Sony Pictures Releasing)

By: Jesse Striewski

I pretty much knew going into it what to expect from the new Evil Dead Burn; another run-of-the-mill gorefest that ups the ante each and every chance it gets. Unfortunately, this sixth entry of the long-standing Sam Raimi series does not provide much more justification for its very own existence other than just another excuse to inflict further carnage.

Right off the bat, we’re introduced to some of the most unlikable characters ever committed to screen, none of which I ever found myself sympathizing much with or caring about. Shortly after unknowingly causing an awakening of deadites at his late grandfather’s secluded lakehouse (who of course had been researching them in great detail before his death), Joseph (Hunter Doohan, one of the few recognizable faces here from Netflix’s Wednesday) and his girlfriend Thya (Luciane Buchanan) witness his brother Will (George Pullar) and wife Alice (Souheila Yacoub) bickering at their co-owned club prior to Will driving off in anger and ultimately crashing in a seemingly drunk driving incident, which of course was actually the work of a deadite (apparently Jessica from 2023’s Evil Dead Rise, played by Greta Van Den Brink – something I had to look up to even figure out.)

Fast forward to Will’s funeral, where Alice is the odd one out among her now-former, extremely miserable in-laws. Somehow no one hears as a morgue attendant is killed off and Will’s father Edgar (Erroll Shand) is attacked/infected by a resurrected Will right after the service, and they all retreat back to the lakehouse with Alice in tow as though it’s all suddenly hunky dory now. Of course all hell breaks loose here, and they each die off/become infected in their own gruesome ways. (I’ll just say the scene with the dog was an all new low point of the series in my book too.)

Every bit of cliche and predictability is thrown at the audience from then on out, with a sharp object conveniently always within arms reach to cause more damage. Aside from a jump scare or two, there’s narrowly a moment of true tension or suspense, all leading to an underwhelming climax that leaves one feeling as though they just wasted two hours of their life. (A fairly depressing experience to be honest). Every frame is filled with negativity, and I realize I may be of the minority among those in the theater with me at the time, but what’s become modern horror is not really my idea of a “good time” anymore.

I guess you could say I’ve become more conservative in my later years. But while I can still appreciate the earlier Bruce Campbell-led Evil Dead films for what they were, nowadays I prefer there to be at least some sort of real substance (Raimi’s 2009 effort Drag Me to Hell and last year’s Weapons each come to mind) behind the mayhem, not just brutal chaos for the sake of it. (Which I guess some people do enjoy.) Even the previous Rise entry felt as though it had some semblance of heart to it. (The brief cameo from Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie at the post credits was a bit of a nice touch, albeit a slightly confusing one.) The true problem with films like this though is there’s zero lasting power anymore. It serves its purpose while its here, then will quickly disappear in the void to be forgotten and not remembered for any sort of artistic value whatsoever – I know I certainly won’t feel a need to revisit this one anytime soon.

Rating: 1.5/5 Stars

Film Review: Mortal Kombat II (Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema/Atomic Monster/Broken Road Productions/Fireside Films)

By: Shawn McKee

It’s been almost 35 years since Mortal Kombat debuted in arcades, bowling alleys, and gas stations everywhere. Yes, arcade machines were once common in gas stations, where a Slurpee and a handful of quarters were all you needed.

Riding the massive success of Capcom’s Street Fighter II in the early ‘90s, Midway’s Mortal Kombat quickly stood out as a serious contender to be reckoned with. Its combined digitized graphics, distinctive martial arts influences, and a dark, mystical aesthetic with unprecedented levels of violence, launched a global phenomenon that continues to resonate today.

As fighting games, Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat had their unique differences that set them apart. In Street Fighter II, the defeated opponent was taunted by the victor in a cut screen before the next fight. No such fighters were spared in Mortal Kombat, where matches often ended in bloody “Fatalities” (for those skilled or lucky enough to pull them off).

Mortal Kombat featured decapitations, heart-ripping, and other gruesome deaths that may seem primitive by today’s standards, but nothing compared to the initial shock of witnessing Sub-Zero rip off an opponent’s head with the spinal cord still dangling. Of course, such bold and graphic gameplay was not without controversy, ultimately contributing to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system that remains in use today.

Midway Games quickly capitalized on the success of Mortal Kombat with the release of Mortal Kombat II in 1993. Not only did the sequel improve upon its predecessor, but it is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise and one of the greatest fighting games ever made. The series continues to this day across nearly every major home console, producing more entries than one could count.

The franchise’s popularity led to the early PG-13 film adaptations Mortal Kombat (1995) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). In 2021, both longtime fans and newcomers were introduced to a more faithful—and far bloodier—reboot with Mortal Kombat. The recent release of Mortal Kombat II further continues the legacy of one of video game history’s most iconic and brutal franchises.

Much like the game that inspired it, Mortal Kombat II improves upon its predecessor with expertly choreographed fight scenes, sharp humor, and satisfyingly over-the-top violence. The film succeeds as both thrilling escapist entertainment and a worthy continuation of the franchise.

The story begins in the Outworld and introduces Princess Kitana (one the two mysterious masked female fighters from the original game, played here by Adeline Rudolph) as a young girl. Her father’s kingdom is conquered by the nefarious Emperor Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), who ushers in an era of darkness. Several years later, a tenth tournament takes place to decide the fate of Outworld.

The thunder god Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) assembles a roster of familiar Earthrealm fighters that include Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mechcad Brooks), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), and washed-up martial arts movie star Johnny Cage Karl Urban). Shao Kahn’s roster includes Shang Tsung (Chin Han), Sub-Zero/Noob Saibot (Joe Taslim), Kitana, Kung Lao (Max Huang), Kano (Josh Lawson), Queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), and others. Loyalties, however, aren’t what they seem, with sides being played throughout. Baraka (CJ Bloomfield) even makes an appearance as a neutral party of sorts enlisted to aid the Earhrealm fighters.

Arguably the film’s standout fight scene is the clash between Liu Kang and Kung Lao, who fights under Shao Kahn’s control. The emotional weight and visceral intensity of two former allies forced into combat make the sequence worth the price of admission alone. In a subtle but effective nod to the games, the film frequently opens its fights with a wide shot that mirrors the iconic “Fight” stance, with opponents positioned on opposite sides of the screen.

The two unlikely protagonists, Kitana and Johnny Cage, portrayed by Adeline Rudolph and the always reliable Karl Urban, are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Urban shines in the role and perfectly encapsulates an actor past his prime who reluctantly joins the tournament against his better judgment.

I’m pleased to say that just about everything in the film works. The action moves along at a brisk pace with versatile backdrops and eye-popping visuals throughout. The reliance on CGI is evident and often necessary, but it never becomes so excessive that it feels cheap or inauthentic.

For a live-action video game adaptation, the film succeeds in honoring its source material while bringing an unexpected sense of realism to the experience. Most importantly, viewers don’t need to be longtime fans of the games to enjoy the movie, depending on their tolerance for unapologetically over-the-top violence.

The film’s success can be credited to director Simon McQuoid and his talented cast and crew, who deliver an effective tribute to one of the most recognizable and innovative fighting game franchises alongside Street Fighter.

Mortal Kombat II delivers plenty of spectacle, though some of the larger set pieces, particularly the multiple climactic battles near the end, border on excess. Baraka is a welcome addition but suffers from an unintentionally goofy character design (obvious in early promotional stills). Kano also returns with constant wisecracks that wear thin over time.

Despite its flaws, the film never pretends to be anything more than an action-packed visual thrill ride. It succeeds based on its genuine investment in its characters and clear respect for the franchise on which it is based. After seeing it, I commented to my wife that it felt good to see an old-fashioned R-rated movie again.

It had no agenda, it wasn’t watered down, and it only sought to entertain. Test your might and check it out. It’s a nearly flawless victory.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Film Review: Weapons (New Line Cinema/Subconscious/Vertigo Entertainment/BoulderLight Pictures)

By: Jesse Striewski

Despite some slight interest at first glance, I was initially hesitant to see Weapons thanks to so many modern horror films bordering on the absurd (2024’s Longlegs and the X series comes to mind) or excessively violent these days. But similar to the likes of say, Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell, Weapons is just unique enough to be an entertaining ride all of its own.

The film centers around the aftermath of a group of young students, all in the same elementary school class, who mysteriously vanish in the middle of the night at the exact same time without any explanation, and intertwines the stories of several individuals connected to the event.

Alex (newcomer Cary Christopher), the only student from the class unaffected by this, ultimately holds the secret via a very distant (and very sinister) aunt named Gladys (played with ease by Amy Madigan) who just came to stay with him and his parents.

The atmosphere is top notch, and high caliber acting from Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Aiden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, and Benedict Wong, all contributes equally to the proceedings. There’s a realistic vibe to it all that makes it all that much more unsettling.

While not without the occasional flaw or two, Weapons still holds just enough interest and creepiness suitable for appropriate Halloween viewing this year; give it a whirl if you have not yet done so.

Rating: 3/5 Stars