From Console to Screen | Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) – A Fatality for Film?

Some fights are destined to be revisited — and some movies test your very will to survive.

Welcome to From Console to Screen, a new limited series where we dive fist-first into the world of video game movie adaptations. And who better to help us kick things off than our good friend and retro gaming YouTuber, Russ Lyman?

Years ago, Russ joined us to talk about the 1995 Mortal Kombat film. That episode? A blast. Butler and Russ had a good time. Even Field could appreciate the campy charm and Christopher Lambert’s smug Raiden smirk. But this time? This time was different.

This time… it was Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.

This 1997 sequel trades what little logic the original had for chaotic editing, rushed effects, and more costume changes than a Vegas stage show. We’re talking cardboard sets, stiff performances, and a plot that barrels forward like a malfunctioning treadmill — fast, confusing, and guaranteed to hurt you.

But it’s not all pain. In fact, we manage to have a lot of fun breaking down this disasterpiece. Is there anything salvageable in the sequel to one of the most iconic video game films of the '90s? Is Shao Kahn’s absurd helmet compensating for the script? And more importantly: is this movie so bad it’s actually fun?

We also get into:

• The game-to-screen accuracy (spoiler: not much).

• Character recasting chaos (RIP original Johnny Cage).

• The best unintentionally hilarious moments.

• Why the original Mortal Kombat suddenly feels like The Godfather by comparison.

If you’re a fan of video games, cheesy action flicks, or just want to hear three people slowly unravel in the face of cinematic kombat, this episode is for you.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the episode on YouTube.

And stay tuned — this is only the beginning of From Console to Screen. We've got more pixel-powered film breakdowns coming soon!

Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | More Links