Geeks + Gamers Gives The Most Ridiculous Take Yet

Overview

Mike Hollow disputes a Geeks + Gamers article that calls Mortal Kombat II a “girl-boss bait and switch.” He argues that the article relies more on culture-war framing than on familiarity with the games or the film.

Hollow’s Main Arguments

• Liu Kang and Johnny Cage: Liu Kang has not been the central protagonist in every Mortal Kombat installment. Johnny Cage has also often been played for laughs or sidelined, including in the 1995 film, so their treatment in the new movie is not unprecedented.
• Kitana and Raiden: Kitana is an established, powerful character who has faced and defeated Shao Kahn in the games. Hollow argues that giving her a major role does not, by itself, mean the film is replacing male heroes. He also notes that gods in the series have been vulnerable, so Raiden being injured is not necessarily inconsistent with the lore.
• Jade: Hollow considers Jade’s bald design an odd adaptation choice, but ultimately inconsequential to her characterization or the movie. He rejects the article’s description of her as emotionally closed off and reads her closeness to Kitana as friendship, not evidence of a new romantic storyline. He also objects to the article focusing on the actress’s online activity rather than her performance.
• The film and its criticism: Hollow praises the fight scenes, pacing, and fan-oriented approach, while questioning a plot point involving tournament rules and a character’s apparent invulnerability. He disputes podcast comments that the film fails to explain why characters are present, saying it does provide that context.

Hollow personally still prefers the 1995 film. However, he criticizes reviewers who, in his view, make confident claims about the story without understanding the games. He concludes that culture-war commentary on the film is misleading on both sides and that criticism should be grounded in the source material.

Presenters and Contributors

• Mike Hollow: Presenter.
• Marvin Montinaro: Author of the article discussed.
• Jeremy: Geeks + Gamers figure referenced; not identified as the article’s author.
• Other speakers: Not named.