Highlander - Endgame
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Movie Reviews of Highlander - Endgame
Movie Review: THE HIGHLANDER MOVIES- KEEPING TRACK OF IT ALL
Summary: 5 Stars
There are really multiple versions of each highlander movie. Here is a
guide.
#1 HIGHLANDER (1986) There are 2 versions of this film. The American version is much shorter and a lot of scenes and flashbacks have been removed. There is one added shot where the bald policeman spills coffee on himself. There is also one line of dialogue added and some slight differences in the soundtrack. The European version is longer and also available in America. A "SPECIAL VERSION" which will feature an altered ending and better continuity with the sequels/TV series is reportedly in the works.
#2 HIGHLANDER II (THE QUICKENING) (1990) There are 5 versions
of this film. The first is the theatrical version that played in USA. The
Second is European version which has one scene added and a longer
ending in which Connor and Louse are transformed into energy or
spirits or something and are transported off to Zeist.
The third version was the first cut of the "RENEGADE VERSION"
which added about 16 minutes of new scenes. Removed about 5 min.
and has a different origin for the immortals. It was only released on
home video in pan and scan.
The fourth version is the same as the third, but was in widescreen
video. It also had a few new sound effects added and a clip from
"Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster" inserted on a tv screen.
Version five is the new "SPECIAL EDITION" . It is also the same as
the renegade version but has new visual effects and an inhanced
soundtrack. I wonder what the sixth version will be like.
The European version (with the way out ending) is the one that was syndicated to television in the 90s.
HIGHLANDER 3 (1994) There are four versions of this one.
The original version was called HIGHLANDER III: THE SORCERER
and was released in Europe. The second version was released in US
by Miramax as HIGHLANDER: THE FINAL DIMENSION .They added some new optical effects and stock shots from the first movie and also changed some of the dialogue and music. It was also edited to get a PG 13 rating. The third version was an R rated version of the above.
Version four Is the same as the original European version but bears
the FINAL DIMENSION title and has some of the same music as the
American version. The third and fourth version alternately play on Cable TV. Lost yet?
HIGHLANDER: END GAME the original theatrical version is shorter
and has some neat morphing effects that are not in the video version.
Version two has at least 18 minutes of added footage and a slightly
altered plot. Some new visual effects have been added and the ending
is different. Both versions alternately play cable TV.
HIGHLANDER: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS is a video movie edited from
the first four episodes of the animated series.
HIGHLANDER: THE GATHERING is spliced together from episodes #1
and #8 of thelive action tv series and feature a slightly different ending.
HIGHLANDER: FINALE, HIGHLANDER: COUNTERFEIT and HIGHLANDER: UNHOLY ALLIANCE are also edited from the TV series
but have a lot of added footage, an upgraded soundtrack and are
Motion picture quallity. The five above "TV" movies played theatrically
in foreign markets like Europe and Asia. That's why they exist.
Movie Review: THIS is what a DVD should be. And its a fine movie...
Summary: 5 Stars
I will review 2 things, first the DVD itself, then the movie.1. the DVD
Well. If you (or the publishers) want to know why someone from Germany (a.k.a. me) pays nearly 15$ more for a region 1 DVD, this one shows you why: Its packed nad crammed with goodies and stuff and it has a complete second movie in it that shows how a cut can alter the movie (i cannot tell you which one i prefer, really). Sound and picture are top notch. So this goes to the companies: Until we do not get the same here in region 2 countries, you won't stop us from buying region 1 DVDs. Really, i would love not having to spend so much money on shipping (money that i rather would spend on another DVD!). But since you seem to believe that its ok to treat i.e. Germany second class its _your_ problem. Safe your money for easy-crackable encodings, just give us the same DVDs: problems solved. ;)
2. The movie
Everybody should know by now that the first movie has no sequel and ends with its credits (Connor has the prize). So Endgame is not a sequel to the first movie. Engame is the movie-sequel of the tv Highlander-series which took the idea of the Highlander-universe into the nineties: So there is the same myth that there are immortal people killing each other following rules and rituals and not even they know why they exist and how this all works. The main character is Duncan McLeod and only him Then there are very strong supporting characters like Methos and Joe Dawson - and of course Connor - but since this is kind of another parallel universe the prize has not been handed out yet since in the series you can see lot of people "becoming" immortal and thus equaling the number of dead ones (here is the main difference: The movie speaks of the final gathering - the last immortals meet in New York and fight it out). During the series the overall ambience grows very dark, sad and tragic (and follows the desillusionated mood that was attempted to put on Connor in the first movie). I really loved this and the main reason i liked Endgame is, that this darkness remains in the movie - and gives it a great disturbing undertone that helps the movie to clearly differ from the first movies mood: Far from the heroism of the eighties the immortals are troubled with fear, sorrow and self-pity. The "Game" is no more challenge for the good of the world but an unnerving fateful curse to the most of the immortals with wich they just try to cope (and survive as long as possible). The story is allright, you could see it as a tv double-feature with higher budget. The historical parts are, as in the first movie, the best, i think they are the reason for the success of Highlander in the first place. Funny sidenote: I have no clue, what additional 12 minutes there should be in de DVD: Perhaps we had this version in the movies here in Germany (Like with the first movie - the directors cut was the normal movie version over here)? Or did they cut the bedroom-scene in the US (i heard that a naked breast can be a big problem over there)?
Movie Review: Finally a sequel that does the original Justice
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this merely to be entertained, having long ago abandoned any expectations of this series. What I saw was a beautiful film which valiantly compensates for the damage wrought by Highlander 2 and 3.The film opens with the now obligatory voice over from Conner Macleod, who this time describes "their" origins as "unknown"- that they "simply are". the full passage cleverly if not audaciously seems to dismisses 2 and 3 in a sense making this the first Highlander sequel. This is supported by the absence of the number 4 in the title, having simply named it Endgame.
What we have here is a film that from the outset inspires the same emotions of wonder and tragedy that this tale of immortality was always about. Included now are Duncan Macleod from the Tv series and once again key characters from the original such as Rachael and Heather combined with relevant flash backs and sweeping panoramas of the Scottish highlands.
The refreshing depth of this new story is compatible with the first film, developing what we know without introducing anything silly that we don't need to know (such as Aliens, Zeist, etc.). The new Nemesis unlike Katana and Kane from 2 and 3 doesn't attempt to be another Kurgan. He is instead a darker more intellectual opponent than we've seen before, who surrounds himself with a posse of immortals each from different time and place.
The music and visuals are also very impressive and so are the fight scenes, which in places, have clear Matrix style, Eastern influences.
Be warned though, this has a genuinely sad twist (There can be only One). It is also incompatible with Highlander 2, so the few remaining fans of number 2 may wish to avoid it. Otherwise I would unreservedly recommend this episode to all those who love the original. I will watch this many times.
geodesics@hotmail.com
Movie Review: Endgame - I hope not!
Summary: 5 Stars
One word sums up this movie - Spectacular! Highlander Endgame was the most compelling story in the Highlander saga. It had an adventurous story, exceptional acting, and an awesome musical score. Every thing about this movie was Highlander at its best!In 1555, Connor MacLeod returned home and killed the local priest for killing his mother. The Priest's sun, also Connor's former friend, Jacob Kell vows revenge. In 1625, Connor discovers another immortal Highlander named Duncan MacLeod and takes him under his wing. In 1712, Duncan married immortal Kate Delany, but the marriage comes crashing down. In 1992, Kell continues his vengence when he kills Connor's dear friend Rachel Ellenstein. Connor then retreats to the Sanctuary, a place where immortals can be permanantly removed from the Game. In 2002, Kell destroys the sanctuary, but allows Connor to get away. Meanwhile, Duncan goes in search of his good friend and learns of the legacy of Kell's vengence. He also learns that his bitter wife Kate has joined up with Kell. The 2 highlanders come to the conclusion that Kell can only be beat by the power of both of them. But only one can challenge him. In order to defeat the ultimate evil, one of them must make the ultimate sacrifice.
As of yet, I have only seen the theatrical release of this movie, which ran for about 80 minutes. I can't wait for the DVD release, which will run for about 95 minutes. This extra footage will do a lot for character development, which the film was lacking. Not to mention, the alternate ending. Your Highlander collection will never be complete without this DVD. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!
Movie Review: Let's hear it for a decent sequel for once!
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's the warning - I may give away a few spoilers, but I'll try not to, so apologies in advance if I give too much away.Whoa! Now this was the sequel you want to watch. True, if you're the sort that only likes either the original film, (Christophe Lambert) or the TV series (Adrian Paul) you may not enjoy this one as much. I've only seen a few dozen ep's from the series, but that was enough to get a good idea of Paul's character and his connection with Connor. Unlike the other two sequels, which should be re-titled 'Pile of Pants' and 'Let's keep changing the title.' Endgame really made an effort to count the adventures that Duncan had through the series, and his past history with Connor, before they went their separate ways. The DVD extras were a nice touch; the interactive game helped answer a few questions, even if some of the answers seemed a little hard to believe (Orange juice?), the earlier cut of the movie was an excellent idea for an extra, as it shows some of the detailed work that was put into the film, and ultimately changed for the final cut. The deleted scenes, (only a few) well, I can see why they might have been cut; I don't see Duncan being that disrespectful of (a friend's) property. My only real gripe with this film, is in agreement with a previous review, Christophe Lambert looked seriously old in the present day, (don't tell me they couldn't have used make-up, he looked fine in the flashbacks.) at least a lot older than someone supposedly eternally eighteen, (1518-1536) but maybe it was that terrible haircut(?)