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Sometimes the smallest details in a movie reveal the biggest problems in its logic or world-building. A character’s actions, a setting choice, or a subtle plot device can make you question the story once you notice it. Many of these details are easy to miss on a first watch, but once you see them, they might make it hard for you to watch the movie the same way again.

The post 10 Unfortunate Movie Details We Never Thought of appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

Watching television in the 1970s was as much about the ritual as the shows themselves. Families gathered around bulky consoles with wood-panelled cabinets, adjusting rabbit-ear antennas to get the clearest picture. Commercials for cereal, toys, and newfangled gadgets added to whatever happened to be on whichever of the five channels you happened to be watching. These photos capture that era, showing the sets, the viewers, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a simpler time when TV night was an event everyone shared.

The post 11 Photos of What TV Night Looked Like in the 1970s appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

In 1993 a shift happened in the comic book industry with the launch of Milestone comics. Founded by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, Christopher Priest, and Derek T. Dingle, these Black entrepreneurs aimed to fill a void by telling complex stories with a diverse array of creatives. The Milestone superhero universe is set in […]

The post More Than Just Static Shock: Unpacking the Depth of Dwayne McDuffie’s Milestone Comics appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

Spider-Man: No Way Home’s climactic battle wowed audiences (almost) everywhere at the multiplex when three different Sony-Marvel Spider-Men teamed up to battle some of their greatest foes. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield both reprised their roles as Peters Parker alongside the latest incarnation of the eternally popular Marvel character, portrayed by Tom Holland, as the […]

The post Sony Reveals the Wild Reason Spider-Man: No Way Home Wasn’t Released in China appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

Even though it’s barely over a year old, DC Comics‘s Absolute Universe has had its share of shocking moments. One of the best occurred in Absolute Evil #1 from October 2025, which introduced this universe’s take on Oliver Queen a.k.a. Green Arrow, only to kill him off a few pages later. The scene upset readers […]

The post Absolute Green Arrow Will Be a Superhero Horror Comic For Our Time appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

At the end of Scream 4, Sidney Prescott learns too late that her cousin Jill, played by Emma Roberts, is a Ghostface killer. Jill has grown up in Sidney’s shadow, forever jealous of the attention and fame that the older woman has received since surviving the first Woodsboro Murders from the original film. Jill bemoans […]

The post Scream’s Genius Was Always its Final Girls appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

You asked for it, and you’ve got it! Earlier this month, I looked back at all the great movies nominated for Best Picture at the 1990s Oscar ceremonies that should have won. It was an opinionated article about a very subjective thing, so naturally, you agreed with some of the movies I chose, disagreed with […]

The post 10 Best Picture Oscar Nominees from the ’80s That Should Have Won appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

Jane Schoenbrun makes horror movies. Exactly what type of horror movies? That’s hard to say. Their 2021 feature film debut We’re All Going to the World’s Fair and their 2024 breakout I Saw the TV Glow both have something akin to monsters and tense sequences. But the horror comes from something deeper, something inexplicable. In […]

The post I Saw the TV Glow Director Tackles ’80s Slashers in New Horror Trailer appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny […]

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

When you think of the great characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise, who comes to mind? Warring ninjas Sub-Zero and Scorpion? Monsters such as Goro and Kitana? Or is it martial arts master Liu Kang or special forces soldier Sonya Blade? Well, if you’re B-movie action hero Johnny Cage, then the answer is obviously Johnny Cage. But as long as Mortal Kombat has jumped from video games to the big screen, Cage has been relegated to the background.

All that is about to change. The latest trailer for Mortal Kombat II puts Johnny Cage front and center. Played by reliable genre star Karl Urban, Cage begins the trailer fully washed up, sitting alone at a convention table that not even nerds want to visit. But that’s when he gets recruited for the titular tournament, Cage finally gets his chance to shine, even if it will kill him.

Cage’s addition to Mortal Kombat II is just one more example of the new franchise taking steps to please its audience. Today, fans have embraced the 1995 movie by Paul W.S. Anderson and its infamous 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. But for decades, they were an embarrassment to those who loved movies as much as games, something on the level of the first bizarre Super Mario Bros. film.

For the most part, 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a step in the right direction. Not only did it feature the expected regulars such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside lesser known folks like Reiko and Kabal, but it had an impressive cast, with Johannes Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada as the aforementioned ninja. However, that film made the surprising decision to focus on a new character, MMA fighter Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan. And, most surprisingly of all, the movie follows the heroes preparing for an interdimensional tournament, but the movie ends before that tournament actually takes place.

Moratal Kombat II will give the fans what they want, and not just because it features the Mortal Kombat tournament. As seen in the trailer, returning director Simon McQuoid has crafted absurd and over-the-top two-on-two battles, and the use of the phrase “Finish Him!” promises more of the gory fatalities that made the series infamous.

However, the trailer also shows that Mortal Kombat II has more than blood and bone breaking on its mind. By tracing Cage’s journey from failed fake fighter to real life hero, the film will have real pathos, something that the goofy ’90s movies lacked. And few people are better suited than Karl Urban to make something special from otherwise one note character.

Most people coming to see Mortal Kombat II this summer will never had heard the name “Johnny Cage.” But when they leave, they’ll know that he’s a hero—perhaps even the hero that he is in his own mind.

Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The post Mortal Kombat II Trailer Gives Johnny Cage His Hero Moment appeared first on Den of Geek.

People need a compelling reason to leave their homes and come experience your business with you. This feels like a very heavy lift. . You’re supposed to be exciting enough to pull people away from their phones, their families and the comfort of online shopping. You’re competing with everything else demanding their attention. Here’s the […]

People need a compelling reason to leave their homes and come experience your business with you. This feels like a very heavy lift.

A local furniture store hosts two temporary businesses for a special shopping event, combining business-in-a-business and pop-ups to give more people a reason to leave their house. Photo by Becky McCray.

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You’re supposed to be exciting enough to pull people away from their phones, their families and the comfort of online shopping. You’re competing with everything else demanding their attention.

Here’s the big secret: You don’t have to create all that energy yourself.

Piggyback on What’s Already Happening

Your community probably already has regular events that pull people out of their homes.

Art walks. First Fridays. Girls night out shopping events. Farmers markets. Chamber mixers.

People are already planning to attend these, or thinking about it. Some are already coming downtown or to your area.

Your job is to give them one more reason to show up.

Sidewalk musicians give just one more reason for customers to leave their homes and join the experience. Photo by Becky McCray.

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What Doesn’t Work: Just staying open during the community event

No experience. No transformation. Just… open, like you are every other day.

That’s not enough.

What Does Work: Make a Thing out of it

You have to create something special that happens during that regular community event. Here are ideas:

• Demos – Product demos, technique demonstrations, how-to sessions
• Mini services – super quick fashion nails, or 5 minute financial boost
• Meet the experts – A real estate agent hosting “meet the lenders.” A feed store bringing in a vet for cattle health Q&A during the farmers market.
• Workshops or mini-classes – Quick skill-building sessions people can actually use. Sounds like a lot for a shopping day, so keep it light and quick.
• Make and take projects – People love leaving with something they created
• Trunk shows or special collection reveals – Show merchandise you don’t normally carry
• Live entertainment – Music, performances, even personal star chart readings (yes, really – Gen Z is into astrology and all that)
• Tasting or sampling events – Let people experience your products
• Q&A sessions or “ask me anything” – Be available for real questions
• Behind-the-scenes tours – Show them what they don’t normally see (people love back room tours)
• Out of town big names – Bring in expertise people want to hear from

Pick one. Make it yours. Do a fresh edition of it every time that community event happens.

You become the tipping point

Someone was thinking about coming to art walk. Then they heard you’re doing that demo they’ve been curious about. Now they’re definitely coming.

You’re not competing for attention. You’re adding value to something people already plan to attend. Or at least thought about attending.

And here’s your new go-to move: When anyone expresses interest in your business but never seems to make it in person? Don’t just “follow up.” Invite them to your special thing during the next community event.

“Hey, I’m doing a live demo during First Friday – would love to see you there!”

You still have to do your regular marketing like mailing postcards, sharing photos, but you’re supercharging it with a deadline. And then you’re layering it with repeated messages.

“Our demo was packed! We’re doing another (a little different) next month!”

Frame shop owner Carolyn Murrow hosted a local photographer in her business’s foyer during an evening art walk in Alva, Oklahoma. Photo by Becky McCray.

The Small Town Reality: Fewer people, less turnout

Yes, rural areas have fewer people. That means fewer potential attendees. Less momentum each time. It’s harder to keep events going on your own.

That’s exactly why piggybacking on existing events is brilliant for small towns. The event is already happening. People are already considering attending. You’re just giving them one more reason to come.

Start Small, Keep Going

1. Pick one existing community event.
2. Create one simple thing to offer during that event.
3. Commit to showing up consistently with your thing every single time.

That’s it. That’s the whole strategy.

You don’t need elaborate planning or big budgets. You need one good reason for people to experience your business, timed to when they’re already planning to be out.

The Opportunity: Most businesses aren’t doing this.

Some businesses might stay open during community events. But most are not creating experiences.

You will stand out.

When you’re the business that always has something interesting happening during art walk, or First Friday, or girls night out – people start planning around you. You become part of why they attend the community event in the first place.

So what’s your thing? And which community event will you tie it to?