Dive into the arcade-to-cinema transition with the "How Did This Get Made?" podcast, where hosts Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael, along with guest Cameron Esposito, examine the 1995 box office sensation, "Mortal Kombat." This episode delves into the movie's surprising commercial triumph, as it punched its way to $23 million on its debut weekend, securing its title as a widely-received theatrical success. The episode unpacks the film's early adoption of CGI and practical effects that brought iconic characters like Goro and Reptile to life, despite technological limitations of the era.
As the hosts and advert segment explore the world of "Mortal Kombat," they dissect its characters and the high-stakes plot centered around a mystical tournament of earth warriors versus otherworldly brawlers. The panel discusses how the movie honored its video game roots, featuring key characters and special moves, while also acknowledging deviations from the source material. Amazon fan reviews are highlighted, underscoring the enduring love and nostalgia for the film's action-packed combat and cultural significance, which to this day resonates with the generation that grew up with "Mortal Kombat" both as a game and a groundbreaking cinematic adventure.
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The "Mortal Kombat" movie, released in 1995, was a box office hit, grossing $23 million on its opening weekend and achieving a worldwide gross of $122 million. It swiftly rose to become the top movie in theaters, indicating a strong audience reception that led to its commercial success.
The film utilized early CGI technology for characters like Goro and Reptile, pushing the boundaries of the era's visual effects. Goro, in particular, was a mix of CGI, practical effects, and possibly reused props from the Ninja Turtles movies. The costumes, although limited by technology at the time, combined animatronics and simpler designs that sometimes showed connected limbs moving together, such as Goro's arms.
The storyline follows a mystical tournament that pitches humans against magical creatures in a battle of good versus evil, though it leaves some structural details unclear. Central characters include Johnny Cage, a film star proving his martial arts prowess; Sonya Blade, a soldier avenging her partner's death; and Liu Kang, facing personal demons in the form of Shang Tsung, the soul-consuming sorcerer. Villains like Shang Tsung, and the formidable Goro, are key opponents in the tournament narrative.
The movie takes inspiration from the Mortal Kombat video game series, translating its core premise to the big screen. Recognizable characters and special moves from the game, including Lord Raiden's lightning abilities and Johnny Cage's signature groin punch, are featured. Though there are similarities and homages to the game, the portrayal of certain elements, including the effectiveness of special moves and iconic catchphrases, differs between the mediums, with no in-depth critical reception comparison provided.
Amazon reviewers celebrate "Mortal Kombat" with nostalgia and affection, offering high praise for its blend of action, humor, and impact on their personal passion for martial arts. They honor the movie for its fight sequences, character portrayal, and the successful transition of elements from the video game. Despite potential criticisms from newer audiences, the film maintains a cherished place in the hearts of its original fans, who hold it in high esteem as part of their childhood memories.
1-Page Summary
The 1995 release of the movie "Mortal Kombat" emerged as a significant success in the box office.
While specific critical reviews have not been provided, the success metrics speak for themselves. The film saw an impressive opening weekend, grossing $23 million, and went on to secure a substantial worldwide gross of $122 million. Its performance wa ...
Mortal Kombat movie release and success
The Mortal Kombat movie stands as an example of the burgeoning era of CGI in cinema, where the technology was nascent and the integration of actors' performance with CGI was still a developing craft.
The movie deployed early CGI techniques that shaped characters like Goro and Reptile. Due to the infancy of the technology, actors' reactions to CGI characters did not always convincingly match the ensuing effects on screen. A CGI character resembling a little lizard, for instance, is animated from a statue, indicating the use of CGI to bring non-human characters to life.
Goro, a central CGI character, is introduced in a complex blend of effects, combining close-up shots of an arm, possible techniques where one person stood on another's shoulders, and perhaps even the use of claymation or miniatures to bring the multi-armed fighter to the screen. The podcast hosts also contemplate the possib ...
Special effects and costumes used in the Mortal Kombat movie
The Mortal Kombat movie is an action-packed adventure that delves into a mystical tournament of battles between mortals and magical creatures, pitting good against evil in a somewhat unclear progression.
The tournament is central to the storyline, but details like how the tournament is structured, who progresses, and exactly why remain ambiguous. There isn't a clear visual representation such as a bracket to track the progress of the characters through the tournament stages.
The heroes of the story are introduced as distinctive figures, each with their own backstory and motivations.
Johnny Cage, an actor disgruntled by tabloid accusations of being a fake martial artist, joins the tournament to prove his fighting skills are legitimate. His character brings both determination and humor to the film, illustrated in a scene where he fights and humorously punches the towering Goro in the groin.
Sonya Blade is a dedicated and fiercely motivated soldier from Earth Realm's Special Forces unit known as the Outer World Investigation Agency (OIA). Her pursuit within the tournament is driven by her official duties and a personal vendetta to avenge her partner's death at the hands of Kano, infusing her character with a deep-seated need for revenge.
Princess Kitana and Liu Kang are also mentioned as part of the heroic group, with Liu Kang's exact occupation playfully left ...
Characters and plot of the Mortal Kombat movie
The recent Mortal Kombat movie shares its roots with the iconic video game series, with fans and critics noting various similarities and differences.
Cameron Esposito and Raphael discuss the parallels between the Mortal Kombat movie and the video game, focusing particularly on how the movie brings the game's world to the silver screen. They note that the movie draws from the game's basic premise, which pits mortals against creatures with magical powers in a high-stakes battle. Esposito highlights a nod to the video game's fans with the inclusion of familiar sounds from the game when the character Reptile appears.
The movie features several characters and special moves that fans recognize from the game. Lord Raiden, notable for shooting lightning lasers in the video game, is mentioned. There's a discussion about whether his portrayal in the movie is true to the game, focusing on elements such as his special moves, appearance, hairline, and iconic hat.
Moreover, Johnny Cage's infamous punch on Goro is an example of how special moves from the video game are portrayed in the film. Another comparison is drawn with Liu Kang's signature move from the video game, ...
Relation of the movie to the Mortal Kombat video game
Amazon reviewers are showcasing their adoration for the "Mortal Kombat" movie, highlighting various elements that resonate with them on a personal and nostalgic level.
One reviewer, Laura S., proclaims "Mortal Kombat" as their cherished childhood movie. They applaud the film for its combination of captivating fights and comedic dialogue, which sparked their interest in wisdom, appeals to good looks, and martial arts. Another enthusiastic reviewer hails it as "One of the best video game movies ever made," rooted in nostalgic appreciation for iconic elements such as Scorpion's grappling hook and his fire-breathing skull. They recognize that new audiences may view the film as cheesy, yet confidently give it a 5-star recommendation.
Additionally, the authenticity of the acting, the compelling narrative, and the impressive special effects receive commendation in another review, where a scene involving Sonya's confrontation with Kano is specially mentioned. This reviewer is struck by not only the action but also comments on Sonya's appearance, recognizing the film's impact on viewers.
The hosts of the podcast echo these sentiments as they read several 5-star A ...
Reviews praising the movie
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