight to the rubbish bin.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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