New 'Highlander' film shows series shouldn't be immortal
By Sean Gourley
The "Highlander" movie franchise began in 1986 and spawned three live-action sequels. Now another chapter comes with the animated movie "Highlander: The Search For Vengeance."
The film follows the story of Colin MacLeod, an warrior who died his first death in 125 A.D. He soon realizes (thanks to a long-dead druid named Amergan) he belongs to a race of immortals who can die only if you cut off their heads. He is still alive in 2187 and is taking heads in short order. The first fight of the film seems more like the video game "Soul Caliber" than a "Highlander" sequence.
MacLeod is a tortured man. His wife, Moya, was killed by Roman leader Marcus Octavius back in the second century.
MacLeod chases Octavius through the ages, which the film demonstrates in the traditional "Highlander" flashbacks. They aren't as smooth as in the live-action films, but they get the job done.
We see MacLeod in the days of Rome, in ancient Japan and fighting in World War II, all the while chasing down Octavius. MacLeod narrowly escapes death each time.
Now in 2187, MacLeod has found Octavius again. The former Roman is attempting to recreate the fallen empire. MacLeod must seek his vengeance while helping an incredibly annoying kid named Joe and a woman named Dahlia, who may or may not be the reincarnation of Moya. |
