The Movievaures Time Machine: Mortal Kombat – A Nostalgic Punch of Pure Chaos

Welcome back to The Movievaures Time Machine, where I revisit some of the most iconic (and sometimes questionable) movies from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s to see if they still pack a punch today.

After diving into action classics and unforgettable sci-fi gems, it’s time to step into the ring with Mortal Kombat, the 2000s film that tried to bring one of the most legendary video games to the big screen. Spoiler alert: it’s a wild ride.

Non-Spoiler Summary

Mortal Kombat throws us into a supernatural martial arts tournament where Earth’s best fighters must defeat otherworldly enemies to save humanity. Fighters like Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Johnny Cage team up to face off against the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung and his band of deadly warriors.

It’s based on the video game series of the same name—so expect flashy fights, dramatic slow-mos, and plenty of over-the-top fatalities (well, as much as PG-13 would allow back then).

A Look at the Movie

Let me start with this: what a blast to watch this movie. The nostalgia hit was real. From the techno theme song to the dramatic martial arts posing, it immediately took me back to the early 2000s.

But wow—what a bad movie

The film takes itself so seriously, which only makes it more hilarious to watch today. The dialogue is painfully cliché, characters constantly state the obvious, and you’ll hear more unnecessary exposition than actual development. At the same time, relationships between characters seem to spring out of nowhere, with zero build-up or explanation.

And let’s talk about the CGI… yikes. Even for its time, it was rough. Watching it now, the special effects are laughable, in the best worst way possible.

That being said—you will have fun watching it, just probably not in the way the filmmakers intended. It’s one of those “so bad it’s good” kind of experiences. A true unintentional comedy.

Public Reception Then and Now

At the time of release, Mortal Kombat gained a cult following—especially among fans of the video game. It wasn’t critically acclaimed, but it wasn’t trying to be Oscar material either. It was meant to be fun, explosive, and action-packed.

Today, it’s considered a cult classic for the wrong reasons. Most people acknowledge its flaws, but love it for the nostalgia and unintentional humor. It’s often included in lists of guilty pleasures or movies that are “so bad they’re good.”

The Movievaures Time Machine Verdict

This one is a total fail when it comes to aging well.
From the CGI to the plot, to the wooden performances and cheesy lines—Mortal Kombat definitely feels stuck in its era.

BUT—that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth watching. If you’re in the mood for some throwback action, ridiculous dialogue, and a good laugh (for all the wrong reasons), this is 100% worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to make sense or take itself lightly.

Time Machine verdict: not passed… but what a hilarious experience.

Conclusion

Did you grow up watching Mortal Kombat? Or are you discovering its chaotic charm for the first time? Either way, let me know what you think—and don’t forget to follow The Movievaures Time Machine on Instagram for more nostalgic reviews and retro movie fun!

Test your might… and your tolerance for bad CGI!