Goten4
Jan 30th, 2010, 07:40 PM
Rebooting the Mortal Kombat Franchise
MK is set to rise from the grave again, and this is what needs to change.
by Phil Pirrello & Jesse Schedeen (http://movies.ign.com/email.html)
(http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/imgs_1.html)
January 29, 2010 - The Mortal Kombat (http://cheats.ign.com/objects/008/008097.html) franchise has a rocky history when it comes to Hollywood. The first MK film is one of the few videogame adaptations to actually strike a chord with moviegoers. The sequel, however, is decried as one of the worst movies ever made. It's been awhile since Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873720.html) stumbled into theaters, and finally the franchise is going to get another chance at glory.
It was recently announced that Mortal Kombat (http://pc.ign.com/objects/008/008037.html) will be receiving the reboot treatment. Given that Hollywood still can't seem to wrap its collective head around videogame projects, we feel it's time we offered a few suggestions for ways to improve the series. If the new MK film can follow thee guidelines, we should hopefully be able to avoid a repeat of Annihilation.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040116274.jpg
Compared to current movie production values, the first Mortal Kombat (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873719.html) looked like it was shot on the SyFy Channel's backlot. And in 1995, the only CG special effects they had were Raptors and the watery gateway from Stargate, the latter of which MK uses for, well, everything in Outworld.
Now, thanks to the wonderful world of present day, more money can be poured into the production to give us a scale that is, at the very least, on par with Doom's studio budget, but hopefully 70% less sucky.
A bigger budget equals bigger Kombat arenas, which means no more Liu Kang (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14244914.html) vs. some guy from Only the Strong, next door to Jeff Probst's tribal council. The arenas should also represent some of the fan favorites (Bridge over the spike pit, please) and should allow for as dynamic a fight as possible. How cool would a fatality-ending brawl be if it happened in the coolest ring the games ever had, all in one take, with Matrix-esque sensibilities now?
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041306302-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503261.html)Impalements are also a must.
And as for the special effects, we think even the movie's die-hard fans would agree that Goro needs an upgrade. Full photo-realistic CG, please. That way, we can actually get a Fatality worthy of the four-armed brute, and not just a shoulder punch to Cage's friend.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040123352.jpg
No more Highlanders for the new MK movie. Maybe even cast some real martial artists to make the fighting more real and visceral, as the first movie is quite guilty of cutting away from the action on key hits, in favor of random close-ups of Liu Kang kung fu yelling into camera.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041303959-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503263.html)Raiden performs LASIK on himself.
And if the film can get some "big name" stars in the roles of Johnny Cage (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245577.html), Raiden (Chow Yung-Fat FTW!) and Shang Tsung (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245308.html), all the better. We suggest casting a relative unknown as Liu Kang, as most of our proposed story hinges on him being in nearly every scene. If the actors can participate in as many of the fights as possible, then that would lend the reboot a better chance at connecting with its audience through the action set-pieces, which will no doubt be wall-to-wall in the reboot. Even the first movie gave a lot of the actors a chance to show off their moves.
If anyone from the first MK opus should return, or provide a bridge between film series, we suggest Bridgette Wilson. Mrs. Pete Sampras hasn't done a whole lot of anything movie-wise. So if she can get some time off from her job at Pinkberry, we hope the script can afford her a cameo.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040123930.jpg
You want to know one thing that bugged us about the Mortal Kombat (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873719.html) movies? Well, clearly there were many things, but it was frustrating that the movies so rarely relied on the iconic moves and fatalities of the characters seen in the games. Other than Johnny Cage's Split Punch and the occasional blast of ice from Sub-Zero, there isn't much in the fighting style of the movies that evokes the games. (But we do give credit for featuring Liu Kang's first horizontal bicycle kick attack in the first movie.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041307568-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503267.html)"Give us a kiss!!!"
That needs to change this time around. We want Liu Kang (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14244914.html) to unleash his full arsenal – flying jump kicks, bicycle kicks and even a few fireballs for good measure. When it comes to Scorpion, we don't want to see his signature harpoon turn into a bird-like monster that lives inside his hand. We merely want to see him impale an enemy, scream "Get over here!", and go to town on their vital organs. Is that too much to ask?
Conversely, we'd like to see the fighting take on a more brutal and violent tone. Mortal Kombat shouldn't be full of characters who look more like actors sparring than real fighters. We want every burst blood vessel and broken bone to be seen, felt and heard on-screen. If that requires the movie be given an R-rating, then so be it. When a franchise prides itself on excessive violence like Mortal Kombat does, there's no point in cutting corners for the movie.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041308959-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503271.html)A man wearing a Goro skin suit is not Goro.
The movie, ultimately, will live and die by the fight choreography. Bring in Yuen Woo Ping and his unique brand of Wire-Fu, but also bring in some blunt-force action, a la the fighting style of the Bourne films. The more the film can present the fighters' unique fisticuff styles, the more variety the combat will have, and the happier audiences will be. (Basically, watch the leaked Tekken trailer online, share the laugh with your colleagues, and do the exact opposite of that.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040125086.jpg
Arguably, the best thing Paul Anderson's MK had going for it was it's "In" to the story; how we managed to kinda sorta buy Liu Kang and Johnny Cage's reasons for answering Tsung's e-vite to Outworld's Octagon.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041310271-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503269.html)Liu Kang's Pantene Pro-V hair has gots to stay.
We suggest taking a similar approach, and keep Liu Kang as our main protagonist. In fact, we pick up with him like we find Wolverine in the first X-Men movie – fighting for money and purpose. Swap out a bar in Canada for a makeshift fight club, though, as our world is populated with young Turks and quick kicks who have heard of the infamous Outworld tournament, and thus participate in fight clubs around the world to prove themselves worthy of participation in it.
Liu Kang's brother (or maybe his lover) lost their lives in the tournament, and Kang lives the rest of his days introducing opponents to a permanent state of FUBAR. Along comes Shang Tsung's Mystique-like emissary to make Kang an offer he can't refuse – to fight in Outworld for revenge, for meaning – and cue the techno "Mortal Kombaaaaaaat!" music.
Follow a similar recruitment process for Johnny Cage (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245577.html), Ms. Blade and the rest of our heroes. Or maybe Raiden sets out to assemble an army of Kombatants to take down Shang Tsung (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245308.html).
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041305084-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503265.html)Just over Liu Kang's shoulder is the Flight 815 survivors' camp.
Another possible take could be to follow a plot similar to the MK game Shaolin Monks, and have Liu Kang and Kung Lao (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245596.html) take point as they head off to Shang Tsung's Academy for Soul Swallowing. The core purpose for all of this would be to showcase the world and why these people fight in the first place. (And yes, kids, there will be plenty of opportunity for Sub Zero, Scorpion and Goro to deliver some hurt.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040124461.jpg
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040119352.jpg
Liu Kang: It doesn't matter which MK fighter of the 2700 available you prefer. Liu Kang will always be the main hero of the franchise. Especially since this new movie is going to be a reboot, Liu Kang's presence is absolutely mandatory. The other fighters may be there for their own personal reasons, but Liu is the one with the strength of character and the fighting skills to actually win the day and topple Shang Tsung. The alternative is one really depressing ending for our heroes.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040118992.jpg
Kung Lao: One of the disappointing aspects of the movies is that Kung Lao's role was greatly downplayed. The character died within the first moments of the original film, with his death serving as Liu Kang's motivation for entering the tournament. This time, we'd like to see Kung Lao actually join his brother in kombat. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks proves the franchise is often at its best when these two join forces.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040115633.jpg
Sonya Blade (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245188.html): Sonya Blade needs to be present, if for no other reason than we don't want the next MK movie to be a total sausage-fest. But that's hardly the only reason. Sonya provides a nice no-nonsense attitude to complement her good looks. If Sonya defines what it means to "fight like a girl", then we consider that a very high complement.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040111602.jpg
Scorpion: What is Mortal Kombat known for if not its plethora of multicolored ninjas? And which of these ninjas is more beloved than the demonic Scorpion? Forget Liu Kang, we bet fans would be lining up with torches and pitchforks if Scorpion didn't make the cut. With his memorable moves, tragic backstory, and his rivalry with Sub-Zero, Scorpion is the complete package.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040116914.jpg
Sub-Zero: You can't have Scorpion without Sub-Zero. It's a law of nature. Check your physics textbook. These two ninjas are as inseparable as Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow, and their rivalry is at least as heated. The first MK movie failed by not pitting these two against one another in any significant way. This time, we expect Sub-Zero to unleash the full force of his icy powers against Scorpion.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040122820.jpg
Johnny Cage: Every movie needs a dose of comedic relief. That's where Johnny Cage comes in. This world-famous actor also happens to be an accomplished fighter with an impressive repertoire of moves. He's self-confident and full of swagger. And he's also not afraid to bust out a Shadow Kick when appropriate. Just in case the next movie is in danger of taking itself too seriously, Johnny Cage will be there to save the day.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040120445.jpg
Raiden: Mortal Kombat is full of heroes who get way in over their heads. That's where Raiden comes in. This Elder God controls the power of lightning and manipulates humans like pawns on a chessboard. But unlike many of his brethren, Raiden generally has Earth's best interests in mind. MK has many gods from otherworldly realms. For now, however, we think the franchise should stick to Raiden and slowly work its way up the ladder.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040113696.jpg
Shang Tsung: Shang Tsung may not be the biggest bad guy in the Mortal Kombat ranks, but he's still one of the most popular. It would just be wrong to reboot the franchise and not have Shang Tsung waiting in the wings. This master warrior and devourer of souls has made many enemies over the years, and any MK saga must begin with the story of how Earth's greatest topple this tyrant.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040122258.jpg
Goro: Where Shang Tsung wanders, Goro looms behind him. This hulking beast is Tsung's bodyguard and the ultimate MK champion. Colorful ninjas and escaped convicts are one thing, but sometimes we need our MK fighters to clash with something truly out of this world. With today's CG technology, we can finally get the epic Goro fight scene we've been waiting to see.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040121492.jpg
Reptile: At some point the franchise went a little overboard with palette-swapped ninja characters. Does anyone actually play as Ermac? But Reptile came in before the trend got old. This green ninja may look human, but underneath he's cold-blooded and ruthless. The battle between Liu Kang and Reptile is still one of our favorite scenes in the first movie. Fifteen years later we expect even more from this scaly villain.
I do not agree with this
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040123352.jpg
I thought he did a good job on the movie, and would like to see him come back as Raiden.
MK is set to rise from the grave again, and this is what needs to change.
by Phil Pirrello & Jesse Schedeen (http://movies.ign.com/email.html)
(http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/imgs_1.html)
January 29, 2010 - The Mortal Kombat (http://cheats.ign.com/objects/008/008097.html) franchise has a rocky history when it comes to Hollywood. The first MK film is one of the few videogame adaptations to actually strike a chord with moviegoers. The sequel, however, is decried as one of the worst movies ever made. It's been awhile since Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873720.html) stumbled into theaters, and finally the franchise is going to get another chance at glory.
It was recently announced that Mortal Kombat (http://pc.ign.com/objects/008/008037.html) will be receiving the reboot treatment. Given that Hollywood still can't seem to wrap its collective head around videogame projects, we feel it's time we offered a few suggestions for ways to improve the series. If the new MK film can follow thee guidelines, we should hopefully be able to avoid a repeat of Annihilation.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040116274.jpg
Compared to current movie production values, the first Mortal Kombat (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873719.html) looked like it was shot on the SyFy Channel's backlot. And in 1995, the only CG special effects they had were Raptors and the watery gateway from Stargate, the latter of which MK uses for, well, everything in Outworld.
Now, thanks to the wonderful world of present day, more money can be poured into the production to give us a scale that is, at the very least, on par with Doom's studio budget, but hopefully 70% less sucky.
A bigger budget equals bigger Kombat arenas, which means no more Liu Kang (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14244914.html) vs. some guy from Only the Strong, next door to Jeff Probst's tribal council. The arenas should also represent some of the fan favorites (Bridge over the spike pit, please) and should allow for as dynamic a fight as possible. How cool would a fatality-ending brawl be if it happened in the coolest ring the games ever had, all in one take, with Matrix-esque sensibilities now?
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041306302-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503261.html)Impalements are also a must.
And as for the special effects, we think even the movie's die-hard fans would agree that Goro needs an upgrade. Full photo-realistic CG, please. That way, we can actually get a Fatality worthy of the four-armed brute, and not just a shoulder punch to Cage's friend.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040123352.jpg
No more Highlanders for the new MK movie. Maybe even cast some real martial artists to make the fighting more real and visceral, as the first movie is quite guilty of cutting away from the action on key hits, in favor of random close-ups of Liu Kang kung fu yelling into camera.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041303959-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503263.html)Raiden performs LASIK on himself.
And if the film can get some "big name" stars in the roles of Johnny Cage (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245577.html), Raiden (Chow Yung-Fat FTW!) and Shang Tsung (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245308.html), all the better. We suggest casting a relative unknown as Liu Kang, as most of our proposed story hinges on him being in nearly every scene. If the actors can participate in as many of the fights as possible, then that would lend the reboot a better chance at connecting with its audience through the action set-pieces, which will no doubt be wall-to-wall in the reboot. Even the first movie gave a lot of the actors a chance to show off their moves.
If anyone from the first MK opus should return, or provide a bridge between film series, we suggest Bridgette Wilson. Mrs. Pete Sampras hasn't done a whole lot of anything movie-wise. So if she can get some time off from her job at Pinkberry, we hope the script can afford her a cameo.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040123930.jpg
You want to know one thing that bugged us about the Mortal Kombat (http://movies.ign.com/objects/873/873719.html) movies? Well, clearly there were many things, but it was frustrating that the movies so rarely relied on the iconic moves and fatalities of the characters seen in the games. Other than Johnny Cage's Split Punch and the occasional blast of ice from Sub-Zero, there isn't much in the fighting style of the movies that evokes the games. (But we do give credit for featuring Liu Kang's first horizontal bicycle kick attack in the first movie.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041307568-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503267.html)"Give us a kiss!!!"
That needs to change this time around. We want Liu Kang (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14244914.html) to unleash his full arsenal – flying jump kicks, bicycle kicks and even a few fireballs for good measure. When it comes to Scorpion, we don't want to see his signature harpoon turn into a bird-like monster that lives inside his hand. We merely want to see him impale an enemy, scream "Get over here!", and go to town on their vital organs. Is that too much to ask?
Conversely, we'd like to see the fighting take on a more brutal and violent tone. Mortal Kombat shouldn't be full of characters who look more like actors sparring than real fighters. We want every burst blood vessel and broken bone to be seen, felt and heard on-screen. If that requires the movie be given an R-rating, then so be it. When a franchise prides itself on excessive violence like Mortal Kombat does, there's no point in cutting corners for the movie.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041308959-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503271.html)A man wearing a Goro skin suit is not Goro.
The movie, ultimately, will live and die by the fight choreography. Bring in Yuen Woo Ping and his unique brand of Wire-Fu, but also bring in some blunt-force action, a la the fighting style of the Bourne films. The more the film can present the fighters' unique fisticuff styles, the more variety the combat will have, and the happier audiences will be. (Basically, watch the leaked Tekken trailer online, share the laugh with your colleagues, and do the exact opposite of that.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040125086.jpg
Arguably, the best thing Paul Anderson's MK had going for it was it's "In" to the story; how we managed to kinda sorta buy Liu Kang and Johnny Cage's reasons for answering Tsung's e-vite to Outworld's Octagon.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041310271-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503269.html)Liu Kang's Pantene Pro-V hair has gots to stay.
We suggest taking a similar approach, and keep Liu Kang as our main protagonist. In fact, we pick up with him like we find Wolverine in the first X-Men movie – fighting for money and purpose. Swap out a bar in Canada for a makeshift fight club, though, as our world is populated with young Turks and quick kicks who have heard of the infamous Outworld tournament, and thus participate in fight clubs around the world to prove themselves worthy of participation in it.
Liu Kang's brother (or maybe his lover) lost their lives in the tournament, and Kang lives the rest of his days introducing opponents to a permanent state of FUBAR. Along comes Shang Tsung's Mystique-like emissary to make Kang an offer he can't refuse – to fight in Outworld for revenge, for meaning – and cue the techno "Mortal Kombaaaaaaat!" music.
Follow a similar recruitment process for Johnny Cage (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245577.html), Ms. Blade and the rest of our heroes. Or maybe Raiden sets out to assemble an army of Kombatants to take down Shang Tsung (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245308.html).
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129041305084-000.jpg (http://media.movies.ign.com/media/763/763759/img_7503265.html)Just over Liu Kang's shoulder is the Flight 815 survivors' camp.
Another possible take could be to follow a plot similar to the MK game Shaolin Monks, and have Liu Kang and Kung Lao (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245596.html) take point as they head off to Shang Tsung's Academy for Soul Swallowing. The core purpose for all of this would be to showcase the world and why these people fight in the first place. (And yes, kids, there will be plenty of opportunity for Sub Zero, Scorpion and Goro to deliver some hurt.)
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040124461.jpg
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040119352.jpg
Liu Kang: It doesn't matter which MK fighter of the 2700 available you prefer. Liu Kang will always be the main hero of the franchise. Especially since this new movie is going to be a reboot, Liu Kang's presence is absolutely mandatory. The other fighters may be there for their own personal reasons, but Liu is the one with the strength of character and the fighting skills to actually win the day and topple Shang Tsung. The alternative is one really depressing ending for our heroes.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040118992.jpg
Kung Lao: One of the disappointing aspects of the movies is that Kung Lao's role was greatly downplayed. The character died within the first moments of the original film, with his death serving as Liu Kang's motivation for entering the tournament. This time, we'd like to see Kung Lao actually join his brother in kombat. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks proves the franchise is often at its best when these two join forces.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040115633.jpg
Sonya Blade (http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14245188.html): Sonya Blade needs to be present, if for no other reason than we don't want the next MK movie to be a total sausage-fest. But that's hardly the only reason. Sonya provides a nice no-nonsense attitude to complement her good looks. If Sonya defines what it means to "fight like a girl", then we consider that a very high complement.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040111602.jpg
Scorpion: What is Mortal Kombat known for if not its plethora of multicolored ninjas? And which of these ninjas is more beloved than the demonic Scorpion? Forget Liu Kang, we bet fans would be lining up with torches and pitchforks if Scorpion didn't make the cut. With his memorable moves, tragic backstory, and his rivalry with Sub-Zero, Scorpion is the complete package.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040116914.jpg
Sub-Zero: You can't have Scorpion without Sub-Zero. It's a law of nature. Check your physics textbook. These two ninjas are as inseparable as Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow, and their rivalry is at least as heated. The first MK movie failed by not pitting these two against one another in any significant way. This time, we expect Sub-Zero to unleash the full force of his icy powers against Scorpion.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040122820.jpg
Johnny Cage: Every movie needs a dose of comedic relief. That's where Johnny Cage comes in. This world-famous actor also happens to be an accomplished fighter with an impressive repertoire of moves. He's self-confident and full of swagger. And he's also not afraid to bust out a Shadow Kick when appropriate. Just in case the next movie is in danger of taking itself too seriously, Johnny Cage will be there to save the day.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040120445.jpg
Raiden: Mortal Kombat is full of heroes who get way in over their heads. That's where Raiden comes in. This Elder God controls the power of lightning and manipulates humans like pawns on a chessboard. But unlike many of his brethren, Raiden generally has Earth's best interests in mind. MK has many gods from otherworldly realms. For now, however, we think the franchise should stick to Raiden and slowly work its way up the ladder.
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/106/1065271/rebooting-the-mortal-kombat-franchise-20100129040113696.jpg
Shang Tsung: Shang Tsung may not be the biggest bad guy in the Mortal Kombat ranks, but he's still one of the most popular. It would just be wrong to reboot the franchise and not have Shang Tsung waiting in the wings. This master warrior and devourer of souls has made many enemies over the years, and any MK saga must begin with the story of how Earth's greatest topple this tyrant.
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Goro: Where Shang Tsung wanders, Goro looms behind him. This hulking beast is Tsung's bodyguard and the ultimate MK champion. Colorful ninjas and escaped convicts are one thing, but sometimes we need our MK fighters to clash with something truly out of this world. With today's CG technology, we can finally get the epic Goro fight scene we've been waiting to see.
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Reptile: At some point the franchise went a little overboard with palette-swapped ninja characters. Does anyone actually play as Ermac? But Reptile came in before the trend got old. This green ninja may look human, but underneath he's cold-blooded and ruthless. The battle between Liu Kang and Reptile is still one of our favorite scenes in the first movie. Fifteen years later we expect even more from this scaly villain.
I do not agree with this
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I thought he did a good job on the movie, and would like to see him come back as Raiden.