Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Extremely violent video game-based movie has gore, language.
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Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms
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What's the Story?
In MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS: BATLLE OF THE REALMS, the heroes of Earthrealm are attacked by Shao Kahn and his army, leading to more violence and bloodshed. Lord Raiden approaches the Elder Gods to propose a solution: a final tournament between the Outworld and Earthrealm. To protect the Earthrealm, Lord Raiden sacrifices his godhood in order to join the battle, even if it now means losing his life. Meanwhile, Scorpion goes on a journey to find the Kamidogu, mystical rings that, if in the wrong hands, could bring back the One Being, a monster who could destroy the universe. Raiden, joined by the ever-cocky Johnny Cage (Joel McHale), Sonya Blade (Jennifer Carpenter), and Jax (Ike Amadi), engage in fierce one-on-one battles with the greatest fighters of the Outworld, as the fate of humankind hangs in the balance.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is as violent and bloody as the video game franchise on which it's based and is therefore best for fans of the video games and movies. Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms picks up where the previous movie, Scorpion's Revenge, left off, culminating in epic one-on-one battles that will determine the fate of the Earthrealm and those who live on it. Even those with only passing familiarity with the video game series should know what to expect in terms of the violence as heads are decapitated with gushing blood shooting out of necks, spears to eyes, and, of course, heads ripped out of bodies with the spinal cord trailing underneath. There's a story or two surrounding these fight scenes, but everything seems to just be structured to set up these bloody fights.
There's a fantasy hero/villain sameness to these characters, despite some backstories and a noble sacrifice of one of the character's godliness in order to fight to save the Earth. Otherwise, the only character who truly stands out is Johnny, who is really just another cocky action hero we've seen so many times before. Those who are fans of this movie franchise will surely enjoy what happens with these characters, but those unfamiliar with these stories and characters aren't likely to find this movie to be a good starting point.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms. How does the violence mirror the action in the video game franchise? Did it seem necessary to the story, or was it excessive? Why?
What would be the challenges in creating a movie based on a video game franchise?
Do you think this movie would be easy to understand and follow for those who aren't already fans of the video games and other movies? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 31, 2021
- Cast: Jennifer Carpenter , Joel McHale , Ike Amadi
- Director: Ethan Spaulding
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Run time: 79 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: Strong bloody violence throughout and some language.
- Last updated: January 2, 2023
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