Phil Roberts 
Street Fighter may struggle to land a knockout with its storytelling, but when it comes to gloriously over-the-top action, it’s a K.O.! This is the adaptation we’ve been waiting for!
Live-action video game adaptations are on a bit of a roll of late. Sonic the Hedgehog is already enjoying a four-film run, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie raked in a ton of box office cash earlier this year, Mortal Kombat delivered a killer sequel, and Zach Cregger served up a masterful Resident Evil adaptation.
Next up is the long-awaited return of the Street Fighter franchise. Backed by the powerful alliance between Capcom and Paramount Pictures, with a superb cast and a visionary director at the helm, this latest challenger has all the makings of an instant classic. But will the stars align to deliver a knockout worthy of the legions of Street Fighter fans? Or should this contender stay down for the count?
REVIEW
Brace yourselves, Street Fighter fans, because Kitao Sakurai’s big-screen adaptation of the legendary video game franchise is a chaotic mixed bag of explosive action, anime-inspired madness, iconic characters, over-the-top combos, and spectacular showdowns that don’t always land. Sakurai’s flair behind the camera has helped create one of the year’s most visually stunning blockbusters. Unfortunately, those jaw-dropping visuals come at the expense of a coherent, well-rounded story. While the film serves up a treasure trove of Easter eggs and action-packed spectacle, it struggles to do justice to its sprawling roster of characters and the actors tasked with bringing them to life.
At times, the screenplay shows flashes of brilliance; at others, it’s downright laughable. Ultimately, the result is a gorgeous-looking film built around the brotherly bond between Ken Masters and Ryu, capturing the spirit of the games in spades. But with so many elements fighting for attention, this is a blockbuster that lacks genuine depth and a clear sense of direction. It may well be the most faithful adaptation of the source material yet, but with a wafer-thin plot, its greatest triumph lies in the pairing of Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji.
ROUND ONE
The studio recently revealed that large portions of the film have been brought to life through stunning anime sequences, drawing inspiration from previous animated outings. These gloriously rendered moments are an absolute treat, providing a striking contrast to the live-action spectacle that follows. The juxtaposition is a joy to watch, adding a distinctive visual flourish to the proceedings.
The jaw-dropping opening sees Ryu battling it out in the Tournament of Champions. But when Ryu’s immense power threatens to unleash an existential threat capable of wiping out everything, the legendary warrior must put his abilities aside to protect the future of our world.
Fast-forward a few years, and a devastating event has torn the brothers apart. Ryu (played by the brilliant Andrew Koji) has vanished, while Ken, brought to life by the ever-impressive Noah Centineo, has become the laughingstock of the fighting community. Stripped of his credibility, Ken spends his days drinking, partying, and avoiding any serious competition. But when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) arrives with an offer of redemption, it’s too good to pass up. Before long, Ken and his manager, Dan Hibiki (Andrew Schulz), are signed up for the tournament, setting the stage for a showdown with Ryu. Unbeknownst to them, however, a sinister force is lurking in the shadows, plotting to claim Ryu’s abilities and bring humanity to its knees.
ROUND TWO
With Ken and Hibiki in tow, Chun-Li sets out to recruit the world’s greatest fighters for the tournament. Before long, the game’s legendary warriors descend on the arena, each determined to claim victory. Among them is a reluctant Ryu, whose mission is far more personal: to reunite with his estranged brother. But with deception lurking around every corner, can Ken and Ryu reconcile their differences before it’s too late? Or will M. Bison (David Dastmalchian) see his sinister plan come to fruition and plunge the world into darkness?
To preserve your viewing pleasure, I’ll refrain from delving any deeper into spoiler territory. As I alluded to earlier, however, this is where the narrative begins to lose its footing. The story quickly descends into a chaotic montage of action set pieces, anime-inspired flashbacks, convoluted subplots, and noisy interludes that feel shoehorned into the gaps between the actual story beats. Throw in some truly cringe-worthy dialogue, dumb machismo, and eye-roll-inducing character traits, and the whole affair starts to feel like a button-mashing exercise rather than a carefully choreographed fight.
KEN MASTERS
Thankfully, the film’s biggest redeeming quality is Noah Centineo’s Ken Masters, who rises above the chaos to become a genuine standout. In a film that often lacks depth and gravitas, Centineo finds the character’s soul and brings it to the screen with infectious energy and conviction. The result is a performance that gives Ken genuine depth, wounded vulnerability, and a personality that resonates beyond his video game origins.
Centineo deserves immense credit for making Ken feel like a fully realized character rather than a caricature plucked straight from the games. It’s the kind of magnetic performance fans will crave, and you can’t help but notice his absence whenever he’s off-screen. In a film struggling to give its sprawling cast room to breathe, Ken Masters emerges as a clear winner, with Centineo’s brilliant performance giving the character arc the payoff it deserves.
RYU & CHUN-LI
Andrew Koji also deserves praise for his portrayal of the reluctant warrior, Ryu. His talent shines through, delivering an engrossing performance that complements the brotherly bond he shares with Centineo’s Ken. Having interviewed the duo, I can attest that their real-life chemistry is infectious, so it’s little surprise that their connection becomes the emotional focal point of their performances.
Their relationship resonates, reminding us of the strength of familial bonds and the strain they can endure over time. It’s refreshing to see two characters working in tandem to mend the deep-seated fractures that have torn them apart, and I applaud Koji and Centineo for the conviction they bring to their roles. Together, they grab the film by the horns and elevate it at every turn. Their relationship is the backbone of the entire production, and without it, the film would struggle to find its footing.
Chun-Li, on the other hand, is criminally underwritten. The fanbase has sexualised the character for decades, and the filmmakers lean far too heavily into that legacy. Beyond a handful of impressive action sequences and heroic battles, Chun-Li is reduced to eye candy for large stretches of the film. From training montages in skimpy underwear to a semi-naked shower scene, the camera repeatedly draws attention to her appearance rather than her abilities.
CALLINA LIANG
To her credit, Callina Liang does the best she can with the material she’s given, bringing plenty of commitment to the role. Sadly, it’s a thankless task, and audiences may remember Chun-Li for all the wrong reasons rather than the strength of Liang’s performance. That’s a real shame, because the character deserved a meaningful arc that would allow her to shine as more than just fanboy eye candy. Liang clearly has the talent to deliver so much more, but the script reduces one of gaming’s most iconic female fighters to little more than window dressing. She deserved better, and so did Chun-Li.
ROUND THREE, FIGHT!
Sadly, Mel Jarnson suffers much the same fate as Liang. In the games, Cammy is famous for her tight leotard, and the film faithfully recreates her iconic look. However, rather than allowing the character’s fighting prowess to take center stage, the camera repeatedly resorts to angles that emphasize her posterior. Of course, Cammy’s signature outfit is part of her identity, but there’s a difference between embracing the source material and reducing a formidable fighter to fan service. Like Chun-Li, she’s sexualised to the point of becoming a walking stereotype, a disappointing disservice to a character who deserves so much more.
Unfortunately, this characterization problem extends throughout the film’s sprawling roster. WWE star Cody Rhodes throws himself into the role of Guile and brings undeniable screen presence, but the script does him few favours, portraying him as an overconfident jarhead practically bursting with machismo. Hopefully, should the film earn a sequel, Guile will be rewarded with a more substantial story arc. Rhodes has the screen presence to deliver the goods; he just needs the opportunity to unleash his full potential.
Roman Reigns fares little better as Akuma, the film’s formidable elemental villain. Despite his imposing physical presence, the character is given so little to say that he ends up grunting his way through the role, making for a disappointingly one-dimensional antagonist.
JASON MOMOA
Thankfully, Jason Momoa injects some much-needed fun into proceedings as the beastly Blanka. His dialogue may be limited to a smattering of mindless chatter, but Momoa clearly relishes the opportunity to unleash his inner monster, bringing enough personality and playful energy to make every appearance count.
And let’s not forget the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them appearances from Olivier Richters as Zangief, Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim, and Orville Peck as Vega. They all look the part, but with such a massive roster of iconic fighters to accommodate, several are quickly relegated to the sidelines before they’ve had a proper chance to shine. For a film built around one of gaming’s most legendary fighting tournaments, it’s frustrating to see so many fan favorites left waiting in the wings.
THE 50 CENT CLUB
Unsurprisingly, one of the few supporting characters to enjoy a proper moment in the limelight is Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Balrog. Unlike many of his co-stars, Jackson gets considerably more screen time, including an extended fight sequence that genuinely delivers. It’s a welcome change of pace in a film that otherwise struggles to give its sprawling roster the attention it deserves. Other fan favorites, including Juli, Joe, E. Honda, and Don Sauvage, also make appearances, but most are relegated to bit parts that do little justice to their gaming legacy.
Of this group, Don Sauvage arguably gets the most exposure, but that’s something of a mixed blessing. Eric André brings bags of energy to the role, yet the screenplay turns him into a walking mouthpiece whose incessant wisecracks quickly wear thin. The humor feels less like the sharp, irreverent comedy the filmmakers are aiming for, and more like something dragged out of a mediocre Scary Movie sequel. It’s a shame, because André’s manic energy could have been a real asset if the writing had given him something funnier to work with.
Even David Dastmalchian’s M. Bison isn’t immune to some baffling character choices. Throughout the film, Bison is depicted as a creep who derives sexual gratification from fighting and smelling people’s feet. This is a far cry from the super-powered villain fans know from the games. Instead, this version of Bison is a straight-up weirdo!
THE DEFINITIVE STREET FIGHTER?
Despite the roster’s flaws and the frustrating lack of screen time afforded to several characters, there is no denying that Kitao Sakurai has delivered the most authentic adaptation of the games we’ve seen on the big screen. From the character designs to their iconic fighting styles, Capcom’s legendary franchise comes roaring to life in glorious detail, complete with Hadoukens aplenty. Sakurai has clearly poured his heart and soul into this production, and that love practically leaps off the screen. It genuinely feels as though the Street Fighter games have been brought to life before our very eyes. That’s an easy claim to make, but here, it’s thoroughly deserved.
What’s more, the inspired use of anime for the flashback sequences adds another dimension to the action, injecting the film with fresh visual energy. It’s a bold creative choice that pays dividends, capturing the spirit of the games while giving the film its own distinctive flavor.
STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE?
And therein lies the rub. Street Fighter looks incredible, recreates the games’ iconic imagery with impressive authenticity, and finally gives Ken and Ryu the big-screen treatment their legendary status deserves. But as dazzling as the spectacle may be, it can only do so much to disguise the film’s shortcomings. A clunky script, some baffling character choices, and a frustrating lack of narrative depth ultimately undermine the brilliance unfolding before our eyes. The visuals land a knockout, but the storytelling struggles to get off the ropes.
Ultimately, whether the film’s many strengths outweigh its shortcomings will depend on what you want from a Street Fighter adaptation. If you’re here for the spectacular fights, faithful designs, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re looking for a compelling story that gives every character their moment to shine, you may leave the arena feeling short-changed.
VERDICT
In the end, Kitao Sakurai’s Street Fighter is a brilliant, fun, flawed, gloriously dumb action extravaganza that will thrill one half of the audience and frustrate the other. Bolstered by the brilliance of Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo, alongside some of the most gorgeous visuals you’ll see all year, there’s plenty to love here. For fans eager to see the games brought to life with genuine style and authenticity, this is the adaptation they’ve been waiting for. Sadly, as a big-screen blockbuster, it lacks depth and leaves too many of its biggest characters undercooked.
So, book a ticket, tighten your bandana, and pick a fighter to back. Street Fighter may struggle to land a knockout with its storytelling, but when it comes to gloriously over-the-top action, it’s a K.O.!
I said Hey, what’s going on?!
Street Fighter hits cinemas on October 16. Will you check out the film this weekend? Drop a comment below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
