It’s been decades since Steven E. de Souza’s Street Fighter spilled blood, sweat, and tears in theaters. Still, this weekend, Kitao Sakurai’s version is ready to let it rip, and reactions to the latest live-action adaptation of Capcom’s World Warriors are making the rounds. The new film had its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, California, on Monday, October 12, and the reactions are as hard-hitting as the movie’s eclectic cast.
The World Warriors Return to the Big Screen
“Set in 1993, estranged Street Fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury,” reads the film’s official synopsis. “But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past. And if they don’t, it’s GAME OVER!”
JoBlo Goes to the Street Fighter Premiere
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“Bloodsport on Horse Steroids”: Critics Praise the Over-the-Top Action
As far as I can tell, the reactions to Street Fighter are mostly positive, with some audience members comparing the film to Bloodsport, which is ruffling a few feathers online.
Here’s the reaction from our own Ryan Cultrera, who attended the premiere on our behalf last night. “Perfectly harmless, but perfectly fun. A kind of 90’s throwback movie you’d pick up on a whim at blockbuster on a Friday night and enjoy with your school buddies over a pizza. Tends to fall flat in some areas, some of it feels incomplete and not all the humor lands, but the fights and silliness of its tone balance that out. Overall it doesn’t break the mold, but it’s a fun watch that certainly feels like the game came to life.”
Chris Killian of ComicBook.com said, “#StreetFighter is like Bloodsport on horse steroids, featuring some delightfully over-the-top, explosive action. 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.
Even the flashbacks sprinkled throughout feature some of the most beautiful SF animation you’ll ever see. I can’t imagine anyone making a more faithful, bombastic Street Fighter film. For what it aims to be, I think it’s damn near perfect.”
Meanwhile, Junior Felix of That Hollywood Show thought the movie was awesome, saying, “#Streetfightermovie is a BLAST. It’s campy, hilarious, action-packed, and just plain fun. There’s plenty of great call backs from the OG games. Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji are perfect as Ken & Ryu and understood the assignment. Callina Liang is breathtaking as Chun-Li and steals the film. A stellar 90’s soundtrack and exciting video game action makes this an entertainingly fun popcorn film.”
Daniel Baptista had a lot of fun with the film, saying, “#StreetFighterMovie is PERFECT! Kitao Sakurai delivers a total KNOCKOUT from start to finish and the most fun you’ll have at the movies this year. It’s nonstop, hilarious, and you feel every punch. This is a video game adaptation done right and the biggest surprise of the year.”
Anthony Gagliardi also loved the film, writing, “#StreetFighterMovie is KICK-ASS! It PUNCHES its way into one of the BEST FILMS you’ll see this year. Kitao Sakurai hits the perfect combo of style, energy, and fun. Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji land every move, while Callina Liang is a dream Chun-Li. This is the Street Fighter movie fans have been waiting for. HADOUKEN!”
Elsewhere, Christopher Rates It of Nexus Point News and more said, “#StreetFighter has bold and risky moves that give it the edge to be the best live-action fighting video game adaptation. It feels like the movie doesn’t know what direction it fully wants to take; consequently, those bold, risky moves hurt the film more than they help it.
The characterizations of Cammy, M.Bison, and Guile are unrecognizable as they cater to the film’s chaotic style. The pacing becomes a bit muddled towards the third act, but ultimately the care for the story throughout is there, with its focus on Ryu and Ken as found brothers. 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.”
Not Everyone is Ready to Give It a “Perfect” Score
Unfortunately, Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky felt like Street Fighter doesn’t measure up to its legacy, saying, “Street Fighter has some good elements (2D animation is gorgeous & some entertaining fight sequences) but it ultimately falls flat. 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.
David Dastmalchian & Eric Andre made me laugh the most. They fully commit! Cody Rhodes is fun too, but man I wish we got to see him fight. Lots of Easter Eggs & references for fans… but is that enough?!”
Is Street Fighter the Video Game Adaptation We’ve Been Waiting For?
While there are a few outliers, the vast majority of reactions I’ve seen to Street Fighter have been glowing like a fireball ready to shoot from Ryu’s curled palms. This bodes well for fans of the franchise or those disappointed by the recent Mortal Kombat films. I’m going to see Street Fighter as soon as humanly possible, and can’t wait to see the new cast kick ass, take names, and have fun.
Are you planning to see Street Fighter this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.
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