Directed by Kitao Sakurai (Beef, Bad Trip), the film stars Andrew Koji as Ryu and Noah Centineo as Ken Masters, with Callina Liang as Chun-Li. The adaptation opens in theaters on October 16, including IMAX and RealD 3D, with early word leaning positive, especially among fans of the games.

The standout surprise is that the film's campy, unapologetically silly tone is being celebrated rather than punished. Cosmic Book News notes the social media embargo lifted after the premiere and the early word 'leans more positive, especially for fans of the games.'

Chris Killian described it as 'Bloodsport on horse steroids,' while one early viewer even said it 'often feels like a better successor to Mortal Kombat (1995) than either recent MK movies.'

A video game adaptation embracing its own ridiculousness is the reversal fans did not expect from a big-budget studio tentpole.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, early reactions singled out the 2D animated flashback sequences as gorgeous and a highlight, with Maude Garrett counting over 100 Easter eggs for longtime players and reporting 'legit goosebumps.'

Cinema Express reports that audiences at the premiere commended the stunt sequences, humor and 1990s nostalgia factor, with many considering it faithful to the games.

Moneycontrol quotes reactions calling it 'kick-ass' and praising Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji as 'landing every move' while calling Callina Liang 'a dream Chun-Li.'

Not every reaction lands on the positive side.

The Hollywood Reporter's roundup includes a viewer who said the film 'ultimately falls flat,' arguing the jokes rarely land and it 'feels like half a movie,' while another said it 'literally loses the plot one too many times' as fight scenes became more distraction than treat.

Cosmic Book News reports the knocks center on a thin story and humor that does not always land, and notes more than one early reaction called the ending abrupt, built to set up a sequel.

The reaction cycle matters because the box office picture is uncertain. Cosmic Book News reports presales have pointed to a soft opening, with its coverage noting the film's opening weekend presales compare poorly to Mortal Kombat II.

The stakes are high for Paramount's bet on Capcom's franchise: according to Cosmic Book News, director Kitao Sakurai says a Street Fighter 2 sequel is already being written, but it depends on how audiences respond to this movie.

Early fan enthusiasm versus a weak presale picture sets up a genuine round-one upset question at the box office.

Critics' reviews for Street Fighter drop on October 14, giving a fuller verdict after the embargoed social reactions, and the film hits theaters on October 16.

If the positive fan reaction holds, Sakurai's sequel plans gain momentum; if the mixed takes on story and humor translate into weak word of mouth, the already-soft presales could sink the franchise's theatrical future.

Either way, fans heading into opening weekend now know what they are buying: a loud, 90s-throwback fight spectacle, not a prestige adaptation.