Reviews (111) 
A silly film I find myself still enjoying.
I think some of the negative reviewers are taking this movie way too seriously. I actually saw this movie in the theatre because I ejoyed the video games(hey, i was just a 14 year old kid at the time). What's most surprising about it is that it has been translated from video game to cinematic format quite well, unlike other disasters such as Street Fighter, Double Dragon and Super Mario Brothers. As others have pointed out, the plot is rather thin, but at least it makes sense(unlike the dreadful sequel which i'll get to later) and follows the story from the video game just fine. While the actors don't deliver oscor caliber performances, they all play their characters quite convincingly. Ashby Linden(not a very well known actor) does a fantastic job as Johnny Cage with hilarous lines and that certain snirk Cage needs. He holds the film together and keeps it interesting/entertaining when there isn't a fight scene happening. Christopher Lambert is also good as Rayden, and believe me, I'm no Christopher Lambert fan beyond the Highlander movies. What truly makes this movie great is director Paul Anderson's attention to detail. He's clearly a fan of the games and it shows. Every set, as well as the outdoor shots are beautiful and well designed, the fights are quite impressive and the high energy techno-metal soundtrack is excellent. The CGI is also very good for the time(1995). One thing that's really disappointing is the lack of blood and gore that made the games so incredibly popular. There's virtually no blood in the movie in order keep a PG-13 rating. There's rarely any fatalities and the few that are in the movie are very tame. If you're expecting to see people have their hearts ripped out or their head and spine pulled out of their body, you should just go play the games instead. You aren't going to get that here. However, the characters, sets, music, fights etc. are very loyal to the games and save the movie. As I mentioned I saw the movie in the theatre and I've also seen it on video several times and recently on tv. I find it's still entertaining and holds up pretty well after 7 years. In many ways it's like an early Matrix, except the story isn't as good.
Like others have pointed out, the DVD release isn't too impressive. However, if you own a large screen tv and surround sound system it's definitely worth buying. The visual and audio aspects of the film will make it quite an enjoyable DVD experience. If you're home on a Saturday night with nothing to do, pop it in the player and crank the sound up. I think you'll find it quite exciting. Personally I think the movie is worth owning, but at least give it a rent sometime. Just don't take it too seriously and I think you'll find it to be a good action/martial arts/fantasy movie. (...) I understand they're putting together a third movie right now. I just hope for the sake of the fans of the video game and the first movie, that it's an improvement over MK: Annihilation. I can't imagine any movie being worse than that one, so hopefully they'll be able to improve on it and make a worthy sequel of the first movie even if it's just a straight to video release.
The Cheese Takes The Cake
This action/martial arts film should also be listed under comedy.
It is loaded with tons of sarcastic remarks, many of which Christopher Lambert adds in.
The whole movie plot is basically about a handful of people in training to save the world from a psychopathic, power-hungry emperor. The group of people includes the characters of g-man wannabe Sonya Blade, martial arts actor Johnny Cage, and Liu Kang, a former member of the Order Of Light Temple, or something like that. These people are on the skeptical side and these are the reasons why: Sonya is out for revenge, Johnny is on an ego trip, and Liu thinks fighting in a tournament for the fate of the world is nonsense, and he only wants to fight so he can find his brother's killer. As I said before, the cheesey lines are what's best about the movie, unless you happen to be a fan of Christopher Lambert, then that's the other main reason to watch Mortal Kombat. although not always true if you watch a movie with cheesey lines and at least one good looking actor it should be good. how ever it is NOT always the case.
this movie is great
if u are a kung foo fan like me u should get this movie it is so fun to watch ive probly watched it more then any other movie besides star wars empire. it has every person from the first game in the movie. including my favorite charector reptile. he rules but what i hated was he never used a special attack when he was in his ninja form. but he did use the poison spray in lui kangs eyes once and he was invisible as the lil lizard type form of himself. i cant wait till mortal kombat deception comes out that game is gonna be awesome and you should all buy it because deadly alliance was awesome and it uses the same type of fighting as that game and it includes new modes of fighting...online play...a new cool story mode...and new charectors but the problem is reptile wont be in it. when u beat deadly alliance with reptile it says a roaring beam of light enters his body and twists and transforms him the dragon king has returned...does this mean he turned into the dragon king of the the dragon king killed him? because it would explaine how he evolved so many times...oh yea and if your mad i didnt talk about the movie enough cry me a river.
Best movie based on a videogame
Mortal Kombat is probably my favorite fighter out there. It's been around for more than a decade and just got better and better through the years. The movie may loosely be based on the game, but many characters from the game are present, including Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Kano, Raiden, Sonya Blade, Sub Zero, Scorpion, Reptile, Goro, Shang Tsung, and Jax. All of them are true to their fighting style in the video game. Liu Kang has his trademark special kicks, Johnny Cage pulls off his nut punch, and, best of all, Scorpion's got his spear attack. Movies based on games are generally weak and get a lame score in the B.O., but this was the opposite.
Sure, it's kinda corny, but it's older than people realize. It came out in 1995, and the series was pretty young then, as was the use of computer generated technology. Nowadays, the C.G. enhancements would make the movie even more spectacular, but thems the brakes. Anyways, if you are a fan of the franchise (I have been since age 7), check it out.
The most badass movie ever
This movie rules. It has almost every aspect of awesomeness in it. Badass fighting, badass ninja's, badass soundtrack, badass Christopher Lambert. BAD-ASS! If you didn't like this movie, then 'what the hell?' How could you be such an idiot? Go punch yourself in the groin for being so stupid.
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