When I was a teenager, everyone talked about Highlander. I saw on TV once and only once, and didn't really give it my full attention, so I just nodded along at the pop culture references when someone in my D&D group would make them (and after all, it did spawn more films and a couple of TV series). Almost 30 years later, I finally watch it again, as if for the first time, and in my subsequent research, discover public opinion of it has gone from cult favorite to disliked piece of dreck in the interim. Well - and I can say this without the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia - I'm going to defend it. Okay sure, it's got 80s affectations, like an action star who uses accented English and minimal acting skills, and dated clothes, hair and special effects. The B-movie clichés, like sometimes lame sword fighting choreography (Clancy Brown can't fake it) and the gratuitous sex scene, are less forgivable. But I can't agree with those who say the direction is terrible; it was the best thing about the film. On that score, it felt like Russell Mulcahy was drinking from the same water many Hong Kong directors were. It had cool transitions - especially when flashing back to MacLeod's history - and hid its choreography problems relatively well with atmosphere, surprising camera shots, and expressionism. Of course, the stuff even detractors DO like - the Queen soundtrack, the premise of Immortals fighting across history - is still great. It doesn't mean I'm going to run out and find the sequels and TV series - there can be only one - but the original is a fun, watchable product of its time that nevertheless has some modern style to it.
"stab me with this knife, then I'll stab you with mine. Know what i mean eh? Nudge nudge" gooddamn 80's movies. If you can't make up jokes that'll spice up the plot, this movie is not for you. If you can, have fun.
What if Rip Van Winkle met with Braveheart ? The outcome would be Highlander, which is not a bad thing. You feel the mysticism of the Immortals and care for Connor and his curse. Sean Connery and Mr. Krabs also headline this cult classic.
It is a dislike for me, but I have to give it some credit: I loved the Queen soundtrack - not only do I like the songs, but they also fit the scenes nicely. Sean Connery was really charming and at times the villain was cool, too.
But lots of actors, especially the females and sometimes also Lambert, weren't really convincing or likeable. Lots of actions scenes were boring and the "special FX" towards the end were absolutely ridiculous. All in all, not enough to really appeal to me - but there are still worse movies.
Besides Queen's soundtrack, it really isn't very good (and even then, it's nowhere close to their best album). Connery's performance has some charm too I guess.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 17
greenhorg
This whole movie looks like something you'd see airbrushed on the side of a van.badblokebob
Pfft to you all, I love Highlander.Siskoid
When I was a teenager, everyone talked about Highlander. I saw on TV once and only once, and didn't really give it my full attention, so I just nodded along at the pop culture references when someone in my D&D group would make them (and after all, it did spawn more films and a couple of TV series). Almost 30 years later, I finally watch it again, as if for the first time, and in my subsequent research, discover public opinion of it has gone from cult favorite to disliked piece of dreck in the interim. Well - and I can say this without the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia - I'm going to defend it. Okay sure, it's got 80s affectations, like an action star who uses accented English and minimal acting skills, and dated clothes, hair and special effects. The B-movie clichés, like sometimes lame sword fighting choreography (Clancy Brown can't fake it) and the gratuitous sex scene, are less forgivable. But I can't agree with those who say the direction is terrible; it was the best thing about the film. On that score, it felt like Russell Mulcahy was drinking from the same water many Hong Kong directors were. It had cool transitions - especially when flashing back to MacLeod's history - and hid its choreography problems relatively well with atmosphere, surprising camera shots, and expressionism. Of course, the stuff even detractors DO like - the Queen soundtrack, the premise of Immortals fighting across history - is still great. It doesn't mean I'm going to run out and find the sequels and TV series - there can be only one - but the original is a fun, watchable product of its time that nevertheless has some modern style to it.Spacepimp
"stab me with this knife, then I'll stab you with mine. Know what i mean eh? Nudge nudge" gooddamn 80's movies. If you can't make up jokes that'll spice up the plot, this movie is not for you. If you can, have fun.senorspitler
What if Rip Van Winkle met with Braveheart ? The outcome would be Highlander, which is not a bad thing. You feel the mysticism of the Immortals and care for Connor and his curse. Sean Connery and Mr. Krabs also headline this cult classic.IreneAdler
It is a dislike for me, but I have to give it some credit: I loved the Queen soundtrack - not only do I like the songs, but they also fit the scenes nicely. Sean Connery was really charming and at times the villain was cool, too.But lots of actors, especially the females and sometimes also Lambert, weren't really convincing or likeable. Lots of actions scenes were boring and the "special FX" towards the end were absolutely ridiculous. All in all, not enough to really appeal to me - but there are still worse movies.
richjenkins28
Had no idea this movie was so weirdFarazParsa
I KNOW EVERYTHING.I AM EVERYTHING.
stricken157
It's worth watching just for the soundtrack.kzer_za
Besides Queen's soundtrack, it really isn't very good (and even then, it's nowhere close to their best album). Connery's performance has some charm too I guess.mook
Cheesy action fantasy cult film, set between 16th century Scotland and 1980's New York. Bad...but in a good way! 6/10.Follow me on Twitter @LastFilmSeen
vatoloco
This movie needs a remake. Still an awesome classic.riwares
Not only is it a shit film but it forces you to listen to queen.Dieguito
Regular movie. It was a hit for some reason, but few like those days..Musanna
Pretty boring.Showing items 1 – 15 of 17