'Mortal Kombat II' Has 89% on RT but Is It Really Worth Watching? (Spoiler, Yes)

Simon McQuoid's Mortal Kombat II, the second movie in the new series of adaptations of the iconic video game, has opened in theaters. Let's be clear: the Mortal Kombat series has never been known for its dramatic flair.

If you're expecting a compelling story or reinvented plot, forget it. But if you're looking for spectacular action with the franchise's signature brutality, then Mortal Kombat II is for you.

What Is 'Mortal Kombat II' About?

Humanity is on the brink of being conquered by the emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn. To combat this threat, Earthrealm's protector, Lord Raiden, assembles a team of the finest fighters for a deadly tournament.

The last member of the team is the washed-up actor, Johnny Cage. Reluctant to risk his life, he is forced to participate.

Meanwhile, Kitana, Shao Kahn's adopted daughter, is plotting revenge – the emperor killed her biological father, the King of Edenia.

'Mortal Kombat II' Highlights the Right Characters and Plays Down the Questionable Ones

The sequel finally showcases the essence of the franchise: the tournament, which was absent from the first movie. Special emphasis is placed on two newcomers: Kitana and Johnny Cage.

The princess is as one would expect – a monosyllabic heroine with predictable motivations – but Cage is a success.

He's an aging actor past his prime who suddenly finds new meaning in saving Earth. Karl Urban does a superb job, from his trademark jokes to the egocentrism to the gradual transformation into a hero.

The movie's star, oddly enough, is a supporting character: Kano, played by Josh Lawson, steals every scene with his flawless wisecracks, cynicism, and dark humor.

The rest of the characters are either basic or downright disposable: Scorpion appears only a couple of times, and Noob Saibot is well-realized, but he, too, has too little screen time.

The creators made the right decision by relegating Cole Young to the background. The new fighter was a controversial decision, but he's now almost completely gone – and that's a good thing.

'Mortal Kombat II' Is a Truly Spectacular Action at the Limit of Possibilities

Mortal Kombat II's budget was only $80 million and that's below average for a Hollywood blockbuster. Don't expect miracles, but director Simon McQuoid and his team made the most of what they had.

The action sequences are intense, the sets are vibrant, and the characters' signature moves are portrayed faithfully.

Mortal Kombat II is the movie the first installment should have been. While it doesn't offer a plot that breaks the tight confines of its narrative, it gives viewers a classic tournament experience with intense action and brutality that occasionally verges on ultraviolence.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Mortal Kombat II'?

• Mortal Kombat II has 65% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.0/10.

• On Letterboxd, Mortal Kombat II scored 3.0/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Mortal Kombat II'?

Mortal Kombat II is currently playing in theaters.