Mortal Kombat (2021) was an incredibly silly but entirely fun film. With its slapstick approach to its source material, NetherRealm’s iconic Mortal Kombat video game series, it was a tongue-in-cheek adaptation that endeared itself to audiences despite its irreverence.
It proved popular enough for a major sequel, which is now set to hit Australian cinemas on 7 May.
Following early preview screenings, one thing is clear: not only is Mortal Kombat 2 getting higher praise, it might just eclipse it predecessor entirely.
Mortal Kombat 2 early impressions – quick links
Mortal Kombat 2 is ‘higher staked’ and ‘more dynamic’
As of writing, the critic review embargo is still in place, so what we’re seeing is social media impressions. While these are typically heightened reactions with fewer opportunities for in-depth critical thought or analysis, the universality of sentiment is worth noting.
Writer Chris Killian, who writes for ComicBook, claimed the film was a ‘stark improvement over the first one’ with better fights, costuming and ‘nastier fatalities’. While he noted the film kept the camp quality of the original, that was a significant positive in a ‘fun, faithful’ adaptation.
ScreenRant host Ash Crossan had similarly positive things to say, also calling it ‘fun’ and noting the interplay between characters elevated a narrative heavy with ‘great references’. Karl Urban as movie star turned fighter Johnny Cage was highlighted as a standout, as well as the returning Josh Lawson, who plays the laser-eyed Aussie fighter Kano.
Critic Michael J Lee also underlined Urban’s contributions to keeping the comedy and energy going, as well as the arrival of Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, who reportedly ‘gives the carnage emotional weight’.
Shahbaz of The Movie Podcast was slightly more critical, claiming the film ‘pulls its punches when it matters most’ but agreed that the film is a ‘total blast’ with ‘pure arcade energy’ to serve long-time fans.
Overwhelmingly, the sentiment here is that Mortal Kombat 2 is a bright, high energy sequel that addresses some of the slips of its predecessor – notably, a beige protagonist with a relatively boring backstory and motivation – for a bigger, louder and more violent flick.
Watch the trailer
Cementing Australia’s reputation as a key filming and production location
With these early achievements comes another feather in the cap for Australian-made productions. Mortal Kombat 2, much like its predecessor, was filmed within Australia, making use of talented cast and crew hailing from the region, and beyond.
The film took advantage of Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive, which provides support to large scale productions looking to film in the state. It was filmed within Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland and surrounding locations, with an estimated local spend of $68 million supporting local jobs and growth.
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‘Mortal Kombat 2 is a heavy hitter for the state’s economy, creating at least 560 jobs for Queensland cast and crew,’ former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said at the time of filming.
‘My government’s support for the state’s screen industry continues to pay dividends, with Mortal Kombat 2 the latest in a long line of high-profile films to be made here. Queensland has firmly established itself as a leading global production hub, suited to all productions from Hollywood blockbusters right through to homegrown stories.’
Beyond production, it’s worth noting director Simon McQuoid is Australian. In Kano, the film features a prominent Australian character. Actors Josh Lawson, Jessica McNamee, Damon Herriman, Ana Thu Nguyen and Desmond Chiam also call Australia home.
We look forward to seeing more about Mortal Kombat 2 as heads to local cinemas.
