Highlander

All throughout November, I believe will be a good time to give in and review the “Highlander Franchise.” Let’s jump right in with the first film, and one of the greatest, “Highlander,” released in 1986.

The good versus evil story has to be the theme used the most in movies besides possibly love wins over everything. Scott of Three Movie Buffs said in his review, “The best you can hope for in a movie that uses one of these themes is for the presentation to be original.” “Highlander’s” story is one of the most original ever made.

This is about a group of immortals fighting to the death, until there is only one left alive. The last one living will win ‘the prize.’ This prize is the power of every other immortal put together.

The story is about Conner McLeod, an immortal born in the highlands of Scotland during the 15^th century. He is ‘killed’ during a battle with another tribe and exiled from his village when he mysteriously recovers. After a few years, another immortal, Juan Rameriz, played by Sean Connery, trains him to fight and teaches him the rules of fighting over immortals. The war between the immortals continues through centuries, until the final fight in modern day New York where the majority of the film takes place.

Director Russell Mulchaey, known until this time for music videos, does an amazing job on the movie. Scott is right when he credits, “His transition shots between modern day and the historical flashbacks are both original and ingenious.” His directing, the action, and the soundtrack by one of the greatest bands ever Queen, keeps this movie moving along.

Despite Chirstopher Lambert being the main actor, Clancy Brown nearly conquers the movie as the evil immortal, Victor Kruger. Scott mentioned, “His towering presence is truly menacing as he gleefully terrorizes Conner through the streets of New York.”

The movie’s only weakness is the love story between Connor and Brenda, played by Roxanne Hart. It looks unnatural. Pined in the plot, it gives a female character and a superfluous love scene.

Scott said, “Highlander is a highly original, in concept at least, movie with an over the top villain, incredible visuals, and a soundtrack by one of the best rock bands ever.” If only they could release a decent sequel.

If you want to know what I mean by that, you will have to wait until next week when I look at one of the worst sequels ever made in “Highlander Month.”

Aside from that, this is one of the greatest films ever made. If you haven’t seen this yet, you have to see it because it is such an enjoyable time watching it. Especially with great lines like “You cannot die McLeod,” “You can’t drown you fool, you’re immortal,” and the ever classic, “There can only be one.” You have to see this one, I give it a high recommendation.