Review of 'Street Fighter': A High-Octane, Engaging Reboot with One Standout Performance That Will Delight Fans Hoping to Revive the '90s Experience

Following various attempts to bring the Mortal Kombat franchise to the big screen, including one earlier this year, another classic from the golden age of video games has found new fans among generations who weren't even born when the iconic Street Fighter was played.

With various attempts to breathe cinematic life into the Mortal Kombat franchise, including one earlier this year, another oldie but goodie from the classic video game's heyday is attracting new generations of fans who weren't even born when the iconic Street Fighter game debuted in 1987.

In addition to the various animated and television series, there have been several attempts at the big show, most notably in 1994 with Jean-Claude Van Damme's Street Fighter, which was a box office success. However the 2009 effort, Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li was a dismal failure. Now, in partnership with Legendary and game developer Capcom, we have a new and perhaps the most complex launch yet. Whether anyone asked for it is another question. RELATED NEWS 'Street Fighter' With $70M Global Opening And 'Demons' Are First Paramount, Warner Bros. Pictures To Open After Merger - Video Game Preview Noah Centineo Credits 'Street Fighter' Credits 'Street Fighter' Stunt Coordinator Brings Game's 'Special Fighting Style' to Show:

With supporting roles for bigger names like Jason Momoa and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, and sweet nostalgia at the heart of Street Fighter's golden era of the early '90s, director and co-writer Kitao Sakurai has ensured that there's a certain quality. 1993, the year it takes place. Everything here is action, acting, visuals, stunts, and even in a nod to its cousins, the hand-drawn animation that opens the film and reappears in flashbacks to tell the origin story of its two main protagonists, Ryu and Ken Masters, and their Miyagi-like mentor, Master Goken, who speaks throughout his words of wisdom. Watch on Deadline

The main event is World Warrior Tournament II and it's loaded with a "Who's who gonna kill you" lead by loud M.C. Doc Sauvage (the very loud Eric Andre). We finally meet the stoic and confident Balrog of the deadly boxer 50 Cent. the Dutch giant and the wrecking crew of a Zangif man (Olivier Richter); yoga style martial artist Dhalsim (Vidyut Jammwal); Gil in platinum blonde finish (Cody Rhodes WWE); Momoa's electrifying fan Blanca, who is an electrifying fan. Imposed Akuma (WWE's Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoi); And then more and then flood the danger zone with Bison colleagues, including the masked horror Vega (Orville Peck). and fellow female warriors Julie (martial arts star Raina Vallandingham) and Cami aka Killer Bee (Mel Jarnson).

Both main stars do well and are convincing fighters, especially Koji who actually manages some levels of depth for Ryu. For some comic relief, Ken's fun-loving manager Dan Hibiki (sharp-witted comedian Andrew Schulz) adds a much-needed dose of anti-testosterone in the man who has a sweet relationship with the insecure Ken. The real star here might be stunt choreographer Jon Valera, who gets to show his stuff, especially in a free-for-all burlesque where just about everyone makes an appearance — or so it seems. Impressive moves aside, this whole enterprise feels more like a comic book movie than a martial arts exhibition. Its PG13 rating tells us there won't be as much action and fighting as John Wick, so you better love the simpler times. It's all very safe and honest, which core Street Fighter fans, many of whom are now eligible for AARP, will probably appreciate more than anyone else.

Producers are Mary Parent, Kyle Boiter, Momoa, Stephen Makholl and Takayuki Nakayama.

Title: Street Fighter Distributor: Paramount Release Date: October 16, 2026 Director: Kitao Sakurai Screenwriters: Dalan Musson, Gary Duaberman, T. J. Fixman, and Kitao Sakurai Starring: Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jackson Olachents, Callina Oliangentier Peck, Eric Andre, Andrew Schulz, Raina Vallandingham, Cody Rhodes, Joe Roman Reigns, David Desmalchian, Video Jamwal, Jason Momoa, Mel Jarnson, Hiroki Goto, Alexander Volkanovsky. Rating: PG13 Duration: 1 hour and 59 minutes

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