Mortal Kombat 2021 - Every Mortal Kombat Movie Ranked, Reviewed, & Recapped

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We rank, review, and recap the latest HBO Max movie Mortal Kombat 2021.
Intro Video by: / cameronken
Intro Music by: / carterharrell
Time Stamps -
00:00:00 - Start
00:32:25 - Plot
01:32:00 - Haiku in review
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Greg - / gameovergreggy
Tim - / timgettys
Nick - / nick_scarpino
Kinda Funny - / kindafunnyvids
Every day Greg Miller, Tim Gettys, and Nick Scarpino talk about the biggest stories in nerd culture.
Music by Tonedeff - www.QN5.com

[@Gbomb82]

I just couldn't stop seeing Shang Tsung as Lau from the Dark Knight "I shall go to Outworld, outside of Raiden's jurisdiction, and the Khan's would never extradite one of their own"

[@HypeVectorPrime]

No, Bi-Han was always the bad guy. The story was always that Sub Zero slaughtered Hanzo's clan and so Hanzo went to hell and basically became Spawn in order to get revenge. In this movie the same thing happened, but this time Sub Zero did it because of a prophecy stating that Hanzo's bloodline would eventually stop Outworld from invading Earthrealm. The reason you remember ol' Subby Z as being a good guy is because after Scorpion killed him Bi-Han comes back as Noob Saibot and his younger brother takes up the Sub Zero persona. Still though they aren't friends or anything.

[@TheLhicks26]

How the hell can you sit there and say oh well they're still not friends or anything actually they were friends when they were kids actually if you read the comic and go back and read all the novels bi-han was always a jackass to both Hanzo and young sub zero.

[@JigInsane]

@@TheLhicks26 Bi-Han was definately always a dick, which was a catalyst for the Lin Kuei vs Shirai Ryu. I'm curious if they are going to follow the Lin Kuei becoming cyborgs and possibly bring in Cyrax, Sektor and Smoke.

[@HypeVectorPrime]

@@TheLhicks26 to be clear, I mean always as in that was the story 25 years ago as I remember it. I could be wrong, and surely they've retconned stuff by now, idk.

[@TheLhicks26]

@@HypeVectorPrime respect I woke up and I was kind of cranky I looked at what I typed and I was like all that that's b******* I was right there dude I'm 38 and I've been playing the since the very first game and I know the story but they changed it and molded it around the fact that they actually have been friends so.

[@neojd]

This was even funnier than the movie. Nick brought his A game here. Flawless victory.

[@wb8905]

The movie blows but I love this in review

[@HarrisonVB98]

Anyone else think that Cole's Arcana was just going to be him being possessed by Scorpion's soul and essentially transforming into him? I thought that that was happening when he first started glowing, but then he just got the weird tree bark sweater thing he wears for the rest of the movie... Think it would've been a way cleaner way of justifying Cole as a new character, as well as "resurrecting" Scorpion.

[@psyluszero]

I thought the same thing lol

[@spenny2cents]

It’s so fun reading all the fan comments making this movie better then it actually was

[@FanDethklok]

How did everyone miss the text saying it was in the 1600s? Bless these men.

[@TheFlash-rh2el]

They’re game people, they shouldn’t be doing film reviews. They’re legitimately unqualified, but that’s what makes these videos funny. I’m about to watch now. Ten bucks Kevin liked this shitshow of a movie. 😂

[@antoniomay167]

Hiroyuki Sanada was 100% the best part of this movie. I would of been fine with just a Scorpion movie.

[@strangenoise2330]

My favourite part was when Cole started beating up his frozen family.

[@fraktothefuture87]

Looked like someone clearing their windshield while already 20 minutes late to work

[@adeviantproduction]

Kung Lao would easily be in the sequel, but not reincarnated. He would be a Shang Tsung shape shift. The "Why did you let me die, Liu?" mindfuckery scenes are right there for the taking. Plus Shang taking the form of his victims will make him the physically menacing threat he wasn't in this film. Also, Sonya throws acetone. It's a highly flammable liquid, so it burns Kano when he tries to fire the laser. Acetone is also nail polish remover. The most questionable part was the design of the bottle, but that was mainly to make "acetone" readable. I don't know why I'm pointing this out...

[@nicoreuel2092]

Shangsung actually said “the elder gods are too lazy to stop me”. Raiden should’ve just interfered since the rules aren’t being enforced

[@thetlamb]

I would love to see a sequel build on what they did in this movie. Explaining the world, adding in more classic characters. Having Lui Kang fight Zombie Kung Lao.

[@spenny2cents]

Unfortunately you will get your wish

[@dps0610]

@@spenny2cents Really don't get how this movie got approved, let alone a sequel green lit already.

[@brandorobot]

Nick is the old guy having despite watched the movie and heard people say the name multiple times still says it wrong.

[@mutedmayday]

So many cuts in the fight scenes. The entrance Kung Lao made was dope lol

[@dps0610]

I really don't like cuts in fight scenes. That shows they aren't good fights. You only have the balls to not cut when you have good actors, great choreography, and really good direction and cinematography...which this does not have.

[@RyanBounedara]

Few ways it's very likely that Sub returns: - Joe Taslim, the actor for Sub, is signed on for 4 movies (assuming this one does well financially) - Bi Han's death as Sub Zero, in games, leads to him becoming Noob Saibot. Not ice, but gnarly as all hell - Kuai Liang, younger brother of Bi Han, takes up the mantle of Sub Zero going forward

[@MelodicQuest]

The first scene alone could have been it's own short film

[@maxxruiz1597]

I was having a rough night and then I’m laughing a few minutes into the video. I appreciate you guys ❤️

[@johnsantisteban7362]

The "+ Balls of Fury" killed me 😂😂😂😂

[@keodantes3907]

Have you guys ever thought about doing the reviews almost like a watch along? Because since everyone always interjects during the plot recap. Feels like how watch along works.

[@pinoyguy75]

Idk, the recap feels unique to them. Especially when Greg does it.

[@koreywinicky7767]

They have. They do it this way so they can watch the movie when ever they feel like it since their schedules are different.

[@ashenchin]

So with the Arcana concept, did Kung Lao just like, grow a hat?

[@xaviorspirit3513]

I was hoping after Scorpion was talking to Cole and the telling him to keep the lineage going ... only for Coles wife to ask “What did he say?” For him to reply “No Idea.”

[@randalladkins7452]

I thought the same thing. I was like, none of these people know Japanese. Maybe they should have left Subzero barely alive as an interpreter for a minute.

[@Maes85]

Had so much fun watching this film. I think it would have been cool if Cole's armour could unravel like his hand wraps from MMA and have Scorpion's kunai attached to it which would tie in with his ancestor's powers.

[@koinzell13]

I like how Andy said Kano turned bad, as if he wasnt set up to be a bad guy from the first second you see him in chains in Sonya's basement

[@evan9902]

@Coby Hamlet yeah Kano can never be trusted. You can just tell plus Kano betrays everyone in the games.

[@dps0610]

It is really stupid that he went from "I'm the Black Dragon!" alpha male to, I want to boot lick Shang Tsung from now on a dime. Not that he has a heel turn, but his choice makes no sense.

[@evan9902]

@@dps0610 well money. That has always been Kano’s top priority

[@dps0610]

@@evan9902 Wouldn't he be able to make more money if he were a superpowered gun broker on earth for himself?

[@evan9902]

@@dps0610 remember when Kabal told Kano about how much money he can make. He said name his price then double it then double it again. Plus on Earth there’s a chance he can get caught, Outworld he has much better protection. He may have died but that’s not the point. It also sounds like Outworld has no limit on money.

[@Yamszilla]

This is one of the best In Reviews ever! I was fucking cracking up during my morning commute!

[@jordanmiller3535]

The real question is, is Cole young in MK12

[@dps0610]

I kind of hope so, and I kind of hope he is a complete and total pushover.

[@skthechef8075]

Some version of him at least. Would be cool to have a character that powers up from blocking

[@Amouroso]

Ed Boom has barely acknowledged this movie, I feel like he won’t want to have Cole engrained deeply by having a roster spot.

[@spenny2cents]

No.

[@1manDestiny]

I just felt like Cole's power was a Aquaman shirt 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@MenekiNekoMusic]

1st movie was still better.. i think this one was above average it kinda seems like they just tossed the history and lore of Mortal Kombat out the window the fights were amazing but the in between sucked and had me checking my socials act 1 - 7 out of 10 act 2 - 2 out of 10 act 3 - 7 out of 10 overall 6.5 out of 10

[@PBandJeep]

I am 90% sure that the Kabal from this movie is actually just a hideously scarred Christopher Walken from Balls of Fury. Seriously, go back and watch the part where he tells Shang Tsung about Kano. He sounds just like him.

[@Evansjd87]

First 25 minutes were awesome! The writing, Kabul’s voice and Cole Young were not good though. Goro was better in 1995. Kano, Subzero and Kung Lao’s fatality were really good.

[@johnr.hufstetleriii7715]

Been looking forward to this!

[@MatthewNovak]

This felt more like a prequel than an actual Mortal Kombat movie. It was just fighting the enemy team before the tournament.

[@Dr3adL0bster]

When I watch these In reviews, and I disagree, I just remind myself, that they love fast and furious and Nick thinks star wars is only good with light sabers and Jedi. It all is slightly comical... get it?

[@pushtewsev4027]

definatley need the old dub steppy sound. should have used skrillex reptile theme

[@infinitecorpze]

Coming back to this one just for fun and man, I lowkey want this franchise to get to the level of incorporating all the licensed characters like Predator and Jason Voorhees. It'd be so perfectly modern

[@AS-rf3yo]

I feel that the tournament they want so badly to see is closer to the “Thanos” moment in the story. So I think the writers want to build up more hype and bring in more Klassic characters to the story. So by the time we get to the tournament, we’ll have so many more MK characters to see in the tournament. But overall I enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@TheFlash-rh2el]

This is why The MCU deserves more abuse than it gets. It took a decade to set up something simple and now every movie franchise needs to drag quaint, stupid, blockbuster-level garbage stories out to artificially give them some semblance of “depth.” This film couldn’t even do this, though. They stuck a few anachronistic, weird context-lacking posters and pictures on some walls and called it a day.

[@nikkieg158]

@@TheFlash-rh2el "This is why The MCU deserves more abuse than it gets. It took a decade to set up something simple..." WTF? I don't even know where to start with this. It did not take a decade and IW/E were definitely not simple. Thanos didn't show up until 2012 and IW was six years later, and it's a known fact that they didn't plan that far out when making Iron Man. Besides, Endgame is meant to be an endcap and the payoff/emotional impact wouldn't have hit the way it did had those movies come out sooner. And why say goodbye to those characters after only a few years? That would have been ridiculous. That being said, I did find it frustrating to keep getting glimpses of Thanos and not have any clue about what was coming. Unless you're not really a fan of the MCU, I don't know why the 6 year wait would be an issue; there were plenty of movies to enjoy in the meantime. And if you aren't, I don't know why you would care.

[@kanyeloveshiscranberryjuic3464]

I don't know, personally, I think the Mortal Kombat universe has so much potential that to say this is the best a Mortal Kombat movie could be is underselling the mythos. There's so much room for this series to soar that I know it could reach with a better writer. Get a better writer and you'll have a franchise in the same vein as a Star Wars or an MCU. I love Mortal Kombat and I know this series has the potential for greatness. This movie needs to do better. Totally going to watch the sequel though. There's still time for this series. Alright peace. That's my two cents.

[@madelinestanley824]

"He doesn't seem too excited to see his father" LOL

[@lobolink2772]

This movie fuckin ruled, Kano held up the first half and then the second half was hype after hype after hype

[@DavidFlores-dh3tl]

Man I am so bummed they killed Kung Lao. He was so badass. They should have killed Cole and his family then have him resurrect as Scorpion instead of Kung Lao. I know he dies to Goro in the game but he is so cool!

[@gonebleast]

For real Kung Lao is my favorite character in the games and he’s hella badass in the movie but so short lived 🥲

[@vincentj.9057]

This movie was more entertaining than the Snyder Cut. Loved it

[@spenny2cents]

You seem to be alone on this one bud

[@WolfWithNoE]

Kinda Funny needs to do SAW in Review before SPIRAL comes out in May.

[@ViciousArcanum]

and Resident Evil.

[@Tallahassee21]

No we don't need to do that

[@WolfWithNoE]

@@Tallahassee21 Nice👍🏻

[@XeromusPrime]

Cole's weapons are Tonfas I believe. I friggin' loved this movie! It's not great, but it was endlessly enjoyable. Just to see all of these characters treated with campy and goofy respect. I'm here for it!

[@iljaburgundy8609]

I was hyped for this review even more so then the movie. Also, nightstick = tonfa.

[@rbkluv29]

Damn I love y’all in review 😂😂💯🙌🏽

[@sot8343]

Nick has the best perspective

[@simonlebel2436]

56:55 Why is there no theme for History with Kevin?

[@bluemarvel3304]

Cauterizing a wound just means sealing the wound. So if ice has formed around the openings it will seal the wound. Although once the ice melts there will be a lot of damage

[@usedfuzzbox]

It wasn't bad, some good costumes effects and fight scenes. Not the best story, but enjoyed it overall.

[@AlexRider589]

Mortal Combat is basically like boxing/MMA with superheroes.

[@TagRoss]

Honestly, until Raiden said Cole was scorpion's descendant I thought they were just leading us to think he's scorpion's descendant only to reveal that Cole Young was actually Kuai Liang, the second subzero (their names even sound alike) then I thought maybe Raiden was lying or that he's actually descended from both lineages, then he grew that armor and I gave up.

[@sutekidane94]

Andy was holding that Guitar so long waiting to play that plot song out haha

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

It was worth the wait

[@ekrigin]

Not sure if anyone in the comments already said it, but I think they could put the soul that was stolen into Sub-zero dead body in the next one. and that could be the zombie character they were talking about.

[@SSgtRubberDucky]

In regards to new champions it could be like earth only has lets say 5 dragon marks left but each hero killed someone from outworld that had the mark so their mark went to new heroes of earth which could help explain why outworld would have more champions vs earth. Like Kung Lao kills Nitara but he already has a mark so her mark goes to Johnny Cage then Shange Tsung kills Kung Lao so his mark goes to Sheeva etc.

[@TheRicco1021]

The weapon Cole uses is called a Tonfa.

[@ChloeCinema]

I'm a little disappointed. I think I might have liked the 1995 film more, which I did not expect going in. I think it was a big mistake to never actually have the tournament. It made it feel like there was never a real climax. It fell a little flat.

[@dps0610]

They made a lot of assumptions in this. Like that it would be good enough for a sequel.

[@ChloeCinema]

@@dps0610 who says it won't be? I think there could definitely be a sequel

[@OfficerPapi]

This was exactly how I felt. The direction was absolutely terrible

[@_PatrickStar]

stupid fun movie also, awesome for having the review up so soon with this one

[@JigInsane]

So, considering Balls of Fury is part of this, should Big Trouble in Little China be considered?

[@m1lkb0xx]

Not sure if they talked about it but one thing these movies have in common, WHAT ARE THE RULES, and WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS BROKEN?!?!?

[@bennetthasty7886]

Have Parris guest on the Marvel in Review of Falcon & the WS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eddaggett56]

The weapons Cole uses are called tonfas

[@mgvortex66]

Expectations in the dirt and I was pleasantly surprised.

[@spenny2cents]

Great life strat

[@JoseLopez-xq7qq]

I had low expectations and I had a blast. Not a great movie but fun

[@ninjakid164]

Same here

[@spenny2cents]

Such an original comment

[@ninjakid164]

@@spenny2cents and. what of it?

[@CassiusKent]

I loved Kabal in this movie. He and Kano both felt like they belonged in the Mortal Kombat world, where some of the characters felted like fish out of water. Kabal's costume was also dope. Hope they make a sequel.

[@guip1408]

You guys should do Scorpion's Revenge

[@bradlewis1963]

The shit Sonya threw in Kano`s eye was acetane. Which is like nail polish remover. Which is why it was in her bathroom. Probably. Haha.

[@jeffreymarte3770]

"scorpion's Revenge" in review?

[@football8897]

Not to be "that guy" but Kabal was voiced by the guy who played Charles Manson in Mindhunter. The "stunt guy" didn't do the voice. They both did incredible tho

[@J_Tevo]

Other than Josh Lawson’s Kano, every character only had expositional dialogue. No character whatsoever.

[@CHI-NOBI]

To clear things up. Both Scorpion and Sub Zero both were tricked by Quan Chi. Scorpion was chilling and Sub Zero killed his people. Gave Scorpion Specter powers to kill Sub-Zero to turn him into Noob Saibot....crazy bs but I love it.

[@YourGFsFavoriteBF]

You're not a dish.....you're a maaaaan.

[@kyledion1346]

I am SHOCKED they liked this movie as much as they seemed too. I mean the fights are cool, fair enough, but there are not nearly enough of them. I'd be fine with the story and writing being as terrible as they are if there was "wall-to-wall action" but there's not. I also disagree with the sentiment that this is as good as a MK movie can get, I think the world of MK is rife with interesting characters and cool stories and this movie shits the bed when it comes to providing those.

[@spenny2cents]

Tim said the movie is 60% fights though

[@fraktothefuture87]

I still want Mortal Kombat: Rebirth to be fleshed out. Michael Jai White is the perfect Jax...but, I did enjoy this movie for what it was. The effects were pretty impressive and Scorpion didn't disappoint - full skull mode for the sequel.

[@justinsmith332]

Funny video and review. The lack of actual MK knowledge makes it funnier even if a bit cringe. Still worth a watch. You're not coming here for a factual step by step review anyway. Nick is great as always.

[@chief679]

Gosh, I loved this movie lol idk why

[@Nintendonomics]

So glad Tim mentioned the music, such a let down. That and Shang Tsung I think were the worst parts. There were a few SFX/Editing problems like when Kano lasered that statue hand and it "fell" on Sonya. and dumb writing like y'all hit on but I had a good time and I really think the sequel can be a lot better

[@kylerpolson4811]

I haven't played mortal kombat since I was a kid on the ps2 and even then it wasn't the mainline series I don't think, either way was hyped because of kinda funny and honestly I enjoyed it. Not great of course but it kept me entertained and kano made me laugh. Thought setting the tournament up for the sequel was smart. Also teasing but not showing Johnny Cage was cool. Looking forward to a sequel. Also when the theme kicks in for the scorpion subzero fight?! Who wouldn't get hyped!

[@JAUN_382]

The 1995 MK film and Scorpion's Revenge were 100x better than this movie. I'm not sure what people are seeing

[@JigInsane]

If I wouldve seen Andy take a running start and go flying through the air trying to do the bicycle kick, I would died from laughter!!!!!!!!!!! Lol

[@MrKylehooks98]

The way I look at it is out world went to sub zeros clan and was like kill this dude and we give you more power and they already had some beef so they send sub zero the best warrior and His goons.

[@EpicFurious]

Cole wasn't Scorpion's son. They clearly said that infant in the opening scene was a little girl. Also, come on. Obviously generations have passed between events.

[@spenny2cents]

Lol these guys aren’t movie critics. Sit back & relax

[@trevorgarey5646]

Cole's weapons are called Tonfa

[@spenny2cents]

You’re literally the first to correct them

[@Landonio]

Chris Gaines for MK2.

[@TheRealGarate]

As others have said, Kano is not an anti hero, the dude says he's wanted in 35 countries. He's not a good guy, he's a necessary evil for Sonya because he has the mark

[@lancerloco]

Every Kano line had me like “heh heh heh” #RaidenLaugh

[@TheRicco1021]

Cole: Where's your marking Sonya: I don't have one Kano: Wa Waaa

[@lancerloco]

@@TheRicco1021 that part really did make me lol

[@jordanmiller3535]

The scene when Kung Lao was spamming the same move on Kano made me laugh so hard. That is such a joke that people that play online would understand lol Edit: Liu Kang*

[@MelodicQuest]

Liu Kang

[@jordanmiller3535]

@@MelodicQuest yeah you’re right my bad

[@Mike_L.]

1:32:06 hahaha

[@dachshundmafia]

Scorpion was the first character to come back from Level 5 from Godzilla...

[@josephgrigsby]

Sub Zero's ice is also dry ice which can burn ya skin. 🤣 that's how Jax's wounds cauterized. Haha

[@TheFlash-rh2el]

Why would he purposefully save Jax’s life? 😂

[@josephgrigsby]

@@TheFlash-rh2el 🤣 he's a great guy deep down inside.

[@TheFlash-rh2el]

@@josephgrigsby God this film annoyed me to no end 😅 I had one hundred problems every minute, but I didn’t even notice that the crappy writing led to accidental life-saving villains too.

[@josephgrigsby]

@@TheFlash-rh2el Hahahaha flawless victory! Friendship! 🤣🤣

[@DrewTheGamer]

You’ll enjoy MK:LEGENDS - SCORPIONS REVENGE so much more

[@comic_sports8878]

That movie is amazing

[@spenny2cents]

It’s leaving HBO soon!!

[@kraftdaddyok8746]

I just don’t understand why we put so much care into comic book movies/tv lore, can’t we just do the same for video game movies. I know me being a fan boy is why it grinds my gears. But I can’t complain about more MK

[@pspmsn]

I’m with Kevin here, Liu Kang and Kung Lao we’re definitely in love and that could’ve been a chance for a beautiful story for them

[@spenny2cents]

You just have never hung around siblings maybe?

[@pspmsn]

@@spenny2cents Haha, I mean I do have a sibling so I spent quite some time hanging around siblings. The movie is so unclear on their relationship that I, and the guys in the review, weren't clear on if they were brothers or cousins or just close friends. I just think having them be partners would've been way more clear and a nice addition to their characters.

[@gonebleast]

The thing that really threw me off was all the cuts in the first fight with sub zero and Scorpion but otherwise really enjoyable movie

[@ShadyGFella]

MK 1995 is best.

[@dps0610]

It’s so much better than this!

[@kingnate101]

We saw all deaths in the trailers

[@spenny2cents]

You still watch trailers??

[@ReaperHunter23]

29:34 Hard disagree there ,Blessing. On MK 9 anyway, never messed with 10 or 11's story mode. Sindell murdering a dozen of the good guys with little effort is one of the most frustrating cutscenes I've seen in a game. And the last act just kept getting worse after that

[@marshall6113]

Kano was such a highlight for me. Like Andy said, not every line hit, but the ones that did were great. Enjoyed the whole movie though.

[@SoothsayerVelocity17]

Am I the only one that expected Andy to do the Christopher lambert laugh when Nick said “beggars can’t be choosers” 😂

[@AloisWeimar]

too many feet away

[@kaofounder]

I'm confused. Is Gregg gone for good or what?

[@Harabusa200]

for me MK 1995 was a better movie in term of action... idk, in that the punches and kicks felt a bit heavier, like they were actually doing damage, here it just felt like they were doing some nicely stylized choreographs. Also, the whole Scorpion speaking Japanese, then switches to English just for the Scorpion fan service and then back to Japanese, to talk to Cole, who probably didn't understand a thing. Also, what's the point of having the music in only for 2 seconds... even MK Annihilation got that right.

[@dps0610]

Every masked character in that movie was a fight choreographer, and so was Liu. They went heavy in to investing into making the fights feel right. This movie has Subzero and Scorpion. Even Liu and Kung Lao in this didn't get to showcase much of their fighting skills. The one real fight Kung Lao got in, he didn't even fight. He jumped on a things back and it faceplanted lol.

[@ESPRESSOJOEx11]

I'm surprised how positive you guys are about this movie, it's a decent movie clearly made for a sequel which I hope we get if not, this movie may not survive

[@joefayant6143]

Actually it was a 50 million dollar budget not including marketing. But no way the marketing they had was $45 million