Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) Movie Review
“Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,” directed by John R. Leonetti, is a sequel to the 1995 film “Mortal Kombat” and continues to adapt the popular video game franchise into a live-action film. Released in 1997, the film brings back some familiar faces while introducing new characters from the game series. Despite its ambitious scope, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” is often criticized for its execution. This review will explore the film’s plot, characters, special effects, and current streaming options in America.
Plot Summary
“Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” picks up where the first film left off, with the tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld continuing. The plot revolves around the villainous Shao Kahn (Brian Thompson) who seeks to merge Earthrealm with Outworld, creating a chaotic and dystopian world. To prevent this catastrophic event, a group of Earthrealm’s champions must once again come together to fight against Kahn’s forces.
Led by Liu Kang (Robin Shou), Sonya Blade (Sandra Hess), and Johnny Cage (Chris Conrad), the heroes embark on a journey to stop Kahn and his minions. The film introduces new characters, such as Jax (Lynn “Red” Williams) and Kitana (Talisa Soto), and features numerous battles and confrontations with Kahn’s army. As the characters face off against various enemies and navigate through dangerous environments, they must ultimately find a way to defeat Shao Kahn and restore peace to Earthrealm.
Characters and Performances
Robin Shou as Liu Kang
Robin Shou reprises his role as Liu Kang, the martial artist who serves as the film’s central hero. Shou’s performance continues to bring physical prowess and charisma to the role, though the script does not provide much depth for his character. His martial arts skills are a highlight, and he remains a key figure in the film’s action sequences.
Sandra Hess as Sonya Blade
Sandra Hess takes over the role of Sonya Blade from Bridgette Wilson. Hess delivers a strong performance as the determined and skilled fighter. Her character is given more prominence in this sequel, and Hess’s portrayal adds a sense of resilience and bravery to Sonya.
Chris Conrad as Johnny Cage
Chris Conrad steps into the role of Johnny Cage, previously played by Linden Ashby. Conrad’s portrayal brings a mix of humor and bravado to the character, though it lacks the charm of Ashby’s performance. Cage’s role as the wise-cracking fighter provides moments of levity amidst the film’s action.
Brian Thompson as Shao Kahn
Brian Thompson plays Shao Kahn, the primary antagonist of the film. Thompson’s performance is menacing and over-the-top, fitting the film’s larger-than-life tone. His portrayal of Kahn is both imposing and theatrical, though it sometimes veers into campiness.
Lynn “Red” Williams as Jax
Lynn “Red” Williams joins the cast as Jax, a character with cybernetic enhancements. Williams’s portrayal adds physicality and strength to the role, contributing to the film’s action scenes. His character’s backstory and motivations are explored only briefly, but Williams’s performance brings a solid presence to the film.
Talisa Soto as Kitana
Talisa Soto reprises her role as Kitana, bringing a sense of elegance and combat skill to the character. Soto’s performance remains one of the stronger aspects of the film, and Kitana’s presence adds depth to the storyline.
Visuals and Special Effects
“Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” features a mix of practical effects and CGI to depict the fantastical elements of the Mortal Kombat universe. The film’s visual effects, including its creature designs and combat sequences, were ambitious for its time but have since aged poorly. The CGI, in particular, is often criticized for being subpar and detracting from the film’s overall impact.
The set design and costume work attempt to capture the look and feel of the video game’s environments, though the results are inconsistent. Some of the film’s action scenes are dynamic and energetic, but they are often undermined by the low-quality special effects and the overuse of green screen.
Script and Direction
The script, written by Randall McCormick and Jonathan Tydor, focuses on delivering a fast-paced and action-driven narrative. However, the dialogue is frequently stilted and lacks depth. The film’s plot is straightforward, following the typical structure of a hero’s journey with battles and confrontations.
John R. Leonetti’s direction maintains a brisk pace and emphasizes the film’s action elements. While the film’s energy and enthusiasm are evident, the direction often falls short in terms of coherence and character development. The result is a film that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Nostalgia Factor
For fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise and 1990s action films, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” holds nostalgic value. Despite its flaws, the film provides a campy and entertaining adaptation of the beloved video game series. It remains a guilty pleasure for those who appreciate its over-the-top style and connection to the video game lore.
Streaming and Rental Options in America
As of 2024, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” (1997) is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase in HD quality.
- iTunes: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Can be rented or purchased.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
These options ensure that you can access the film whether you prefer to own a digital copy or just watch it once.
Conclusion
“Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” (1997) is a sequel that aims to continue the action and excitement of its predecessor but falls short in several areas. While it features energetic performances from Robin Shou, Sandra Hess, and Brian Thompson, the film is hindered by its lackluster special effects and uneven direction. Despite its shortcomings, the film retains a nostalgic charm for fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise and 1990s action cinema. The film is available on various streaming platforms, making it accessible for viewers seeking a campy and action-packed adventure.
