Highlander - Endgame
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Movie Reviews of Highlander - Endgame
Movie Review: EXCELLENT
Summary: 5 Stars
More awesome then the theatrical release. LOVED the behind the scenes and other extras on DVD.Movie Review: Highlander - Endgame
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a great way for me to watch one of my favorite shows over and over again.Movie Review: Two Immortal Brothers...In The End, There Can Be Only One...
Summary: 4 Stars
After the release of what at the time was believed to have been the final 'Highlander' film with "Highlander: The Final Dimension". The only way fans of the film series were able to get their Immortal fix was by tuning in to the popular syndicated "Highlander" TV series starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, a cousin of Connor MacLeod's from the films. The series took the basic mythology of the original film and the sequels that followed, and continued to build a world around the Immortals and their 'Game', where as the prophecy states, "In the end, there can be only one." Then the TV series ended, and led into a less popular spin-off series that lasted one season, "Highlander: The Raven". Fans of the franchise were wondering if ever the films and TV series would collide, so we could see both Connor and Duncan together again (the last time the two cousins were together was in the pilot episode for the "Highlander" TV series). In 2000, 6 years after the release of "Highlander: The Final Dimension" fans got exactly what they wished for as "Highlander: Endgame" was released nationwide to theaters.
"Highlander: Endgame" picks up sometime after the events of the 3rd film, or some fans choose to believe that it ignores the previous 2 sequels completely, therefore picking up sometime after the original film, "Highlander". Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert, who played Connor in all of the 'Highlander' films and in the pilot episode of the TV series) is growing weary of the 'Game', and chooses to take refuge in a monastery set up by the 'Watchers to ensure that there will always be at least 2 Immortals so the 'Prize' may never be claimed. Now, a new, evil and powerful Immortal has arrived and has raised a team of renegade Immortals who really have no desire to win the 'Prize', but merely to kill. The leader of the renegade faction of Immortals is a man named Jacob Kell (Bruce Payne), a man that has a vendetta to settle with Connor from their past in Scotland. With this new group of Immortals shaking things up, Connor must try to defeat his old nemesis, but he can't do it alone, so Connor enlists the aid of his cousin, Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul, who played Duncan in the TV series). Together, these 2 cousins, who are as close as brothers, must try to restore balance to the 'Game', and bring down the most ruthless Immortal to ever live. However, no matter who wins, "In the end, there can be only one."
After this film was released many felt it was the first sequel to ever truly do justice to the groundwork mythology that was laid in the original film. While others felt that it was just an extended episode of the TV series, or that the film should have just focused either on Connor or Duncan, not on both of them. Then of course we had those that felt the entire movie was just one big waste of time, and that they should have just let the series die after the 3rd film. Personally, I enjoyed this movie, and I liked that they linked the TV series and the movies together, it made for a more believable franchise, in which all facets of the franchise were linked in some way to one another. The acting was well done, the story was good for bridging the gap between the films and the TV series. The only complaint I have regarding this movie is that they probably waited too long to make the film, because Christopher Lambert just didn't quite look as good as Connor as he had in previous films. Of course, that happens when an actor is playing a character that is supposed to never age, but the series of films lasts for over 14 years. But even with that gripe, Christopher still did a great job as Connor, and was still believable in the fight scenes. I thought this movie was very well done, and served as a nice end to tie up any loose ends from both the films and the TV series.
If you are a fan of the 'Highlander' films or the TV series, then this movie is for you, it will definitely satisfy your nagging need for some closure regarding your favorite Immortals.
"Highlander: Endgame" is rated R for violence, language, and sexuality/nudity.
Movie Review: EndGame DVD a *must* ...
Summary: 4 Stars
Fans of Highlander will not be disappointed in this DVD. Here we have the two MacLeods, Duncan and Connor together, sharing so many aspects of their long lives with us. We watch, in superbly done flashbacks, their early years together, the humor, intense and passionate love, loyalty, passion, ethical conundrums, betrayal and tragedy. There is something for everyone - even humour, amidst the heart-breaking angst. And the music is to die for. It is particularly pleasing to see another incredible MacLeod woman - Connor's Mother.I found myself laughing and crying at various times throughout the movie. There is no doubt that fans who have a deep knowledge of the Series will particularly enjoy this DVD. But even new viewers will not be disappointed.
This DVD will incorporate a number of scenes from the Workprint and this will flesh out the too short movie release. It is a must for those who have not been able to find another TV show or movie with the high production values, fascinating story concept, rounded characters, history, outstanding musical accompaniment, set design. clothes quality, sword and martial arts skill, tragedy, humor, farce, ethics, full-blooded eroticism, strong female and male characters - in short, Highlander: EndGamecontinues to deliver.
As an actor, Adrian Paul has always had a way of bringing out the best in those around him. This certainly seems to be the case here, with Christophe Lambert turning in an outstanding performance as Connor - a man wracked with guilt and pain. Some of the most intense moments in the film are scenes where Connor says little, but his expression says it all and we feel our hearts breaking. His love for his bonny Heather is one of the great love stories and spans centuries. His recounting of how he once saw his Heather, cutting her hair in order to preserve a part of her for Connor that would never age was heart-wrenching. It is the film's ability to keep posing these types of questions that delights. What *would* it be like to have a gorgeous lover who never ages - who cannot die...and who loves you so intensely that he promises to watching you age and wither, to care for you and to love you until his own dying day?
Lisa Babuscia is another real find for me. Her story was so tragic - so wasteful. Indeed, there is so much that speaks of wasted opportunities, immature judgments that come back to haunt and to ultimately kill.
Adrian himself turns in an outstanding performance as the ravaged and distraught Duncan. His continuing ability to work through the pain and the constant tragedy that surrounds him continues to inspire. Duncan's message is one of eternal hope for something better, that evil must be fought no matter the cost, and it is one that he never deviates from. There are a number of scenes in particular where his performance is excellent - in particular, the rooftop scene with Connor, and a harrowing scene with Kate.
Whilst there was a little too much in the way of gore for my taste, I always enjoy a good sword fight and outstanding martial arts - and yes, the martial arts sequence with Donnie Yen, I am reliably informed,is shown at actual speed! It is no technical trick - it really was that fast. Again, full credit to Adrian and Donnie - and F. Braun Ashe who admits that he knew enough to simply get out of the way of these two and let them choreograph and do what they do so well.
'There can be only one!" New viewers and long time fans will not be disappointed with this welcome addition to the Highlander universe. We have followed the journey of Duncan MacLeod for over six years - this film offers further insights into how painful that continuing journey is, for Duncan himself and those who love him and those who aspire to capture his spirit and his soul.
Movie Review: Getting the movies back on track
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a great movie (it's not a cinematic masterpiece or anything, but I enjoyed it). The theatrical version wasn't bad I guess, but the changes they made to it for the DVD version make it much better, in my opinion. The story is a lot deeper in Endgame than the previous two movies (maybe even the first movie, its story was pretty straightforward), the fight scenes were great and the special effects were also pretty darn good.Now, Endgame isn't a perfect movie, it has its flaws. The main things I had a problem with were the pacing, the movie was way too fast and very short; but the added scenes somewhat make up for that. Some of the series continuity (I'm not even gonna mention the previous movies, this takes place in the series universe alone) is kind of messed up though: Duncan said he hadn't seen Connor in 10 years (since 1990), but Connor was in the first episode of the series (1992). Now, I'm not one to nitpick, they could easily say that the series started in 1990 or something, so I don't really think this is a big deal.
Also, I noticed some dubbing at the beginning of the movie. Duncan asked Connor if he would be all right, that was obviously a totally different voice, and the words didn't even match his mouth movements. I wish I could figure out why they dubbed that line (unless it's explained in the commentary, which I didn't listen to). But that's no biggy either.
The thing that *really* got to me was what they did to the JVC sign at the rooftop scene. They tried to digitally wipe that sign out of the scene, but most of the time it was either a nasty-looking red/white blur or a hazy gray blur, and it really took away from some of the emotion of that scene. I personally think they fix that someday, that's one of my favorite parts of the movie.
Now, on to the good stuff. I already mentioned the story was much deeper and more focused than previous movies (something the series was usually good at). The fight scenes were really great, fast and action-packed. The performances were also good; Kell's four henchmen (minus Kate/Faith) weren't bad considering the screentime and lack of lines they had, Lisa Barbuscia (Kate/Faith) also did well in my opinion, her character is interesting and I'd like to see her in a future Highlander movie; Christopher Lambert did pretty good, he did a good job displaying the emotional torment Connor was going through, but I thought his performance was kind of lacking for some reason; Bruce Payne (Kell)...well, Bruce Payne didn't do too bad, he kinda overplayed his role in a lot of scenes I think, and he didn't seem as menacing as he should have (to me anyway); and finally, Adrian Paul. Adrian Paul is, in my humble opinion, great. I know lots of purists think that Lambert is the only Highlander and nothing will ever change that, but Adrian Paul is a much better actor and, let's face it, a far superior swordsman compared to Lambert. Paul makes the fight scenes even more exciting and he is a lot better at portraying the emotional core that Highlander has always been about.
The DVD is pretty loaded with extras, but it's not really bursting at the seams with 'em. That's okay though, DVDs are more about the movies than the extra features. The picture quality is good (except for that intentionally blurred JVC sign I mentioned), and the sound is good as well. All in all, this is a pretty cool DVD to add to your collection, and the movie is a worthy addition to the Highlander saga.