Review - Mortal Kombat II (2026)

         Hey guys, Chuck here, and this is my review of the new movie Mortal Kombat II. The sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, this movie is directed by Simon McQuoid, and sees the return of cast members Mechad Brooks, Jessica McNamee, Tadanobu Asano, Ludi Lin, Lewis Tan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Joe Taslim, Josh Lawson, and Chin Han, with newcomers including Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Tati Gabrielle, CJ Bloomfield, Ana Thu Nguyen, and Martyn Ford. 

       So, while the 2021 Mortal Kombat established the existence of Outworld and the Mortal Kombat tournament, Mortal Kombat II sees the fighters of Earthrealm, including Sonya Blade, Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, and Cole Young recruit washed up actor Johnny Cage to join their ranks to fight in the tournament itself, which sees Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn set up a roster of Outworld fighters like  Kitana, Jade, Quan Chi, Sindel, Kano, and Noob Saibot to face the Earthrealm fighters in Mortal Kombat for the fate of not only Earthrealm, but also the previously conquered realm of Edenia. 

         Now, most everyone that has seen Mortal Kombat II has declared it a great improvement over its predecessor. And, I have to agree. I think that in terms of plot, acting, and ESPECIALLY with the martial arts fights, Mortal Kombat II is a genuine step up from its predecessor. Both Karl Urban and Adeline Rudolph as Johnny Cage and Kitana are clearly center stage as the lead protagonists of the movie, and both do exceptionally well in their respective roles. With the antagonist, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn was definitely intimidating and a genuine threat in this movie. But, I admit that it was neat seeing the return of Chin Han as Shang Tsung in a relatively smaller role than in the first movie.

      And, speaking of returning players, I loved seeing the returns of Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Mechad Brooks as Jax, Tadanobu Asano as Raiden, and Josh Lawson as Kano. Each one had a decent role to play this go around, and their scenes and fights were pretty damn fun. And, the same applies to Hiroyuki Sanada returning as Scorpion, as well as Joe Taslim returning as Bi-Han/Noob Saibot. As far as other notable newcomers, both Tati Gabrielle as Jade, CJ Bloomfield as Baraka, and even Damon Herriman as Quan Chi were really good. 

       Story wise, it was great to actually see the Mortal Kombat tournament between a major focal point of this movie, while a side plot involving a relic called the Amulet of Shinnok, was a decent addition to break up the main plot. But, there's also a revenge plot involving Kitana seeking retribution against Shao Kahn for conquering her home of Edenia. But, luckily, the whole thing gels pretty well together, and it all ties in near perfectly. But, the most important factor of Mortal Kombat II, like any martial arts movie, it the martial arts fights. And, by comparison to its predecessor, the martial arts in Mortal Kombat II are more plentiful and engaging, which is a good thing. 

       Overall, I had a ton of fun with Mortal Kombat II, and definitely recommend seeing this one in a theater with some friends. 

       Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you in the next review.