5 Years Later, A Controversial Video Game Movie Already Feels So Much Older

"Mortal Kombat's introduction of 'juggling' into fighting game conventions and its iconic fatalities earned it a well-deserved spot on the Mount Rushmore of fighting games."

"The 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot is a fascinating reflection of what happens when the pendulum swings too far in the opposite direction, feeling like a movie from a bygone era."

"Despite its flaws, the first Mortal Kombat movie managed to replicate the absurd, action-figure-smashing energy of the games remarkably well, largely by not taking itself too seriously."

"The film's lengthy time in development hell contributes to its feeling as the last relic of a very 2010s approach to video game adaptations."

Mortal Kombat debuted in 1992, achieving instant success with its unique characters and gameplay innovations. The first movie, released in 1995, was criticized for its plot and acting but was commercially successful. The 2021 reboot, however, feels outdated, reflecting a past approach to video game adaptations. Despite efforts from director Simon McQuoid, the film struggles to resonate in a contemporary Hollywood landscape that often takes itself too seriously, making it a relic of the 2010s.

Read at Inverse