Mortal Kombat *** (1995, Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson) – Classic Movie Review 1172

Director Paul Anderson’s fairly enjoyable 1995 movie Mortal Kombat is a flashy, noisy and pretty cheesy fantasy action adventure, based on the first title in the video game series by Ed Boon and John Tobias, though it also features elements and characters from Mortal Kombat II. Christopher Lambert (as Lord Rayden), Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson, Talisa Soto, Linden Ashby, Chris Casamassa and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa star.

Martial arts experts go to an island where their expertise in a contest is to decide what happens to the planet. Its fate is in their hands and they must trust in themselves and believe in their own destiny and powers. The warrior Liu Kang (Robin Shou), actor Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) and Special Forces officer Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson) are guided by the god Lord Rayden on their journey to combat the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and his forces in a tournament to save Earthrealm.

Lambert is a strong star presence, the other performers make a splash and there is plenty of exciting action and thrilling special visual effects for the fans to enjoy. Mortal Kombat was a big hit: costing $18 million, it earned more than $122 million worldwide.

Also in the cast are Trevor Goddard and François Pettit.

Mortal Kombat is directed by Paul Anderson, runs 101 minutes, is made by New Line, is written by Kevin Droney, based on the video game by Ed Boon and John Tobias, is shot by John R Leonetti, is produced by Lawrence Kasanoff and Lauri Apelian, is scored by George S Clinton and is designed by Jonathan A Carlson, with special effects by Michael Dawson.

Director Paul Anderson went on to make Event Horizon in 1997. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation followed in 1997.

In September 2011, a Mortal Kombat movie reboot was announced. And in May 2019, the reboot is finally happening, with James Wan set to produce.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1172

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more film reviews: http://derekwinnert.com/