Last year, Warner Bros. Animation unleashed an animated direct-to-video Mortal Kombat film that exceeded expectations and earned critical acclaim. The film centred around the titular character, Scorpion, seeking his revenge on those who murdered his family and clan after being resurrected by Quan Chi. Meanwhile, Johnny Cage, Liu Kang and Sonya Blade are chosen to participate in the Mortal Kombat tournament for the fate of Earthrealm.
This sequel picks up immediately where the first film left off, now focusing on Liu Kang as he is chosen to fulfil his destiny as the true champion while Scorpion sets out to find the Kamidogu artifact for Shinnok as he comes into conflict with the second Sub-Zero.
But let’s face it, story has never really mattered all that much in the world of Mortal Kombat. No, you’re here for the gratuitous mutilations with buckets of blood and guts to spare. The action sequences are surprisingly impactful and visceral, bringing that MK mayhem to life like never before with excellent anime-esque animation. Voice acting is surprisingly solid too, with Joel McHale stealing the show again as Johnny Cage with some stellar one-liners that will be quoted by fans for a long time to come.
Battle of the Realms’ story leaves a little to be desired and often feels messy, but that really doesn’t matter because you’re hear for blood-soaked carnage and fun – and you’ll get that in spades. Fatality!
MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS: BATTLE OF THE REALMS arrives on Blu-Ray on August 30, 2021 and on Digital on August 31, 2021