Maybe rather than trying to stumble upon the secret formula for a successful game-to-film adaptation, it should be agreed that the answer remains “don’t”. MORTAL KOMBAT looks visually impressive for the most part, and fans of the games will doubtless spot plenty of pleasing references to characters and mythology. The infamously gory fatality finishing moves have survived transfer to the screen intact (unlike the targets of these splattery killing blows) and the film at least has a rather wonderful opening action sequence. Unfortunately every character is just there, waiting their turn to do or say what MK every fan expects them to do or say, and the much built-up dimension-straddling fighting tournament that is supposedly the reason for all the plot gubbins happening never actually takes place in this movie. Save something for the sequel, sure, but maybe don’t hold out on the combat of Mortal Kombat, especially when this is far from a sure franchise-starter. SSP