Look Back In Anger: HIGHLANDER

[EdContradictory]

In possibly our most controversial article ever, YMB takes a "Look Back In Anger" at 1986's "Highlander". And finds... well...

My friends, our memories are wrong. This movie is bullsh*t, and does not deserve the warm place in our memories that it has... I watched it again last night, for the first time in years and years. And I tell you this: IT SUCKED. A lot.

Look Back In Anger: HIGHLANDER (http://www.yourmomsbasement.com/archives/2007/01/look_back_in_an_1.html)

[KenK]

I never held the film in high regard, but I always loved the series. You have to wonder how the series even got greenlit? The first film was never a critical darling, and the less said about Highlander II, the better. So how'd Highlander: The Series get a chance to flourish for six years?

[Leslie Lee III]

0/5

Highlander is the best movie of all time next to Conan the Barbarian. Period. Conan's another film that shows people who go around cutting other people's heads off probably are dicks. Highlander the Series demonstrated it too. It's a rule

[Shellhead]

I disagree somewhat. It's true that Lambert is an unimpressive actor, and I think that he has a tendency to mumble. Some of the dialogue is cheesy, the swordfights are just okay, and the climactic battle outstays its welcome by several minutes. The romantic storyline is very poorly executed. And I agree that the villain is one of the best parts of Highlander, along with the Queen soundtrack.

But this review barely mentions Sean Connory's excellent role. The F/X complaints are mostly cheapshots, given the limited capabilities of Hollywood, circa 1986. And what about the gorgeous cinematography, especilly in old Scotland? Obviously there were some great things about this movie, starting with the Highlander concept itself, because audiences responded, leading to several sequels and a long-lasting tv show.

Think about that, a tv show that often featured decapitation lasted for several seasons. Admittedly, I stopped watching after about season three, but there must have been a serious fanbase, because we all know how quickly Fox will yank a show with low ratings.

[JohnPopa]

I could have told him all this in 1986.

[Motormouse]

Never liked the tv series personally, but i loved the original movie. So what if it had a French man playing a Scot, a Scot Playing an Egypian, and an American playing a Russian. The concept was cool, the sound track great (in places) and the best sword play that i'd seen (a distinction that it managed to hold onto, until PJ and the prequels turned up) In 86 only two films were better. 1) Aliens, 2) Evil Dead II.
The films 20 years old for godsake, respect is due:rolleyes:

[shades of eternity]

I think it was the concept we fell in love with

clancy brown did an excellent job as the villian abet he was a bit goofy.

it's actually one of sean connery's better roles.

If highlander 2 would not have been made, I think it would have lasted as strongly as star trek as a franchise.

[Scorpion13]

Gee I really liked Highlander. Its not like anyone was trying to claim it was on par with Citizen Caine or The Godfather, here.

Also, why should I give a fuck that some site has a bad review about it?

[KenK]

Never liked the tv series personally, but i loved the original movie. So what if it had a French man playing a Scot,

Christopher Lambert was actually born in Long Island, NY and raised Switzerland.

In 86 only two films were better. 1) Aliens, 2) Evil Dead II.

A lot of other films were better. F/X, even. Highlander can only claim to have the more successful TV spin-off.

[Legato]

LOL. It's like some poor sap trying to say that the first Back To The Future and the First Crow movie are horrible.

I dont know if the guy is really serious or he is just trying to get attention by stirring up those who do like the First Highlander movie. If thats the case then he should have something better to do with his life then wait two decades later to trash a movie that is still remembered as a huge cult favorite.

I still say Highlander is leagues better than the sequals that came after it. The series is superior but without the movie thare would be no series.

[Sanagi]

The Highlander franchise has always succeeded more on premise than on execution.

[Jamal]

I'm a big fan of the first movie and I think the chessy parts make the film that much better. How can you not have some chess in a movie about guys cutting off in the 20th century? That soundtrack was one of the best ever made ( along with the Flash Gordon soundtrack:p ), and was IMO a big part in getting the fans to watch the series.

By the way their is a new Highlander movie coming out called Highlander the Source produced by and starring Adrian Paul, from what I've heard it might jumpstart the franchise of make a nice ending for the series.

Here is a link.

http://www.highlander-thesource.com/news-updates.html

[KenK]

The Highlander franchise has always succeeded more on premise than on execution.

It's sad, but it's true. Highlander was fine by mid-80s standards, but Highlander II was an incomprehensible mess. As was Highlander III, as well as shamelessly aping much of the first film's premise. And none of the films seem to have any continuity. The concept of continuity didn't even come around until the Adrian Paul series, and even that has its shaky moments. It really was the best handling of the concept.

[Scorpion13]

LOL. It's like some poor sap trying to say that the first Back To The Future and the First Crow movie are horrible.

I dont know if the guy is really serious or he is just trying to get attention by stirring up those who do like the First Highlander movie. If thats the case then he should have something better to do with his life then wait two decades later to trash a movie that is still remembered as a huge cult favorite.

I still say Highlander is leagues better than the sequals that came after it. The series is superior but without the movie thare would be no series.



Yeah. Somebody actually had the guts to say that Highlander maybe wasnt the best of movies!? How brave! Nobody has ever said anything like that before! This man is truely a rugged individualist, and much cooler than all of us!

Please. If you want good reviews of old school cult movies, go to Teleport City. Theyre about a million times better.

[Legato]

Yeah. Somebody actually had the guts to say that Highlander maybe wasnt the best of movies!? How brave! Nobody has ever said anything like that before! This man is truely a rugged individualist, and much cooler than all of us!

Please. If you want good reviews of old school cult movies, go to Teleport City. Theyre about a million times better.

Got a link to that?

[GrimShadow]

Yeah. Somebody actually had the guts to say that Highlander maybe wasnt the best of movies!? How brave! Nobody has ever said anything like that before! This man is truely a rugged individualist, and much cooler than all of us!

Please. If you want good reviews of old school cult movies, go to Teleport City. Theyre about a million times better.

Looking at the review it makes me question if the guy is actually making a review of the movie or if he really is trying to cause attention to those who do like the movie.

He comes off as a complete jerkface in the review. He doesn't even bother to breakdown some positive aspects of the movie like most critics would and he tries to come off as a smartass but I've seen Ebert & Roeper do that on some occasions and not sound like complete fools by doing so.

[Scorpion13]

Got a link to that?

Yessir, I do.

http://www.teleport-city.com/

Lots of good reviews on movies that are obscure as hell, but youll want to find them after you read about them. Also, a refreshing lack of pretention. One of my favorites.

[Scorpion13]

Looking at the review it makes me question if the guy is actually making a review of the movie or if he really is trying to cause attention to those who do like the movie.

Oh, its the latter, I assure you.

Its like that guy who makes all the lame ass offensive jokes at a party and then says "Look how extreme I am! I cross all the lines!"

Or, more accurately, Mind of Mencia.

[brundlefly]

Its like that guy who makes all the lame ass offensive jokes at a party and then says "Look how extreme I am! I cross all the lines!"

Or, more accurately, Mind of Mencia.

YES! Exactly! That's the same thing I thought the few times I've watched MOM for a few minutes before moving on. I'm sure that in Mencia's mind (no pun intended) he thinks he's the Latino Dave Chappelle and really making a powerful cultural impact and statement with his show, but in actuality he's just a loud, braying jackass, desperate for attention in his pathetic attempts to offend.

[Jared]

I see Highlander nowadays in the same vain that I see movies like Top Gun and Commando. No, not that it's full of homoerotic subtext. But that it's actually an enjoyably bad movie, not actually a good one.

[Scorpion13]

I see Highlander nowadays in the same vain that I see movies like Top Gun and Commando. No, not that it's full of homoerotic subtext. But that it's actually an enjoyably bad movie, not actually a good one.


Eh. The way I sees it, if a movie is enjoyable, it cant be bad. Period.

[Scorpion13]

YES! Exactly! That's the same thing I thought the few times I've watched MOM for a few minutes before moving on. I'm sure that in Mencia's mind (no pun intended) he thinks he's the Latino Dave Chappelle and really making a powerful cultural impact and statement with his show, but in actuality he's just a loud, braying jackass, desperate for attention in his pathetic attempts to offend.


*Hungarian Accent* Carlos Mencia doesnt deserve to smell Dave Chapelle's shit!! *Hungarian Accent*

[Legato]

Eh. The way I sees it, if a movie is enjoyable, it cant be bad. Period.

Yet I find it sad that after some loudmouth decided to bash a cult favorite movie you have most people that were probably fans of the movie now decided to say it's bad because of one review.

It will take more than a review to change my opinion of the first Highlander movie.

[Frodo-X]

My brother always liked the Highlander movies, and I never did.

I always used to tease him that "There can be only 6!" You know, on account of the sequels to a movie based on the premise of there being only one.

Trust me, it's funnier in context.

[Shellhead]

Eh. The way I sees it, if a movie is enjoyable, it cant be bad. Period.

Sometimes I enjoy a movie specifically because it's bad. Even moreso if it's getting the Mystery Science Theatre treatment.

[stingerman]

Dudes, Highlander Rocked! I was 11 or 12 when I first saw it and loved it! The series was even better! It didnt seem that budget to me then. haha
There can be only one!

[stingerman]

The New Highlander movies is the first of three! Sweet!
-Dont lose your head!

[J. Robb]

Gee I really liked Highlander. Its not like anyone was trying to claim it was on par with Citizen Caine or The Godfather, here.
What? Hello! It won the Academy Award... for best movie ever!

[mattx110]

highlander was fun. and highlander 2 i liked, but it wasn't really a highlander film.. more a scifi dystopian bandwagon hopper with a kickass swordsman in the middle of it,but i like it.
it really is a great concept, and it is hard to force a reticent immortal hero into a relationship by the end of the film, and i guess they didn't bother leaving room for a sequel other than by redifining immortal, as they killed them all. so H2 was necessary.

edit: ya think russell t davies would do a highlander mini?

[Mike Pothier]

Well... he's right in some aspects, wrong in others. I always felt that Christopher Lambert was wrongly cast as Conner Macleod. He just didn't feel right for the part. Sean Connery was playing an ancient Egyption posing as a Spaniard, and played it well. He's absolutely right about Clancy Brown, who stole the show.

And he's right about another thing. The original Highlander is desperately in need of a remake. With a better cast (except get Clancy Brown back for the Kurgan), better scripting, better F/X and choreography, it could be the restart of the franchise.

[Motormouse]

.



A lot of other films were better. F/X, even. .

You think.......really???? Care to name them! (I'll even give you Top Gun for a start)

[Scorpion13]

Well... he's right in some aspects, wrong in others. I always felt that Christopher Lambert was wrongly cast as Conner Macleod. He just didn't feel right for the part. Sean Connery was playing an ancient Egyption posing as a Spaniard, and played it well. He's absolutely right about Clancy Brown, who stole the show.

And he's right about another thing. The original Highlander is desperately in need of a remake. With a better cast (except get Clancy Brown back for the Kurgan), better scripting, better F/X and choreography, it could be the restart of the franchise.

Great! Another remake we dont need!!

Instead of having Queen do the soundtrack, we could have Hoopastank!! I cant wait!!

[darkwolf]

I never liked the Highlander movies because Lambert was and still is a bad actor. As for the tv series Adrian Paul's character was really equal to Lambert's : it sucks. The only reason i saw it was because of the Methos character and the flashbacks of ancient times.

[xnef1025]

Great! Another remake we dont need!!

Instead of having Queen do the soundtrack, we could have Hoopastank!! I cant wait!!
Nah, keep the soundtrack. The series did fine using it after all. A remake could be an interesting way to address some of the weaknesses of the original. Besides, you know you'd see it sooner or later, if only to be able to properly bitch about how bad a remake it was :p

I think a lot of people are getting way too worked up over the article. It's not so much a review as a story about the writer's nostalgia being smashed on a rewatch. It happens. I recently had a similar experience when I caught an episode of the D&D cartoon that I hadn't seen since it originally aired back when I was a kid. Yikes! Beyond horrible. I quickly turned it off and decided I'd do just fine with my rose colored memories :)

[Scorpion13]

Nah, keep the soundtrack. The series did fine using it after all. A remake could be an interesting way to address some of the weaknesses of the original. Besides, you know you'd see it sooner or later, if only to be able to properly bitch about how bad a remake it was :p

I think a lot of people are getting way too worked up over the article. It's not so much a review as a story about the writer's nostalgia being smashed on a rewatch. It happens. I recently had a similar experience when I caught an episode of the D&D cartoon that I hadn't seen since it originally aired back when I was a kid. Yikes! Beyond horrible. I quickly turned it off and decided I'd do just fine with my rose colored memories :)


Well, they show Highlander on TV quite often, so I catch it every once in a while, and I love it every time. No Rose-Colored Glasses here.

[Shellhead]

I liked the tv show at first, but I eventually got really, really sick of Richie. Such an annoying character, apparently put in the show to attract younger viewers. When I heard that his character was killed, I finally started watching again.

Here's a sign of how bad an actor Stan Kirsch (Richie) was... his first work after Highlander was an appearance on Love Boat: the Next Wave.

[Tobias March]

"Ricky Bobby....I saw the Highlander...it was sheeet!" :D

[Legato]

I think thare should be a poll. Those who like the movie and those who hate the movie, also another option for those who hate the movie just because of what the review said on this thread.

[Tobias March]

I think thare should be a poll. Those who like the movie and those who hate the movie, also another option for those who hate the movie just because of what the review said on this thread.

I don't know. Even though Highlander is objectively a bad movie, it was such a cool flick when I was a kid. That painted poster to the film - wow. Beautiful.

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/allposters/84/1800076684p.jpg

[Scorpion13]

I don't know. Even though Highlander is objectively a bad movie, it was such a cool flick when I was a kid. That painted poster to the film - wow. Beautiful.

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/allposters/84/1800076684p.jpg



Well, damn. That poster does kick ass.

Man, you just dont see good posters like that anymore.

[Thorlief]

huh, nice poster! I do remember it. But what does "Ultimo immortale" mean exactly? I know it's Italian...probably "The last immortal"

H 1 was a good movie, and I still find it enjoyable nowadays. I love the flashbacks in old Scotland and the little humour here and there (when Kurgan smashes the car and throws away that poor old man). Top notch soundtrack with some of the best Queen songs (One year of love above all). Connery kicks ass as usual and Lambert, although a really bad actor, is adequate.

H 2 and 3 were trash, and so it was the TV serie with that huge piece of inexpressive meat called Adrian Paul

[ouiyahtsiouiyah]

Adrian Paul was badass. and so was Richie he was cooler