Film Den: Mortal Kombat Annihilation, Part 2 (Video Review/Retrospective)

[@HiveDes]

WOW I never noticed they reused the shot of Rain falling into the fire pit. That is fugging LAZY!!!

[@Davesknd]

How amazing that this movie managed to get a real native American to play Nightwolf, but "The Lone Ranger" went for Johnny Depp.

[@darkhero352]

Nightwolf is pretty awesome in MK9 he takes out most of the villians with a pretty dramatic sacrifice.

[@artiemx]

well, this was well researched, you sure know your mortal kombat

[@TheXell]

Man, Dena has really been on a roll lately. I love it!

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

3:10 So you could say Shao Kahn set FIRE...to the RAIN...

[@Cyborcat]

No. You couldn't.

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

Damn.

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

"I have come to the eternal palace, and also I say this out loud to tell the audience because the makers of this film don't seem to have the talent to show it in an effective, visually interesting way."

[@Lotus-Son]

The first one was done with so much more quality.

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

I actually got all the way to 2:32 thinking this movie had a way smaller budget than Mortal Kombat. When I got to that part where you showed otherwise, well, to quote John McEnroe, "YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!"

[@Ronnie06spartan]

I love MK: Annihilation as a guilty pleasure. It's cheesy, but I enjoy it. Thanks for the great review

[@Cyborcat]

I get that. Glad you liked the video ^.^

[@Parto5]

13:25 I don't why, but that frame somehow reminded me of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Now I can't stop thinking of Sindel being played by Tim Curry xD

[@Cyborcat]

That would be perfect with how hammy she is XD

[@Parto5]

@@Cyborcat It would definitely make the film more enjoyable xD

[@zachgamemaster3329]

My Power Ranger comment last time is pretty apt. 11:44 is something they would pull off and that's sad for this movie. Also, not counting Sonia fighting mooks, are there any fights with a man and woman? I don't remiber. I would say that it was the 90's thing where men don't hit women but just last movie had Sonia and Kano as well as Katana and Liu Kang. I mean, I don't think it needed one but with Raiden say "I'll take her" and then not taking her AND THEN have her be knocked out by Jax off screen, it looks like they wanted to not show one and just a waste of a good battle in the process.

[@LadyLunarSatine]

You did have Liu Kang fighting Jade.

[@zachgamemaster3329]

***** Oh right. Forgot about that.

[@AthenisKS81]

Khan's hydra form just makes me think of Kane's giant worm-form-thing in Poltergeist 2.

[@AthenisKS81]

The worst offender for a terrible movie made by people who supposedly loved the source material, is Dark Shadows.

[@FERDINANDVSLVCIVS]

The way you mention that, if Liu weren't the one to beat the master, it'd have to be Johnny just shows how everyone takes for granted the sad way these films portray women... Why couldn't Sonya be the one? It really pisses me off how they make women seem all tough and independent just to go like "Hah, just kidding! They're helpless damsels in distress who just need a man to save them". Sonya's portrayal is a lot better in this film compared to the first one, they even hired an actress who could actually, ya know... fight! But then they made Kitana into a useless sexy lamp... Guys... why can't they simply be... fighters, in the same vein as everyone else? There are female fighters in reality and many of them could kick most of these men's arses hands down!

[@Cyborcat]

I suggested Johnny because I figure he's probably the second-most popular protagonist in the series. Also, I believe it's cannon in the games that he won the tournament at some point, plus he beat Goro in the first movie. Same reasons I also didn't suggest Jax.

[@jaylouis8227]

You know, this is the first review of this movie I've seen where the reviewer pointed out that the three main characters from the first movie ended up letting the fears Rayden said would lead to their defeat get the best of them in this movie. I never put that together until now.

[@Crowley9]

Raiden here is played by James Remar and Shao Kahn by Brian Thompson. I recommend looking up some of the stuff they've done. They tend to be badass.

[@supadupastrika36]

It wouldnt be rayden with out him consulting the eldergods

[@LoneWolf81684]

The actor who played Reptile and the 2nd Subbie is martial artist/stuntman Keith Cooke. He was in a few 90s low-budget action flicks and co-starred with Robin Shou again in Beverly Hills Ninja as a henchman. He has a dojo in LA and I believe he still works as a trainer for actors these days. He helped train Zoe Saldana for the movie Guardians of the Galaxy. He's an underrated badass.

[@Cyborcat]

That's awesome ^.^

[@FarelForever]

I do like how you've addressed the thing where a film-maker being a fan of the source material does by no means guarantee a good product. Video game based movies have a really bad reputation, but some people are all too willing to claim that it's super easy to adapt a video game into a movie, and Hollywood simply never knows how to do it, which is a really dumb way to look at it.

[@Ashurman666]

Same thing applies to movie based videogames

[@FarelForever]

***** Yeah, that is true, there's whole other elements which make those get a bad reputation as well!

[@grandmasterblueberryice4882]

+Ashuraman like Bad Boys. ugh

[@SLATania74]

Mileena was defintely wasted here; my favorite version of her teeth is in "Mortal Kombat X.'

[@Ashurman666]

7:44 wait, that thing is of Reptile's race? Is it supposed to be Khameleon or something?Couldn't be since Khameleon fights on the side of Earthrealm... Not only is Kitana from Edenia but so is Sindel, hell Sindel is the QUEEN of Edenia and Kitana it's princess. Accordin to the games it's kinda like Paradise really, a STARK contrast to outworld or the Netherrealm 11:27 oh look, more Saurians...Seriously did they READ the friggin wiki? 12:20 also kinda late to tell him "IT'S A TRAP!"AFTER the trap has been sprung no? THANK YOU for using the Wonder Woman theme during Sindel's spin scene, it's so god damn appropriate! It's true that in the games Raiden DID die...but that just PISSED HIM OFF and made him come back stronger, edgier, darker and seriously ticked off, why can't we see THAT Raiden in the movie? So in this movie Noob is a clone of Ermac...yeah imma call bullshit on that. They had the opportunity to have the original Sub Zero come back as Noob just like in the game, why the FUCK did they not take the chance?

[@Cyborcat]

Didn't this come out before anyone knew who Noob Saibot was? I thought he was still a random hidden character at the time.

[@Ashurman666]

Cyborcat Hmmmm possibly. He was first playable in UMK3 and a secret char in MK4 though i'm not sure when his backstory was fully fleshed out

[@grandmasterblueberryice4882]

+Ashuraman mortal kombat deception

[@eareimaj]

That scene with Raiden vs the reptiles. You can clearly see this obvious stunt double.

[@thefanwithoutaface8105]

On the matter of the dance between Raiden and the Reptiles, it kind of fits since you can see the Reptiles use Capoeria to fight and Capoeria is a dance based fighting style.

[@drow_Lilith9940]

nightwolf in this movie sounds like trying to do bad soild snake voice

[@jesternario]

One thing I liked about Scorpion's story is that in the pre-9 timeline, he actually became the champion of the elder gods. I always thought that fit him pretty well.

[@ShaDHP23]

22:44 you know, in spite of my blatant fangasming over the Silent Hill film, that's actually a very good point.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

That was fun, but the end music for the credits, dunno, sounds off, like they used too many chords at once.

[@Ikelae]

Fantastic as always! Thank you Dena! ^^

[@censored1080]

@ 12:32 That is a guy in a Halloween Mask.

[@Kinnakeeter]

The guy who played Shao Khan also played a vampire in the pilot episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Welcome To The Hellmouth"

[@MaximumMadnessStixon]

Oh god, I remember renting this when it first came out and thinking it was the coolest movie ever, haha. I know that sounds terrible, but I was like nine-years-old, and all it really took to entertain me was flashy costumes and colorful visuals. I will say I think it is still a lot of fun to watch now as an adult... but in a "so bad, it's good" capacity. Every so often I'll pop it on with my friends (usually as a double feature with the first film), and it always gets plenty of laughs out of us. It's just so baffling and endlessly riff-able.

[@lotus-prince]

As irritating as the bickering between Khan's minions gets, I do appreciate that Motaro and Sheeva are constantly at odds. It's established in the games (or maybe the instruction manuals) that their races hate each other. What really bothered me was Jax losing his metal arms and being able to overpower Motaro. Jax's arms do exactly one thing: quadruple his strength. Apparently reducing his strength to one fourth makes him...stronger? What the hell.

[@Wright805]

Personally I always chalked it up to the arms being so bulky he couldn't throw his punches properly so most of the force was lost. Once the arms were off he could use his skills effectively.

[@javi08]

Watching that final fight a thought occurred to me. Wouldn't it have been better to have a resurrected Johnny fighting for Shao Khan? We don't know Sindel so her being evil adds nothing but Johnny would have been a bigger punch.

[@AA-in4so]

19:33 Now I just really want to see a Primal Rage movie

[@Vigoszz]

Did you just say Shao Kahn killed Rain because he didn't kill Kabal and Stryker??!!!! No! Shao Kahn killed him because he didn't make them beg for their lives before killing them. How could you miss the silliest line or silliest thing in a movie history. Apologize.

[@MrZig-ot1bu]

Dena, you should really check out the story mode of Mortal Kombat (2011). The story has Raiden sending a message to himself in the past, and they redo the first three games. I think someone has put together the cut scenes from the game on KZbin.

[@darksider9534]

Pretty certain the hide N' seek reptiles are a nod to the MK2 game...Also will you ever cover the Conquest TV show? Loved that show so much and would love to hear your take on it...

[@Cyborcat]

I can't believe I didn't think of that. Been too long since I played MKII, I guess. As for Conquest, I haven't seen that show, so I have no plans to. Like I said at the end of this video, this will probably be it.

[@darksider9534]

Cyborcat Shame, you would absolutely love it and is faithful and original too, definitely the best tv/movie adaptation of the franchise...

[@Davesknd]

It's worse than you think: Shao Kahn killed Rain not because Rain let them live, but because Rain killed them and didn't have the beg for their lives. Rain did his job but just not the way Shao Kahn wanted it that day.

[@mdrstudios7067]

It's a rip off of what happened earlier.

[@zlaja.zivic98]

great video dena

[@residenteviltalk]

Another awesome Film Den. Haha, your disdain for the Silent Hill movie makes an appearance. I haven't seen every game to movie adaptation nor can I say I'm that great a critic (but that is improving with age I suppose) but I still think imo Silent Hill is the best. Of course only the first one, that 2nd was so much cringe. But idk the first one worked for me because I was never a BIG Silent Hill fan, more a casual fan but the movie did make me revisit the games and get into it more actually. I think I need to go back to your SH film dens to get a better sense of reality LOL

[@seanpatrickcain2]

12:14 Oh! Thanks! Were you gonna tell me that before, or after he cut my head off?!

[@silentjoe]

I love that you make wrestling jokes. Are you still in CA?

[@Cyborcat]

Yep!

[@silentjoe]

Need to see some Nor Cali wrestling. They have good stuff. Hope all is well for you. I am so binge watching all your movie reviews Sunday night.

[@Newt5996]

This might be because I've been reading the Virgin New Adventures but Raidan in this film looks a lot like Chris Cwej.

[@SneaksBL]

“Pretty Cool Huh” “Fuck This Movie” LOL great follow up

[@YorkChangeling]

Man, I kind of want to see you do the "Tekken" or "Dead or Alive" live action movies. The latter was actually weirdly watchable... Or, on an entirely tangential note; maybe the Death Note live action movies? I love hearing your take on horror movies.

[@apex2000]

Ok just shocked to see just how much more money the 2nd film got budget compared to the first.

[@Burori1]

I will say, I like the part, where Shao Khan kills Rain. Yes, it's a waste of a not-character, but at the same time it's a great moment for Shao Khan in mirroring his father earlier in the movie.

[@22dSanchez]

watched your 2 part so I don't forget how bad it was in excitement for the reboot. you're awesome 👌

[@Valdagast]

Just imagine how much better the movie would have been if Pinhead had turned up.

[@jg3000]

The soundtrack was awesome.

[@genyfear]

Holy shit, I just realized Raiden is the same actor as Dexters dad... Dark passenger indeed...

[@mdrstudios7067]

And Hawkman's voice actor.

[@Allcanadian79]

johnny cage did a friendship move to scorpion in the first movie

[@Cyborcat]

I know, I pointed it out when I covered the first movie.

[@Allcanadian79]

OMG you reply to me I am a fan I love your work hugs...I am not gay just bi :D

[@Beastkingzetta]

25:06 To be fair. I stop at MK4 . Get back into the 3 MK GAMES (OK BUT FORGETTABLE ) MK 9 is good & MK X CAN FUCKING DIE FOR ALL I CAKE

[@dendr0apsis]

great review, stay classy movie!, just realized JAX's arms are all robotic but they have human finger? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE.

[@dendr0apsis]

LMAO 14:18 I'M DYING

[@mattbond3512]

if you do ever decide to play a mortal kombat game play the 2011 one. its got a really good retelling of the first three games story.

[@apostolosfilippos]

Milena, not Melina actually. nice review.

[@robsgamingchannel2077]

the mortal kombat legacy web series was a great adaptation of MK

[@DasKame]

Great Review, but i think the last two MK games have a "nice" Story (the first MK 9 is just a retelling of the first 3 games) and you shoul review that maybe in a way, also your opinion on the new Characters Cassie Cage and company ^^ Good Review at all

[@apex2000]

I knew i recognised the guy from Spoony's review of Dragon's Quest... Movie Motaro

[@zionkraze9965]

Wait, Rain didn't kill Striker & Kabal? Weird, I thought he killed Rain because he didn't make them suffer and Khan was just being a Grade A twat for being annoyed at his dad.

[@Wright805]

You're correct. Kahn even repeats the same "did you make them beg before you destroyed them?" line, which makes him look even more like an immature brat.

[@mksam9145]

what about street fighter

[@raistinhell3010]

Everything wrong with this movie can be summed up with, "Why did Johnny have to die?"

[@LadyLunarSatine]

Because it happened in the games' storyline.

[@mdrstudios7067]

But he came back in Trilogy

[@GamerWho]

If they had to recast Rayden, they could have hired someone with martial arts skills, and then Rayden could have defeated Shoa Khan. They killed off Cage because that was canon from the games. Yeah this movie is bad. But I still love it.

[@oblivious8868]

I think anybody who watches this movie is legally obligated to make a Billy Idol joke when they see Raiden lose his immortality. After all me and my brothers all did it at the same time when we saw it, in the vein of a bunch of idiot teenagers going, "Holy s*** Billy Idol's in the movie!" it wasn't clever but the fact that we all did it within milliseconds of each other made it really funny.

[@AB-xd8hm]

Fun vid. :) Love both MK movies - the first because it's pretty great and the second because it's a glorious and fun cheese factory. The guy who plays Motaro the Centaur had a starring role in the 90s choose your adventure horror/mystery/action/thriller/Sci-Fi/adventure FMV game "Terror T.R.A.X.: Track of the Vampire" kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKDRnZemmspjiLs , clearly inspired by The X-Files (which coincidentally also has its own obscure fun FMV adventure mystery game). It's a short and obscure but really fun and rather decent FMV game with some tasty 90s cheese to boot and I'd suggest it to everyone to track down a copy and try it out or at least watch a couple of KZbin playthroughs. I guarantee you'll have a very fun (retro) evening and maybe even a couple of scares if you watch it/play it in the dark.

[@Cyborcat]

Yah, I remember Spoony talking about that one.

[@Avenger85438]

You should try or watch MK9 and MKX. They do a much better job of telling the story as well as give the characters their dues. Hell they could be great for a lp.

[@trainerredcharizard7982]

Raidens New Look Sucks in this..In the Games he has the GODLy look and when he turns evil that is even more Badass than his normal White/Blue.

[@Enuelle]

Shao Kahn sounds like Bane

[@VerSA5237]

Oh my god, it IS Malibu! Dr. Hemos must have turned him into a shitty CG monster!

[@AmayirotAkago]

I actually watched this movie back in the day not knowing anything about American Gladiators and I was like "holy shit, it's agent Graves from Terror TRAX!" :D

[@JayDee284]

Scary thing this movie has the same problems as the recent DC Movies Bad plot Dumb costumes too many Characters try's too hard 2 make the fans happy in all the wrong ways @lest they had the good sense 2 stop & not run them selves into the Ground.

[@kratios3350]

OK, WE GET IT. THE MOVIE IS UTTER SHIT IN A PLASTIC BAG! DONT POKE AT OLD INJURIES!

[@MarkOfArc]

It's been years (a decade?) since I've seen this movie... and maybe twice as long since I've played Mortal Kombat. It feels like a bastardization of the show Dexter that Dexter's dad plays Raiden in this movie... or is it the other way around? :-P

[@shmee123ful]

This movie is the worst

[@grandmasterblueberryice4882]

you ain't seen nothing till yoi watch 1. The Last Airbender 2. Dragon Ball Evolution 3. Street Fighter, and Street Fighter the legend of chun lee 4. Dead or Alive 5. Super Mario Bros need I continue?

[@satanclause1]

Fun Fact: Tony Jaa was Liu Kang's stunt-double and Ray 'Darth Maul' Park was Rayden's.

[@mdrstudios7067]

And Scorpion's original actor from the first movie did stuntwork for Batman and Robin.

[@butchdeadlift10]

Have you done Silent Hill? Will you do Silent Hill?

[@Cyborcat]

Yes, there's a link at the end.

[@butchdeadlift10]

Cyborcat Normally I would yell "Hail Hagan", "Phelous Forever", or "Long Live Linkara" here, but I am clost on the alliteration for either cyborbat or Dena. Any recommendations as to how I can express my gratitude and fandom?

[@Cyborcat]

Hmm, my mom used to say "Dena, dammit!" when I was a kid. That wouldn't work, tho XD

[@butchdeadlift10]

Cyborcat "Dena's Dominion!".............hm...... Thinking really hard about it

[@butchdeadlift10]

Cyborcat Xena Dena?