Let’s face it, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li” has a reputation. Many consider it a cinematic low point, a film best left forgotten. However, is it truly the absolute disaster everyone makes it out to be? Having finally sat down to watch this much-maligned movie, the reality is far less painful than the internet might lead you to believe. If you’re going in expecting a beat-for-beat recreation of the video game or even a film in the vein of the Jean-Claude Van Damme “Street Fighter,” prepare to adjust your expectations. This isn’t a tournament-centric martial arts extravaganza; it’s more of an origin story, an action-adventure that sees Chun Li embark on a journey to Hong Kong to rescue her kidnapped father.
The film unfolds as Chun Li navigates the criminal underworld, leading to a series of confrontations. These aren’t the meticulously choreographed martial arts battles one might anticipate from a “Street Fighter” movie. Instead, the action sequences lean towards gunfights and somewhat generic brawls, typical of lower-budget action films. The fighting is present, but it’s not the central focus, and the overall execution is, at best, adequate. Similarly, the acting across the board is serviceable but unremarkable.
Kristen Kreuk as Chun Li delivers a performance that feels very much in line with her previous roles, particularly Lana Lang from “Smallville.” She embodies a similar persona, albeit one now engaging in more violent scenarios. While Kreuk might not be lauded for her dramatic range in this role, she’s far from the worst aspect of the film. She’s consistently… Kristen Kreuk. Acceptable, but not groundbreaking.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Chris Klein’s portrayal of Interpol agent Charlie Nash. Klein’s performance is a significant detractor. He attempts to embody a cool, wisecracking, and capable character, but the execution falls flat. His scenes are often cringeworthy, filled with forced attempts at charisma that simply don’t land. Imagine his characters from comedies like “American Pie” or “Just Friends” attempting to play a serious, “badass” cop – the result is as awkward as it sounds. Klein’s presence actively detracts from the viewing experience.
The remainder of the cast performs adequately, reciting their lines and hitting their marks without leaving a lasting impression, positive or negative. They are simply there, fulfilling their roles in a competent but uninspired manner.
Ultimately, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li” is not the cinematic catastrophe it is often portrayed as. It’s a decidedly average, cheesy action movie that fails to capture the essence of the “Street Fighter” games. However, if you approach it with appropriately lowered expectations, it’s watchable. It’s certainly not worth paying full price to see in theaters, but as a budget rental or a free stream, it’s a passable way to kill 90 minutes if you’re bored and undemanding. Go in knowing it’s not a martial arts masterpiece, and you might just find it’s… not that bad.
