Legendary Pictures and Capcom's new live-action Street Fighter movie defies simple categorization, existing simultaneously as a "so bad it's good" parody and a "so bad it's bad" baffling misfire. The film is a tonal whirlwind, managing to be both an incomprehensible parody of Capcom's fighting games and a bafflingly incoherent narrative. These disparate elements are tenuously held together by well-choreographed fights and the cast's commitment to delivering even the most absurd lines with unwavering seriousness.
At its core, the movie centers on the strained rivalry between Ken and Ryu, whose friendship has devolved into deep-seated jealousy. They are reunited at the World Warrior tournament, a front for M. Bison's plan to absorb Ryu's powers. Chun-Li operates as a double agent with her own agenda, while numerous other franchise mainstays appear in supporting roles. Cody Rhodes shines as Guile, delivering a memorable performance, and Jason Momoa's portrayal of Blanka is noted for its commitment, standing in stark contrast to his role in the recent Minecraft movie.
The film's comedic attempts range from genuinely funny to dated and groan-inducing. It frequently veers into homoerotic territory, juxtaposed with questionable jokes. This tonal inconsistency contributes to the movie's trainwreck quality, with nearly every element existing solely for its own sake, drenched in a self-aware irony that permeates the writing and music choices, evoking '90s nostalgia.
Even serious characters are subjected to this treatment. M. Bison, the psycho-powered tyrant, is depicted with a potential foot fetish, and actor David Dastmalchian's performance involves frequent eye-rolling. The movie also features surprisingly explicit depictions of climax.
Despite its incoherence, the film is oddly constructed. Its two-hour runtime feels bloated, with frequent, often disconnected flashbacks between plot threads. The editing is frequently confusing, such as obscuring dialogue only to reveal it later without clear benefit. A significant criticism is the underutilization of the larger cast. The revelation that Guile and Vega fought off-screen before the tournament began highlights missed opportunities for actual combat sequences.
While the fights that are included are well-choreographed and feature signature moves, characters like Zangief and Guile are relegated to a group bar brawl rather than a proper ring match. Fans hoping to see every fighter showcase their entire move set will likely be disappointed.
Ultimately, Street Fighter succeeds as a group watch due to its relentless devotion to its own bizarre premise. Unlike other bad fighting game adaptations where audiences mock the film, viewers of Street Fighter can emerge from the experience with a shared appreciation for its unique blend of "sauce and horseshit."