The summer movie season has officially began and what better way to start it off than with Mortal Kombat II. Returning to the directors chair is Simon McQuoid to deliver a more polished, and fun sequel to the 2021 film. I know the first film had the odds stacked against it, with not only rebooting a beloved franchise, but opening right at the tail end of the pandemic, when movies were still lucky if they got a theatrical release at all. The movie went on to more than break even so a sequel was almost a guarantee. Fast forward 5 years later and we get the sequel that I think most fans were hoping the first film was going to be.

One of the pros of this film coming second, is that the world is mostly established by time this one starts so it just gets to dive into the story and introduce several more fan favorite characters at the same time. Opening with the introductions of Kitana and Johnny Cage, the film anchors them as not only the new additions, but the heart of the movie as well. Adeline Rudolph and Karl Urban are absolutely enough to carry this film even if they were the only characters, giving performances that are unbelievably true to the source material and a joy to watch. With the entire cast returning, yes, everyone, the actors feels less stiff in their roles this time around, making for an absolutely great time at the movies. The movie obviously has to have special effects in it, and they don’t ever look terrible or cheap, but the practical effects used when the race of Tarkatans are introduced is absolutely incredible and will help the film stand the test of time unlike most CG filled films of the modern era.

To me, Mortal Kombat II feels cut from the same cloth as Deadpool and Wolverine in that in can check so many boxes for the viewer. It works well as an action and as a comedy, as well as dipping into the drama genre as well. My only nitpick with the film is that some of the films fights are over way too quick. Some of the fights are designed as set pieces and others are quick and only intended to heighten the stakes of the films tournament. If Mortal Kombat 2021 is a dip into this ever expanding universe, Mortal Kombat II is a huge leap back in that’s far more fun, brutal, and emotional than its predecessor.

8/10.