One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

112. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020) Directed by Ethan Spaulding

The Movie: Hanzo Hasashi (Patrick Seitz) is the Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu clan in Japan. They are bitter rivals with the Lin Kuei, and their leader Sub-Zero (Steve Blum). Hanzo and his son are ambushed by the Lin Kuei as they are returning home, Hanzo kills them after he learns they have not only slaughtered his whole clan but also his wife, Harumi. Hanzo’s pain has only begun as Sub-Zero appears, and freezes Hanzo. Hanzo watches in horror as Sub-Zero breaks his son’s neck and kills Hanzo by stabbing him in the throat with an icicle.

Flash forward and we join Raiden (Dave B. Mitchell) and Liu Kang (Jordan Rodrigues) as they prepare to wage battle in Mortal Kombat against Shang Tsung (Artt Butler). The Earthrealm warriors must win the tournament or their Realm will fall into the hands of the Outworld. Liu and Raiden are not alone. Joining the fight is Sonya Blade (Jennifer Carpenter) who is in pursuit of Kano (Robin Atkin Downes) and Johnny Cage (Joel McHale) who thinks a movie based on Mortal Kombat can save his fledgling movie career.

In the Netherrealm, Hanzo is being tortured by a demon. Hanzo escapes and tries to free himself from the Netherrealm. It is not that easy, as there are hordes of demons intent on keeping Hanzo in Hell. Hanzo kills the demon torturer, and comes face to face with Quan Chi (Darin De Paul), a sorcerer in the Netherrealm. Quan Chi asks Hanzo to fight for him and steal an amulet belonging to the fallen Elder God Shinnok (Robin Atkins Downes) in the upcoming Mortal Kombat tournament, which happens to have a warrior that Hanzo wants to kill, Sub-Zero. Hanzo agress but changes his name to Scorpion.

Scorpion arrives at Shang Tsung’s Island with nothing but revenge on his mind. Raiden confronts Scorpion, and pleads with the wraith not to take part in Quan Chi’s deal. At the tournament, Johnny Cage, Sonya and Liu Kang witness the arm ripping power of Goro (Kevin Mitchell Richardson), the four-armed Shokkan warrior. The victim, Jax (Ike Amadi), Sonya’s partner. Raiden saves Jax’ life by cauterizing the wound.

Johnny Cage soon learns that Mortal Kombat is for real as he fights off a horde of Tarkatan warriors. Sonya draws and defeats Reptile. Liu Kang draws the princess of Outworld Kitana (Grey DeLisle) and she yields to him ending their match. Kano arrives on the scene and orders his assassins to stop the Earthrealm warriors, but they are no match for Scorpion. Scorpion sets his eyes on Kano, but Sub-Zero arrives. Enraged, Scorpion tackles him and they both fall off a bridge and are impaled. The impaling kills Sub-Zero and Quan Chi appears. Quan Chi tells Scorpion that Sub-Zero was not responsible for the death of his family and clan, he was. Quan Chi disguised himself as Sub-Zero and ordered the Lin Kuei to attack, Sub-Zero was not a part of the attack. Scorpion, now filled with rage, removes himself from the spike and looks to exact his revenge on the sorcerer.

Liu Kang goes to Shang Tsung’s throne room to face Goro in Mortal Kombat. There, Shang Tsung captures Quan Chi, knowing he was after the amulet. Kang fights Goro and is nearly killed. Scorpion intervenes however and kills Goro. Kano meets his end at the hands of Sonya, Johnny Cage and Jax. Trying to maneuver the tournament back into his favor, Shang Tsung orders Scorpion to fight Liu Kang. Scorpion does not and goes after Tsung instead. Shang Tsung fearing the wrath of Scorpion, gives him the amulet and forfeits, giving Liu Kang victory and thus saving Earthrealm. Shang Tsung gives one final warning however, Shao Kahn will take his revenge.

Scorpion turns his attention to Quan Chi and kills him, Scorpion is at peace and joins his family in the afterlife. Raiden tells Liu Kang that the fight is not over, his destiny was not to defeat Shang Tsung, but to defeat the Emperor Shao Kahn.

Why I Love Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020): Mortal Kombat is my favorite video game series. I love the action, I love the gore but the deep story and cool character designs are what set it apart in my mind from other fighting games. From the first arcade game, Scorpion and Sub-Zero intrigued me as well as the rest of the gaming world. The story of a specter returning to earth to fight the man he believed to have killed him makes for a compelling story every time they fight. There is a history there and Mortal Kombat fans embrace that.

By taking the easiest and most accessible story for non-fans to adapt it makes for a compelling 80-minute watch. And for hardcore fans like me that know Mortal Kombat lore inside and out by not adapting the story as I know it kept the movie fresh and entertaining.

The animation is simple and cool, giving way to animate all kinds of crazy martial arts and gore. The voice-work is top notch with Steve Blum as Sub-Zero my favorite.

Scorpion’s Revenge is a great way to introduce newbies to Mortal Kombat and visceral and brutal enough to satisfy hardcore fans like me, it’s a flawless victory.