Rating: Summary: As good as the 1st if not better Review: I had missed the chance to see the movie in the theatres so I spent half a year waiting for it to come out on DVD. As soon as it did, I went out and bought it. I had been watching the series for a while a few years ago up until cancellation, and now it plays re-runs on Sci-Fi Channel, and I try not to miss those. The series was always awesome and brought back the better feel of how and why the immortals were on Earth, not the alien BS that the second one brought about and the vague and pointless reasons a third movie was made...but End Game just basically brought Highlander back into "The Game" so to speak as far as a genre goes. You shouldn't have to watch the 2nd or 3rd movies to have to understand End Game, but the first movie is helpful...and some knowledge from the series as well. A must-have film for any sci-fi action fan and definitly for any Highlander fan. There can be only one...and this is it.
Rating: Summary: Heartbreaking! Breathtaking! Review: Originally, I went to go see this movie simply for Donnie Yen (Jin Ke), and at first I thought it was not bad, but now that I've just bought the DVD, I find it even more so fascinating to watch this time around (and what's great is that the DVD has some uncut scenes and cast interviews that give in-depth insight about their roles!).I've only seen HL-1 and a few of the TV series, but I think Endgame makes a lot of sense and blends in well as a sequel. Though personally, I think this one has the best action out of all the other ones, especially the intense fight scene between Jin Ke and Duncan; it was fast and fierce. I was very impressed with the martial arts, it had long fight scenes (like HK style), and to actually see Adrian Paul go up against Donnie Yen!...WoW! I especially love the storyline, its moody with a dismal sort of flow, very "typical Highlander". Beautiful sceneries, nice transitions between past and present, and the soundtrack is quite entrancing. I also liked Kate/Faith's character (good acting), as Duncan's murderered wife, she certainly added an interesting twist. One thing that is a bit unclear is Conner's role; I still can't make out what his motives were - either that, or he purposedly wanted to portray a complexed being suffering from inner-turmoils!? Overall, its an enjoyable movie. Then again, the HL stories in itself is "out of the ordinary". It may be difficult for first time Highlanders to follow, but Endgame definately has an appeal that'll keep the suspense high for any viewer.
Rating: Summary: Thank goodness for DVD! Review: I'm a longtime fan of both the original Highlander movie and the television series. When I saw this film in the theater, I thought to myself: "Not bad, but it could be better." The action was great, as was the thrill of seeing Adrian as Duncan MacLeod on the big screen, but overall I felt that the movie lacked many of the story elements and character development that made the series so great. Well, about a month after I saw theatrical version of Endgame, I viewed the rough cut 'Workprint' version of the film (which will be included on this DVD set in one way or another). Let me say, this Director's Cut is just what the doctor ordered! A lot of the footage that was removed or altered for the theatrical release is in this restructured version of the film. I feel that had this version been sent to theaters, the critics may have been a little kinder (probably not) and many more new fans would have been brought into the Highlander universe. If you're a fan who was somewhat disappointed in the theatrical release of Endgame, or even if you thought it was great to begin with, you can't go wrong with this DVD set!
Rating: Summary: Letdowns are what you make of them... Review: When I heard they were releasing yet another "Highlander" motion picture, I immediately thought it would be garbage. That's a discouraging feeling I think most fans of the original movie (and fans of the tv series) shared simultaneously, and at the very least, it would be proof of how the right films never ever get the production and treatment they deserve. Setting aside the continutity errors galore (for the moment), I will start by telling you why I liked this film; Bruce Payne-- however over-the-top he might be--was still a much better villain than Mario Van Peebles, not to mention more believeable. Check out Passenger 57 if you're not convinced. The interplay between Adrian Paul and Christopher Lambert is forced and a bit awkward at times, but near the end, very poignant, in a way that William Shatner couldn't manage with his own on-screen 'death' in the 7th Star Trek film. The martial arts choreography (for the first time in the series) is given a class-A treatment (kudos to Donnie Yen, as well as Adrian Paul for not using a stunt double) and looks much better than most of the current martial arts films on the horizon. The effects look more expensive than the tv show (I would hope so), but much cheaper than a film should look. So try not to think of this film AS a film, and instead as a high-budget tv production, and you'll see it's not that bad. Some of the edits are sloppy (why fast-motion photography over the beautiful Scottish highlands??? Ripping off Braveheart will never hurt your movie!), and the plot is full of holes for those in the know. But compared to the second and third highlander films, it's a lot better than it had a right to be.
Rating: Summary: My Favorite Highlander Movie!! Review: I started off by watching the Highlander television show. And was blown away by how great it was. Such a cool story line was involved. I loved the series so much that I decided to go back and watch the movies. And let me tell you, I was so disappointed. They are almost too completely different series! The TV show doesn't even bother to try and explain the whole confusing "world where the immortals live" stuff. Instead it sticks with a very cool formula. And guess what? It worked! The TV show I loved, but with the exception of Sean Connery I was not impressed with the movies. I found the Adrian Paul's series better plotted. Of course to be fair, the Highlander movies started in the 80's so of course they are going to be a little corny. But that is no excuse! After watching the movies, I am surprised that there ever was a TV show! So as for me I loved this movie. It brought Conner and Duncan together in a cool way and moved the series to a whole new level. I have even heard a rumor that in the next movie, the whole "in the end there can be only one" may not even be true! Whoa! I highly recommend this movie, and can't wait for the next!!
Rating: Summary: Not quite the original, but better than 2 and 3 Review: Highlander: Endgame...a fitting title to end the grand series with. In this one we have our friend Connor MacLeod and the upstart Duncan MacLeod battling together to rid the world of the most powerful of Immortals, who also happened to be a druid. The relationship with Connor and Duncan is parallel to the one of Ramirez and Connor from the first film. Bruce Payne was delightfully evil as the villian Jakob Kell. The only thing this movie was lacking in, was the seemingly rushed ending...I thought that it could have been better, but perhaps they were pressed for time before the release. This two DVD set has some great features as well, the 'There Can Be Only One' game was amusing, and I had a bit of fun with that. Along with the character timeline, and the script to screen feature. The one feature that really struck me from this DVD that I wish more DVD's would do, was the early full-length cut of the film..with the poor sound and video quality.. It was refreshing to see the product before the polish, and see what the Director goes through in preparing that final edit for screen release. If you are a fan of either film making, or the Highlander series, I recommend you at least check out this 2 DVD set.
Rating: Summary: EndGame DVD a *must* ... Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: Character Assassination Review: Reviewer: Lisa from Las Vegas, NV United States I never watched the original movie or Highlander 2 or 3, but HELLO?!!! What were Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul thinking in consenting to work on this movie? I'll take other reviewers' word on the butchering of Connor MacLeod's character, but I can attest to the butchering of Duncan's. Duncan MacLeod killing his wife? The boy raised to be clan chieftain, raised to protect those in his care, killed his wife? Duncan MacLeod married? Even though "Darkness" (season 2) specifically stated he never married and never would? Duncan asked Tessa (his lover of 13 years) to marry him in that same episode. Darn, if she hadn't died we could have added bigamist to his resume. How about "In the end there will be only one", yet Duncan and his immortal wife walk off at the end of the movie. So, is he going to kill her or allow her to kill him? I seem to remember other problems, but I have been trying to block this horrible movie from my memory and refuse to watch it ever again. I gave it one star because there wasn't any lesser option.
Rating: Summary: Character Assassination Review: I never watched the original movie or Highlander 2 or 3, but HELLO?!!! What were Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul thinking in consenting to work on this movie? I'll take other reviewers' word on the butchering of Connor MacLeod's character, but I can attest to the butchering of Duncan's. Duncan MacLeod killing his wife? The boy raised to be clan chieftain, raised to protect those in his care, killed his wife? Duncan MacLeod married? Even though "Darkness" (season 2) specifically stated he never married and never would? Duncan asked Tessa (his lover of 13 years) to marry him in that same episode. Darn, if she hadn't died we could have added bigamist to his resume. How about "In the end there will be only one", yet Duncan and his immortal wife walk off at the end of the movie. So, is he going to kill her or allow her to kill him? I seem to remember other problems, but I have been trying to block this horrible movie from my memory and refuse to watch it ever again. I gave it one star because there wasn't any lesser option.
Rating: Summary: The Only True Sequel to Highlander Review: Some regard this film as "Highlander...the Apology". If this is the case, then apology accepted. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, given my reluctance to take Duncan MacLeod or anyone associated with the TV series seriously. I was pleasantly surprised to find this film very well done. The acting, soundtrack, special effects and storyline were all superb. Even if you refuse to watch any other sequels, give this one a chance. It does an excellent job of passing the torch from Connor to Duncan. After this film, I can even stand watching the show from time to time. Bottom Line: An excellent film with more character development and emotion than any other Highlander film. Any fans of human history, particularly those who enjoyed the first film, will love this sequel.
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