THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, August 25, 1995                TAG: 9508250051
SECTION: DAILY BREAK              PAGE: E11  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Teenology FILM REVIEW 
SOURCE: BY ALAN CHANG, TEENOLOGY MOVIE CRITIC 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   53 lines

YOU'LL GET YOUR KICKS WITH ``MORTAL KOMBAT''

THE KOMBAT has begun. ``Mortal Kombat,'' which stems from a violent and gory arcade game, has been made into a movie and this week thousands of fans rushed to see the action.

Director Paul Anderson and writer Kevin Droney have preserved the original arcade theme. It's the real thing, but one big difference is that the audience cannot pick up a joy stick and play their favorite characters.

The story is simple. Human warriors from around the world are chosen to compete the 10th and final mortal combat, which would determine the fate of humanity. If they lose, the world will be taken over by evil. If they win, the world will be saved.

Among the warriors are Liu Kang (Robin Shou), who has feared his destiny since his brother was killed by the evil wizard Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa); Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), who is a tough police agent; and Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), a good looking but pompous action film actor.

They are led by Rayden (Christopher Lambert), an immortal lord of lightning. To delight arcade fans, there are appearances by the mystical fighters Sub-Zero, Reptile, Scorpion and the four-armed monster, Shokan Prince Goro.

Although the story is typical and the jokes are dull at times, the martial arts choreography is a real sight. Added to this is the heart-pumping techno music by George S. Clinton and the fascinating special effects. Without these elements, the movie would be just another martial arts film.

People can expect two hours of kicking and punching as the characters compete in matches. But don't look for much arm chopping and beheading. The film was kept to PG-13 to attract a wider audience.

Arcade fans will think this film is paradise. Martial arts fans might also get a kick out of this movie. However, those who do not play or do not like the arcade game will probably find the film's idea and story ridiculous.

If you see ``Mortal Kombat,'' don't treat it too seriously. Watch it as entertainment. MEMO: ``Mortal Kombat'' is rated PG-13.

ILLUSTRATION: NEW LINE CINEMA

Bridgette Wilson fights her nemesis Trevor Goddard in ``Mortal

Kombat,'' a film based on the violent arcade game.

Alan Chang is a rising sen-ior at Kempsville High.

by CNB