Corny but only slightly better than the original
The effects are way better obviously but the fight scenes seemed slow in some places which they could've slightly sped up on. One cringe that I could recall was Scorpion having to keep taking off his mask to speak then putting it back on.
Sigh, another movie that still suffers from game to movie adaptation. Even the stories were better in the game. Is there some different take when they adapt it to movies? I wonder why they keep getting it wrong a lot. Maybe game developers and directors think differently? Sometimes I think it's better to just do cartoon or CGI movies for games instead of live adaptation, very few can pull it off decently.
-The Arcana (chi/chakram) take on it where you activate your latent magical abilities was so so. In the game, Sonya and Jax had to use advanced gadgets/tech instead of magic to fight and they usually had guns with them, especially Sonya.
-Liu Kang was reduced to some side-piece slut character where he tries to train Scorpion's descendant and the gang instead of being the chosen one.
-They've devolved Reptile in an actual reptile with animal for brains. :(
-Kung Lao was the best representation/closeness to the style, moves, and stances to the game along with Kabal a close second.
-Raiden's CGI eyes was lacking along with the lightning shield. He doesn't do much either. Hope to see more action from him in a sequel if there ever is one.
-Kano brought in the comedy to some degree but even his acting was lacking in some areas. For instance, being stabbed in the knee and he just takes it out as if he never got stabbed or felt pain.
-The fatalities were great and nostalgic to the fans and game base along with the cheesy repeat moves people do in the game like repetitive projects, trips, and upper cuts.
-I still prefer the original Shang Tsung played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa instead of the new one played by Chin Han. Original one looks way more badass in evil looks and has a better "YOUR SOUL IS MINE!" line.
-I saw Kano stealing Quan Chi's medallion/amulet/talisman (ex-Elder God Shinnok) as well as seeing Kitana's fan blade on the stand in Raiden's temple (Order of Light).
-As usual, Sub-Zero v. Scorpion were the best fight scenes. Since Bi-Han is dead, prepare for Noob Saibot in the sequel (maybe) in dark liquid form. Hopefully they'll have his brother Kuai Liang take his place as the new Sub-Zero.
-Mileena... Not much to say about her as she didn't really do much except repeating her teleport jump-in move a lot.
-They sure killed off Nitara quick. A sexy vampire only used to show a flawless victory.
Can't wait to see Johnny Cage in the sequel. That'll bring the real comedy.
How the hell did the daughter know how to tell Cole when to Upper Cut? -_-