Stephen Thompson

The ultra-violent video game franchise Mortal Kombat has spun off into movies, comic books, a TV show, and more.

Now the latest sequel brings back more of the unforgettable characters you might have grown up eviscerating.

I'm Stephen Thompson.

Joining me today on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour is Jordan Morris.

He's a podcaster and co-writer of the Marvel Comics series The Amazing Spider-Man Spider-Versity.

Hey, Jordan.

If anyone really starts to lose an argument in this conversation, I will, as host, be obligated to yell, finish him.

Also with us is Ronald Young Jr.

He's the host of the film and television review podcast, Leaving the Theater.

Hey, Ronald.

Hello, Stephen.

I'm normal.

So trying to summarize a movie like Mortal Kombat 2 can take you in some very different directions.

You could go on and on about the lore of the Outworld and the Earthrealm and the epic battles that determine who might rule various realms, which doesn't even begin to touch on the various fighters and their backstories and fighting styles.

But you could also sum up Mortal Kombat 2 in like three words.

There is fighting.

Because there is fighting.

On top of fighting.

On top of fighting with finishing moves that evoke memories of the Final Destination movies.

The stakes for all of this very bloody fighting are extremely high.