The latest live-action adaptation of Capcom’s Street Fighter franchise has finally arrived in theaters, but its early critical reception has been divided. While some reviewers have praised the movie’s humor and over-the-top style, others have criticized its story, frantic direction, and underwhelming fight sequences.
Set in 1993, the film follows Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), two estranged fighters who return to the world of combat after Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament. However, the pair soon find themselves caught up in a dangerous scheme orchestrated by the villainous M. Bison (David Dastmalchian).
Kitao Sakurai directed the movie. The ensemble cast also includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, Joe Anoa’i as Akuma, and Cody Rhodes as Guile.
Based on its first 55 reviews, Street Fighter currently holds a 44% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences have been considerably more enthusiastic, giving the film an 81% rating. Its current score on Metacritic stands at 44 out of 100.
Several negative reviews have pointed to the movie’s disjointed narrative and chaotic presentation. Variety critic Siddhant Adlakha summed up his reaction by writing: «After a strong start, Kitao Sakurai’s Capcom adaptation nosedives into nonsense.»
Kevin Maher of The Times was similarly unimpressed with the direction and action, stating: «The direction from Kitao Sakurai is frenetic and meaningless, and the fight scenes are bafflingly dull»
Not every critic dismissed the adaptation, however. William Bibbiani of TheWrap praised the filmmaker’s enthusiasm, writing: «Kitao Sakurai’s raw enthusiasm for making this goofy-ass action movie is infectious. I’m not sure Street Fighter meets any conventional standard of quality, but it’s undeniably its own thing.»
Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence also found things to appreciate, describing the movie at its best as «a deranged live-action cartoon», while acknowledging that its filmmaking shortcomings remain difficult to ignore.
Overall, the new Street Fighter movie has yet to win over critics, with its unconventional humor and chaotic approach proving divisive. However, its much stronger audience score suggests that longtime fans may find more to enjoy than professional reviewers, despite the film’s shortcomings in storytelling and direction.
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