|
 espite being a mediocre sequel released over 13
years ago, "Highlander II" keeps rearing its head, this time
with a new version that really isn't much of an improvement on the
original. After a theatrical version, a European cut, and a director's
cut, it's dawned on Lions Gate Films to spiff up the movie and re-release
it yet again on DVD. The result is, while somewhat improved, still more of
what we've been subjected to.
"Highlander II: Special Edition" attempts
to explain the phenomenon of the Immortals as being exiles from the
distant past -- political heretics who fought against the tyrannical reign
of General Katana (Michael Ironside). Now in 2024, Connor MacCleod
(Christopher Lambert) is the last Immortal, who builds an electromagnetic
shield to replace Earth's destroyed ozone layer. But while his creation
saved the planet, it's also slowly killing it; unbeknownst to MacCleod,
the corporation responsible for maintaining the shield is hiding the fact
that it's no longer needed. While Connor seeks to uncover the truth,
General Katana arrives to finish off the only threat to his rule.
The new cut of "Highlander II" is a nice upgrade from previous
versions, with an entirely new soundtrack created from the original
24-track master tapes giving the film a rich and enjoyable audio
complement. Also, entirely new sound effects enhance the viewing
experience. The film also looks terrific, thanks to a new high definition
print struck from the master tapes that allows the colors to look more
vibrant and the details to jump off the screen. But the biggest
improvement is the creation of over 100 new or enhanced special effects,
realized digitally by effects supervisor Sam Nicholson.
Unfortunately these improvements don't hide the film's glaring problems.
The script by Peter Bellwood, while fairly entertaining, completely
contradicts the previous and subsequent "Highlander" films. It
also features some nausea-inducing dialogue, hideously bad jokes, and
ridiculous scenarios. The whole concept of Immortals being rebels sent
from long ago is incredibly stupid, and it's little wonder this film is
largely ignored in the series canon. Another problem is the performance of
veteran Sean Connery ("The
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"), who looks embarrassed to be
in the movie. It's no wonder that when Connery's character leaves the
picture, the actor seems more than a little anxious to go.
Director Russell Mulcahy ("The
Lost Battalion") does everything he can to turn the mess he's
been given into an exciting film. Chases, sword fights, spectacular
explosions, corporate intrigue, gore, romance, and even a psychotic
villain; the poor man works overtime to make a film that equals the
original. But even a director of infinite talent can't pull this off,
even though Mulcahy does manage to deliver a mild diversion with flashes
of excitement.
This is the fourth incarnation of "Highlander II", and it's
still not nearly as good as the other entries in the series. But this is
the best version so far, and anyone who hasn't seen the film and desires
to do so should check this version out. Since the movie insists on
continuing to evolve, maybe it might be a fantastic film by the seventh or
eighth try. |
