Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gory fantasy fighting action, language in solid sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mortal Kombat II
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MORTAL KOMBAT II, the evil Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) has become the emperor of Outworld after defeating 10 champions. He abducts his final opponent's young daughter, Princess Kitana (Sophia Xu), and raises her as his own. Years later, Kitana (now played by Adeline Rudolph) and her best friend, Jade (Tati Gabrielle), fight in the tournament for their cruel master. Meanwhile, the heroes of Earthrealm assemble: Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), and Cole Young (Lewis Tan), as well as their mentor, Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano). And this time, a new hero is also recruited. He's Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), a once-promising fighter who became the star of cheesy action movies and now spends his time sitting behind tables at fan conventions. The fighters will have to rely on all their skills and wits to save Earthrealm, especially since Shao Kahn has stolen an amulet that gives him the power of a god.
Is It Any Good?
While it has the usual flaws, this gory action fantasy might even be better than its 2021 predecessor, thanks to impressive sets; crisp, fluid fight scenes; and surprising sense of humor. Once again directed by Simon McQuoid, Mortal Kombat II does have another one-note villain in Shao Kahn, but at least he's really evil, wearing a Darth Vader-esque mask, bashing people with a giant hammer, and setting himself up as all-powerful ruler. The movie is also still stuck with the "10 tournaments" idea, which makes no real sense. (If Shao Kahn is the all-powerful ruler, can't he just cancel them, so no one can usurp his throne?) But the fights are all unique, set in spaces like a chamber with spikes that randomly pop up from the floor.
The real key to the movie is the new character of Johnny Cage. Urban plays him with a sense of comic overconfidence, as if he's aware that he's not all that cool. (The movie includes a flashback to a scene from one of his old VHS movies.) He's a lovable scoundrel, and he fits right in with his teammates. Mortal Kombat II dutifully caters to fans by bringing back old favorite characters, even finding a cameo for Ed Boon, creator of the original video game. But this sequel also doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's silly enough—and simple enough—that even non-fans can enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mortal Kombat II's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How is this Mortal Kombat movie similar to the video games that inspired it? How are they different? What makes a movie adaptation of a video game successful?
Did you notice diverse representations in the film? Why does that matter? Which characters do you consider role models? Why?
Did you notice more teamwork in this film than in the original? If so, how?
How do characters demonstrate courage and perseverance? What does Johnny Cage learn over the course of the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 8, 2026
- Cast : Karl Urban , Adeline Rudolph , Jessica McNamee
- Director : Simon McQuoid
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Competition , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters )
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence and gore, and language
- Last updated : May 7, 2026
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