Mixed reviews for fan-focused Street Fighter film

The new *Street Fighter* film has drawn sharply mixed reviews, despite its cast’s hopes that a faithful take on the video-game series will win over fans.

The film, directed by Kitao Sakurai, centres on Ken Masters, played by Noah Centineo, and Ryu, played by Andrew Koji. Chun-Li, played by Callina Liang, recruits them for a World Warrior tournament organised by crime boss M. Bison. Its ensemble includes about 15 characters from across the games.

Centineo told BBC Newsbeat the film was “made by fans for fans” and said its stunt team studied the characters’ signature movements. Liang said she trained to reproduce Chun-Li’s fighting style and distinctive physique. The film also recreates the series’ car-smashing minigame. [1]

Reviews have been divided. The Guardian called the film a “garish and incoherent mess”, while praising Liang and the fight scenes. IGN described its opening as a “stylish start”, but said the story became disconnected from reality. Reviewers criticised the plot as confusing and chaotic, though some praised the choreography and visuals. [1]

Street Fighter fan and reviewer Tayyib Mahmood said he enjoyed the film’s larger-than-life characters and visual identity, while finding its story weak. He argued that an adaptation need not appeal to everyone if it commits to the audience it is made for. [1]

That leaves the question of whether the film’s appeal to fans will translate into audiences showing up. The BBC report offers no box-office figures for *Street Fighter*. It contrasts the film’s mixed reviews with last month’s *Resident Evil* adaptation, which it says received near-universal critical praise and reached $300m at the global box office four weeks after release. [1]