MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION
A noisy occult sequel with little moral value.
Should You Watch It?
This sequel offers exactly what its target audience may expect: martial arts fighting, special effects, loud music, attractive people in skimpy costumes, and a driving dance beat. But the review finds the plot sword-thin, the fight scenes numbing, and the effects excessive.
The violence is rampant even though there is little bloodletting. The film also predominantly features occultism and offers little moral value. Its sayings about family, human life, and sticking together are delivered flippantly rather than demonstrated with dramatic weight.
If you are choosing entertainment for your family or seeking morally worthwhile viewing, skip this one. The practical answer is simple: SKIP IT.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAfter the humans close the portal between Earth and Outworld, the evil Emperor Shao-Kahn passes through it and gives Earth six days to live. Liu Kang joins Sonya Blade, Princess Kitana, Jax, and Rayden in a fight for the future of the world.
When Shao-Kahn kidnaps the Princess and unleashes his warriors, Kang must endure a series of tests before facing the Emperor in a final battle.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means this sequel has some appeal for teenage fans but falls short as quality viewing. Its martial arts fighting and special effects provide the central attraction, yet the review calls the plot sword-thin and the fight scenes numbing.
The film replaces whatever charm the first movie had with loud screaming, ferocious-looking creatures, moody lighting, noisy music, and special-effects overkill. It is described as extremely tedious and boring, despite its energetic action and fantasy setting.
The Worldview
The film presents a pagan and occult world of false gods and mythical beings fighting humanity for control of Earth. Earth is saved by humans, while a god becomes a man to help fight evil. The film also includes representations of Buddhist monks and moral platitudes such as “Stick together. You are a family” and “It is not weak to value human life.”
Those statements may sound moral, but the review says they are delivered flippantly and are not demonstrated with dramatic force. The humans spend much of the film bickering when they are not fighting, weakening the film’s message about family and human life.
The movie also presents attractive, scantily dressed people performing martial arts maneuvers as part of its appeal. That emphasis, together with the occult worldview and rampant violence, makes the film a poor influence for youth and, in the review’s judgment, a primer for accepting stronger fare later.
Scripture gives a different answer to the question of who owns and rules the world: “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Pagan, Occult worldview of false gods & mythical beings fighting humanity for control of the earth, with some moral platitudes & representations of Buddhist monks; 8 obscenities & 1 profanity; extensive action violence including some explosions, implied creatures burning to death, neck-breaking, kick-boxing, fist fighting, sword fighting, knife fighting, & throwing people against the wall; mild sexual innuendo; upper male nudity & skimpy costumes on women; and, miscellaneous immorality including cheating, skeletons, scary scenes, & many grotesque looking creatures.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The film presents false gods and mythical beings fighting for control of Earth. What does Scripture say about who truly rules creation?
Psalm 24:1 · Isaiah 45:5–7A character says, “It is not weak to value human life.” Why does Scripture say human life has value?
Genesis 1:27 · Psalm 139:13–14The film offers sayings about family while its characters often bicker. What does genuine unity require?
Ephesians 4:1–3 · Colossians 3:12–14The review describes this movie as a possible primer for accepting stronger fare. How can you guard what shapes your imagination and desires?
Philippians 4:8 · Romans 12:2The Final Word
This sequel has martial arts, effects, loud music, and fantasy action, but the review finds it tedious, morally thin, and predominantly occult. For your family or your own conscience, SKIP IT. Consider these alternatives instead:.
