Susan Granger’s review of “HIGHLANDER: ENDGAME” (Dimension Films)
This is the fourth segment, the first in five years, and the final episode of the series. If you’re not a die-hard fan, you need to know some background. The Highlander is an immortal, born centuries ago in the Scotland. He and the other immortals who walk the earth, calling themselves “the seed of legend,” can be killed only when beheaded, which usually occurs in a sword-fight with another immortal. The victor in such a duel gets the “quickening,” absorbing the strength and experience of the defeated amid bolts of lightning. Morose Christopher Lambert stars, once again, as Connor MacLeod with Adrian Paul as his protŽgŽ, Duncan MacLeod, who – this time – go after Jacob Kell (Bruce Payson), an evil, diabolical, power-hungry immortal who has gone renegade. Kell’s after Connor because, centuries ago, Connor killed his father, which is understandable since Kell burned Connor’s mother at the stake. Make no mistake, this is a gruesome group and the recitation of their history is often contradictory. Plus, Duncan’s got this girl-friend (Lisa Barbuscia). Anyway, both MacLeods are determined that Kell will not be the last immortal – “In the end, there can be only one.” Problem is: it’s disjointed and tiresome. Even the choreography of the sword-fights is clunky and choppy. Blame that on first-time director Douglas Aarniokoski. The gimmick is that Lambert, who’s starred in the “Highlander” films, is now teamed with Paul, star of the syndicated TV series (1992-98). The two, supposedly born 70 years apart in the 16th century, have appeared together only in the first episode of the TV series. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Highlander: Endgame” is a dreadful, time-traveling, almost incomprehensible 2. As they say: “That’s one blessing of immortality – there’s always tomorrow.”
