I haven’t written much about “Mortal Kombat 2” because, quite frankly — why? I sense very little interest for it over here.
Let’s be honest: the bar for these films is not high. The first “Mortal Kombat” (2021) wasn’t exactly a critical darling — it got middling reviews at best — but it still managed $83 million globally during a rough box office year and picked up a decent following on streaming. That was, of course, enough to justify a sequel, which in Hollywood is really all that matters.
It all seems to have worked out just fine. Current projections have “Mortal Kombat 2” opening with a $40 million domestic debut and roughly $80 million worldwide. The review embargo lifted yesterday, and reviews are slightly better than the original’s: 49 on Metacritic and 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Yet here you have producer Todd Garner still peeved by some of the reviews. Posting on X, Garner wrote: “Some of these reviews are cracking me up. It’s clear they have never played the game and have no idea what the fans want or ANY of the rules/canon of Mortal Kombat.”
He also mocked one complaint in particular, adding: “One reviewer was mad that a guy ‘had a laser eye!’ Why the fuck do we still allow people that don’t have any love for the genre review these movies! Baffling.”
Garner doubled down in replies to fans, repeatedly insisting the sequel was “made for the fans” rather than critics. Responding to another comment, he defended the movie’s approach by saying: “It’s called Mortal Kombat 2 for a reason…”
Even with the backlash from some reviewers, fans pointed out that the reception overall has been far more positive than the 2021 film, citing that very generous 71% RT score.
Dude, just take the W.