“Mortal Kombat II,” starring Karl Urban, as Johnny Cage, is an actioner with enough fun elements to keep willing spectators interested. (photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

As a sequel, “Mortal Kombat II” betrays all the character development of its predecessor. As an adaptation of the video game franchise, it’s much more faithful to both the lore and the most beloved characters, who are now in more prominent roles.

Seriously, this one is a big middle finger to any fans of the 2021 film. The plot does so many returning characters dirty, with the exception of Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), because that casting is fire. Anyone who doesn’t breathe fire or yell, “Get over here,” is up for grabs.

Instead, we follow a small group of new faces. First, meet Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and her steel blades. She serves Emperor Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), who slayed her father, ruler of a realm called Edenia. Her allegiance will soon be tested, even that of her bodyguard and best friend Jade (Tati Gabrielle), who still reports to the leader of Outworld.

Outworld, under the emperor’s rule, seeks to conquer Earthrealm once more, so five champions must respond. Four familiar faces return: Sonya (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and original character Cole Young (Lewis Tan), no longer in a leading role. Slight hiccup.

The fifth fighter wants nothing to do with the tournament. Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) was once a renowned martial artist before seeking out Hollywood fame as an action film star, which allows a menu of references to other franchises and action flicks. But that was a long time ago. Now, he’s in the twilight of his career until he’s spirited away to fight for all humankind, whether he wants to or not.

If you need a recap on how the rules work, this sequel doesn’t care. Earthrealm must win against the Outworld because the ominous Elder Gods demand it so, and Johnny and Kitana find themselves as unlikely leaders in this classic battle between good and evil.

Remember the simplicity of the old “Mortal Kombat” arcade games? Choose your fighter, play until, a touch of blood spatter, “finish him/her,” fatality. The 1995 film captured some of the game series’ thrills and laced the entire experience with campy elements to shield the film from criticism. Then things would reach a franchise low. The 2021 return was hardly a win.

“Mortal Kombat II” still sports some ridiculous moments, mostly thanks to depicting Johnny Cage as comic relief, but it also takes fight choreography seriously, rarely slowing down.

To that end, one fight at a time is not enough. With few exceptions, two to three fight sequences occur simultaneously throughout the entire film. It keeps things moving along, raises the intensity level, especially during an extended fight sequence in the third act across realms.

As the rebooted film series prepares for an inevitable third installment – box office depending, of course – the sequel fixes much of what previously went wrong, including weak fight sequences and over-reliance on CGI. Critics dislike this one, but it’s a fandom win. And more than video adaptations like the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” films, this one at least attempts a more complex, compelling story without overly relying on fans to fill in the gaps.

This isn’t a flawless victory, but “Mortal Kombat II” is hardly a dud either. Director Simon McQuoid continues to improve, and, frankly, this is the best video game adaptation on the big screen at the moment. That can all change soon. McQuoid will likely helm something beyond this franchise, and more video game adaptations will hit theaters soon enough.

But for now, “Mortal Kombat II” can enjoy temporary victory as a perfectly acceptable actioner with enough fun elements to keep willing spectators interested.