Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms – ★★✩✩✩

Certificate – 18
Directed By – Ethan Spaulding
Starring (Voiced By) – Joel McHale, Jennifer Carpenter, Jordan Rodrigues, Patrick Seitz, Artt Bulter, Robin Atkin Downes, Dave B. Mitchell, Ike Amadi, Grey Griffin, Fred Tatasciore.
Running Time – 80 Minutes (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

It’s interesting how a film can affect someone’s mood, from being that comfortable hug or see a character accept the superhero they are and take that first swing or flight. Alternatively, how someone’s mood can affect the experience of watching a film.

This is me, Shaun Wren, today feeling pretty shitty as I watched Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms.

This film picks up shortly after Mortal Kombat: Scorpion’s Revenge as our heroes must take on the enemy forces of Shao Kahn as Raiden and this group of warriors must defend Earthrealm and compete in the final Mortal Kombat that will determine the fate of the realms.

I was looking forward to watching this blood and guts sequel to escape for just under an hour and a half, but what I was given was a slightly dull story with a pretty decent final ten minutes.

The major issue is cramming two stories into one film as while the final mortal kombat was happening, Scorpion was on the search for an ancient artefact called Kamidogu before it’s used to resurrect the One Being – who would destroy all the realms.

It’s a shame because I had so much fun with Scorpion’s Revenge, and I feel Warner Bros Animation and Jeremy Adams missed a trick by splitting the stories and make a trilogy. Have this film focus on Scorpion finding a way, with the help of Lord Raiden and his warriors, to defeat the One Being.

It would then affect the final story that would lead us to the final mortal kombat, but we could see the likes of Scorpion and Sub-Zero more involved in protecting Earthrealm.

Again, my feelings towards this film may have something to do with my low mood.

The performances by the voice cast are good, especially the returning McHale and Carpenter as Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. I’m most impressed with Amadi as Jax Briggs as they gave this character a lot more to do in this film compared to the original.

Additionally, The animation was great.

Does the Blu-Ray Have Bonus Features?

Yes, they’re all fun and cool, interesting behind-the-scenes insights into making an animated film.

• The God and the Dragon – Battling for Earthrealm
• Voices of Kombat
• Kombat Gags
• Audio Commentary

Verdict
Despite the great animation and voice cast, this sequel sadly doesn’t have an interesting story as the original.