The short version
- The new Street Fighter film is criticized for being an 'incoherent mess' that prioritizes nostalgia and character cameos over a cohesive storyline.
- While some performances, including Callina Liang as Chun-Li and Cody Rhodes as Guile, are praised, the overall plot is deemed weak.
- The movie features heavy 1990s pop culture references and anime-style sequences but fails to improve upon recent fighting game adaptations.
The latest big-screen adaptation of the classic video game 'Street Fighter' has arrived, bringing with it a wave of mixed-to-negative critical reception. Critics describe the film as a garish and incoherent mess that relies heavily on nostalgia rather than narrative substance. While it offers brief moments of entertainment through iconic character appearances and fight choreography, the overall experience is seen as lacking depth and coherence.
The plot is frequently cited as an afterthought, serving merely as a vehicle to connect various tournament-style combat sequences. This structure mirrors recent adaptations like the 'Mortal Kombat' films, which have also been criticized for prioritizing action over storytelling. The new 'Street Fighter' movie does little to break this pattern, leaving viewers with a disjointed narrative that fails to engage beyond surface-level excitement.
Despite the weak storyline, some performances stand out. Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li, delivers a formidable performance characterized by impressive physicality during fight scenes. Her presence adds a level of intensity and command to the film, even if her character is subjected to gratuitous slow-motion sequences that detract from her strength. Liang’s ability to hold her own in action set pieces is one of the few consistent pleasures offered by the movie.
Cody Rhodes, portraying Guile, brings a comedic element to the role with his cartoonish blond wig and energetic delivery. His performance is described as genuinely funny, balancing pleasantries and threats in a way that provides light relief from the film’s heavier moments. Similarly, Vidyut Jammwal, who plays Dhalsim, brings authenticity and hypnotic movement to his brief appearances, showcasing his training in Kalaripayattu.
Andrew Schulz, playing Ken’s manager, also receives praise for his convincing performance. He effectively capitalizes on Ken’s brawn while coddling his wounded ego, adding a layer of complexity to the character dynamics. Noah Centineo, as Ken, is depicted as a self-destructive celebrity party boy with flashy blond curls, fitting into the film’s 1990s setting. His character arc is supported by Schulz’s managerial role, creating a subplot that adds some depth to the otherwise thin narrative.
The film is steeped in 1990s pop culture ephemera, featuring grainy MTV-style video segments and needle drops of hits like MC Hammer’s '2 Legit 2 Quit' and Montell Jordan’s 'This Is How We Do It.' These elements aim to evoke fond memories for fans who grew up with the original games. However, critics argue that this reliance on nostalgia does not compensate for the lack of a compelling story.
Anime flashback sequences are included to enhance the visual style, providing striking imagery that complements the live-action footage. These segments add a layer of artistic flair but do little to address the film’s narrative shortcomings. The combination of live action and animation is visually interesting but ultimately fails to create a cohesive viewing experience.
Fans of the franchise may find satisfaction in the exhaustive rollout of iconic characters and moves, such as E Honda’s hundred-hand slap and Guile’s flash kick. These moments provide dopamine hits for those familiar with the games, ensuring that the core audience is not entirely disappointed. However, for general viewers, the film’s lack of coherence and reliance on fan service may be off-putting.
The 'Street Fighter' movie represents a missed opportunity to elevate the genre of video game adaptations. While recent successes like 'The Last of Us' and 'Fallout' have shown that these stories can be told with depth and nuance, this film falls short of those standards. It crushes hopes for a more thoughtful approach, instead opting for a superficial celebration of nostalgia.
As the film continues to play in theaters, its reception will likely remain divided between fans eager for character cameos and critics seeking narrative integrity. The 'Street Fighter' reboot serves as a reminder that while nostalgia can drive box office numbers, it cannot replace strong storytelling and character development.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Street Fighter review – nostalgia only goes so far in junky fighting game movie
- Variety↗‘Street Fighter’ Review: Video Game Fighter Film Knocks Itself Unconscious
- The New York Times↗‘Street Fighter’ Review: Choose Your Fighter
- Deadline↗'Street Fighter' Review: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji In Movie Reboot
