Highlander may often be referred to as a “cult” hit from the 80s, but with four film sequels, a cartoon series, an anime movie, two video games, and two live action series–it’s hard to argue it’s not a bona fide franchise. And while the upcoming remake of Highlander may not generate the same interest as this fall’s Star Trek remake, that doesn’t absolve it from trying hard to be good. The following five tidbits should help the franchise find its footing again.
Ignore all previous continuity, or lack thereof
While the term “remake” may seem to make it clear that the previous films will be ignored, you can never be too sure. While many fans will scoff at any writing off of Connor or Duncan, the truth is that both of their tales have become too convoluted to carry on. In fact, the original Highlander film wrote off the possibility of any sequels and the franchise has suffered trying to write around that gaping plot hole ever since.
The Highlander franchise is one of the more curious ones in film. It has now featured five films, two TV series, one animated cartoon, and soon two video games. Through all of that, it has managed to produce very little entertainment of quality. The newest film, Highlander: The Source, is sadly the franchise’s darkest moment.
That may sounds shocking to some, as surely Highlander II: The Quickening is worse, right? No, in fact, The Source makes The Quickening seem almost brilliant in comparison. The two films start similarly, with The Source also taking a strange jump into a dark future. Our first glimpse of original series star Duncan MacLeod is as a roof dwelling good doer. He’s a cross between Batman and Angel from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. (more…)
Highlander is the little franchise that could. Somehow it has survived over the years through five films and two television series. That’s a lot better than many fan favorites. While the two series were generally fairly entertaining, the film series has only really seen one good entry and that was the original. The new fifth film, Highlander: The Source, returns series star Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod and was released yesterday direct to DVD. While the lack of a theatrical release never bodes well for a film, this is a new age. Going straight to video doesn’t have quite the negative attachment that it once did, especially with genre films. Producers are discovering there’s a loyal audience craving anything new from a variety of franchises, an they don’t necessarily require a $50 million budget. So, go buy the new Highlander DVD or at least rent it. You might be surprised. Though, seriously, don’t hold your breath.
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