The first reactions to director Kitao Sakurai‘s Street Fighter movie are here, and it looks like this video game adaptation is going to divide audiences.
Some critics are having an absolute blast with its ridiculous action, colorful characters, and nostalgic humor, while others think the movie struggles to deliver a satisfying story.
Following its world premiere in Los Angeles, early reviews have started making their way online, and the response is all over the place. Depending on who you ask, Street Fighter is either a wildly entertaining throwback to ’90s action movies or a missed opportunity that can’t quite figure out what it wants to be.
One of the more enthusiastic reactions comes from critic Maude Garrett, who was particularly impressed by how much love the movie shows for Capcom’s legendary fighting game franchise.
She wrote, “I am a grown-ass woman and when I tell you I got legit GOOSEBUMPS from watching Street Fighter – the way they honour the characters’ fighting moves and had over 100 Easter eggs as a nod to those who grew up playing it and beyond made me smile.”
That’s certainly encouraging for longtime fans who want to see their favorite characters and signature moves brought to life on the big screen.
However, Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky wasn’t nearly as impressed, saying the movie “ultimately falls flat.” She explained, “The cast does what they can with the (not great) dialogue but they look amazing! The jokes rarely land & it feels like half a movie.”
It’s a pretty harsh assessment, especially for a movie that appears to be leaning heavily into comedy and outrageous action.
On the more positive side, Brandon Davis enjoyed the film’s old-school approach, writing, “It’s a 90s throwback with visual nostalgia but also in its humor and selling of a hot cast,” ultimately describing it as “a silly, fun, and fearless good time.”
That sounds like exactly the kind of movie some Street Fighter fans are hoping for. Something that embraces the franchise’s ridiculous nature instead of trying to turn it into a serious action drama.
AxelTalksFilm, however, felt the movie had the ingredients for something better but couldn’t quite bring them together. While acknowledging that “there’s a lot to like” when it comes to the performances and action, the critic added, “Overall it’s an underbaked premise, and it’s irritating because it’s all there, there’s genuinely an interesting hook.”
Meanwhile, Chris Killian seemed to appreciate the movie’s willingness to have fun with the absurdity of its characters and action.
He wrote, “Street Fighter is like Bloodsport on horse steroids… It’s also funny in a way that both homages the ridiculousness of 80s action movies while poking fun at the toxic machismo those same movies helped inspire.”
Another mixed reaction came from Christopher Rates It, who felt the movie struggled to find its footing. “It feels like the movie doesn’t know what direction it fully wants to take.”
Despite that criticism, there was still plenty to enjoy. He added: “The film isn’t without its problems, but the combination of animated sequences, kick-ass fight sequences and a cast that are having a blast makes it a fun, silly viewing experience that still manages to honour the franchise.”
So, even some of the more critical reactions acknowledge that there’s entertainment to be found in Sakurai’s adaptation.
Look, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into when it comes to the Street Fighter movie. I’m not expecting a prestige film here, I’m expecting to have a fun time watching a ridiculous movie, and there’s no way it can be any worse than the original Street Fighter movie!
I don’t need a Street Fighter movie to reinvent the action genre. Give me some awesome fights, absurd characters, their signature fight moves, and a movie that knows how ridiculous this whole thing is. I’m sure there’s somewhat of decent story holding it together.
As for the story, Street Fighter follows Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), who find themselves pulled back into the world of competitive fighting when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament.
Of course, there’s more going on than a bunch of fighters beating the crap out of each other. A deadly conspiracy threatens to complicate things as the warriors face dangers outside the tournament.
The movie also features a pretty wild ensemble cast, including David Dastmalchian, 50 Cent, Andrew Schulz, Eric André as Don Sauvage, Jason Momoa, and WWE stars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.
Street Fighter hits theaters on October 16.
