Highlander: Endgame

Plot synopsis:
In A.D. 1555, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) returns to his former home in Glenfinnan, Scotland, to save his mother from his former friend and village priest Jacob Kell (Bruce Payne). Kell executes Connor's mother for witchcraft. Connor kills both Kell and Kell's adopted father, Father Rainey, and sets Glenfinnan ablaze. Jacob Kell is reborn as an Immortal, and vows vengeance against Connor for Rainey's death. He spends the next four centuries killing people Connor cares about. Kell amasses great power by ignoring the rules of The Game; he recruits several lesser Immortals as disciples, who overpower other Immortals so Kell can take their heads. By the turn of the century, Kell has 661 Immortal kills (compared to 262 for Connor MacLeod, and 174 for Duncan MacLeod).
Ten years before the present-day events of the film, Kell orchestrates the death of Connor's adopted daughter Rachel Ellenstein. Heartbroken, Connor departs for The Sanctuary, where Immortals are under surveillance by a subgroup of Watchers to prevent The Prize from being won.
A decade later, Kell and his disciples attack the Sanctuary, and Connor is believed to have been beheaded along with the other Immortals there. Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), compelled by a vision he has of the slaughter, begins to investigate. Meanwhile, Mathew Hale, the watcher supervising the sanctuary, looks on at the carnage, and decides that they will now turn to "volunteers" to refill their test-subjects' numbers. Duncan goes to see Methos, who tells him about the Sanctuary. Duncan cannot believe that Connor would even go to such a place. He later leaves London for New York, where he goes to Connor's loft, which was destroyed in the explosion that killed Rachel. Sensing an Immortal, he turns to see Kate (Lisa Barbuscia), his wife from 200 years before. Then Kell's posse arrives, and fights Duncan (disregarding the rule of one-on-one combat). The fighting stops when Kell arrives, but Carlos shoots Duncan, who falls on a spike, killing him. Kell is furious with Carlos, and beheads him: as the quickening begins, a van drives up to where Duncan fell, and takes him away.
Later on, Duncan wakes up, only to realize that he has been taken by Watchers who want to keep him in the Sanctuary so that he does not win the Prize. He is later saved with the help of Methos and Joe. He discovers Connor was spared by Kell, so as to allow the evil Immortal to make Connor's life even more miserable. Kell wants to kill Duncan in order to torture Connor, and given the number of Quickenings he has received, this seems quite likely to occur. Additionally, Connor is too guilt-ridden by the deaths of all his loved ones to stand up to Kell by himself. Duncan later confronts Kate (now using the alias "Faith") at a fashion shoot, and asks her why she is with Kell. She tells him how much she hates the fact that she will never have children or grow old and die, and believes that Kell understands her pain. Duncan must earn her forgiveness, or face her as an embittered part of Kell's faction. Later on in his hotel room, Kate arrives after having a chat with Kell, and the two make love. Though it would appear that she has forgiven him, it is not the case, and she tells Duncan that she will never forgive him; Duncan tells her that it is never too late for redemption, and that he will wait, even if it takes years or centuries.
Ultimately, Kell executes his group in a mock Last Supper to gain their powers, including possibly Faith, and Connor convinces Duncan that Connor must allow himself to be beheaded in order for Duncan to have enough power to rival Kell. After an emotional good-bye, Duncan follows Connor's advice, and beheads his beloved clansman.
Soon after, Duncan and Kell engage in a final battle. At first, Kell easily overpowers Duncan, even when MacLeod attempts a supposedly-unbeatable sword move that Connor taught him. Just before Duncan's impending death at the hands of Kell, Connor's spirit helps give Duncan the strength to continue. Duncan then kills Kell by jumping over him and decapitating him as he turns around. Duncan absorbs all of Kell's massive power. He then goes to Glen Coe, Scotland to bury Connor next to Connor's first wife Heather. Kate appears and explains to Duncan that Kell spared her life. Kate and Duncan share a kiss, suggesting that they will reconcile their marriage and live together forever.

Tags: good versus evil, revenge, murder, violence

Review:
The result is the long-expected good sequel to the first "Highlander", set after "The Series" ended.Tired of the endless fights, Connor MacLeod enters the Sanctuary, a place where immortals can rest forever under the guard of the Watchers.
Both MacLeods have sins to purge, and the time has come to do that.Christopher Lambert, though intended to have a supportive role like Sean Connery in the original film, robs the movie.
Lisa Barbuscia as Kate MacLeod is somewhat fine, but I'm inclined to believe the only reason "Fishlips" got cast is her willingness to show her breasts.The character of the film is indeed Jin Ke, played by Donnie Yen. However brief his presence on screen may be, he manages to give a very good impression, as well as some action.
In any case, "Highlander Endgame" is a great film, with more action and entertainment than the other sequels, and it's a great choice even for non fans.Seven!.
The story line is weaved through past history (as Highlander fans have come to expect) and picks up where the television series ended.
For those of you introduced to highlander with the series the movie may be quite good, but if you are a fan of the original film this movie will disappoint you.
Unfortunately, Christopher Lambert is starting to look his age, and so, as sad as the fans find the loss of "Connor" it was time for him to pass the flame on to Duncan.Paul is a strong actor and plays the physical role with grace and intensity.
And now, I overlook the "hack job" on the editing of the movie and have come to appreciate it for what it has offered...a moving "death scene" between Duncan and Connor, and some superb action..
People who like Jet Li, will surely like this man (probably because he has been Li's choreographer in a lot of movies).If you like the Highlander saga, or a good action film, watch this one and you won't be disappointed..
Fans generally don't like change much (they usually want more of the same, and killing Connor off just HAD to rile them, never mind that it's the best thing they could do with the aging Lambert, who was definitely starting to look very tired), and critics are losers anyway (that's why they've become critics).
Incorporating the characters from the original highlander movies and the series worked brilliantly.The love stories of both characters were well done, the blend of music and photography lent a great emotional context to those scenes.
The humor displayed by both characters added a wonderful dimension, and after seeing the rough cut on the DVD, and the finished ending of the movie, I am impressed with the producers choice of ending.As a fan of both the series and the original movie, I was very emotionally moved by this movie..
If I were not previously familiar with the Highlander movies and series, I probably would have rated it a 7 or 8...because it IS a good story and it was PACKED with action.
About five minutes into "Highlander: Endgame," the last film in the franchise which has given "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" a run for the money in the most "unique" fans, I realized that in the Highlander series, there are two separate universes that exist: The universe in which Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) became the final immortal and won the prize in 1986 (in the first film), and the one where, in the year 2000, the fight is still going on.
In this universe, which was established in the TV series, Duncan MacLeod, Connor's younger brother (Adrian Paul) is the runner up for the prize, the major fight that took place in the first film was not the final battle between the last two immortals left, but merely one of many battles that were still to come.This film takes place in the latter series, and the final battle is at hand at long last, and it's down to two good immortals: Connor and Duncan, and an ancient, evil immortal (Bruce Payne) who has a posse of other immortals following him like he's some kind of anti-christ.
It's cleverly written, so I dare not give anything away."Endgame" is a sequel to the first film as it took place in the TV series' universe, and a continuation of the TV show, which went off air some two years ago.
Remember, this is not the same universe as that of the film series!).There are also some nice touches that only fans will enjoy: It was wonderful to see Heather, Connor's old wife, again, if only for a few brief moments.
I don't agree with people who say it's part of the Series, it's a follow on from the pilot episode i may agree, but "EndGame" is for Highlander what "Generations" was for Star Trek, an easier way for people to get on with a new series (even though both were released when both series' where well into thier 6th seasons)EndGame has everything a highlander Fan wants, both Macloeds, a good few sword fights, martial arts, a good story, humour, romance and comedy.
This is without a doubt success for the action/adventure genre.It brings good entertainment,lots of superb fighting scenes and also a good story.Why it didnt do better with the audiences is a mystery indeed.I dare to say that this movie doesnt stand back for successes like "Mummy returns" and "Tomb Raider".Sure,both are quite entertaining,but the point is lost somewhere halfway through."Endgame" keeps its point and the real value all the way.This is a film about heroes.Heroes that change the course of the world.In the end,i must say Lambert and Paul did great job.I look forward to see more of Adrian Paul as Duncan..
The third (The Final Dimension) expands the story of Connor MacLeod and is entertaining without destroying the magic and the mystery of the first one.The last chapter of the Saga (Endgame) is the best "sequel" of Highlander.
If your not familiar with the series, Endgame can be very confusing because the movie takes many elements of the series such as the fact that Connor did not won the Prize, The Watchers, the character of Joe and Methos, etc.
If you want to see the movie and your not a fan of the series, just remember the fact that Connor did not won the Prize and let yourself be part of the magic of Highlander...
Duncan McCleod(Adrian Paul) searches (For eternity it feels like) for his brother Connor(Christopher Lambert) who has dropped out of the game, however when Jacob Kell(Bruce Payne) an evil immortal who has more quickenings than them, needs to be stopped, it's up to the McCleods to join forces to take him out and while I won't spoil the ending, we'll just say that it contradicts everything that came before it.
Highlander Endgame was made I'm guessing for fans of the TV show while I never tuned in for the show (It was on USA network, after Silk Stalkings for goodness sake!) I figured this would be the best sequel since it had the most going for it.
I understand Lambert is getting older but seriously how many Highlander fans can there be left by 2000 after the show was canceled for some time and the last movie was made six years before?
I admit Lambert is no great actor but he is leaps and bounds far more charismatic than Adrian Paul and although thankfully we are spared another Lambert sex sequence, we are left to watch Paul interact with his girlfriend in the movie, in scenes so embarrassing, that had it gotten more press, this would have been a Razzie contender for worst performance of the year.
Endgame despite being a very bad movie, is at least better than The Quickening but I say that if you really want a good movie about immortals, check out the original.* out of 4-(Bad).
There are many ways they could have made a tie in between the TV series and all the movies work, but they chose to make this a partial reboot instead.The Critical mistake they made was to belittle the original film.
The major problem though is if you haven't watched the Highlander series you probably couldn't really get into the flashbacks or some of the characters such as Methos (Rules).
The producers, writers and director did everything right this time, they didn't involve stupid plots like "immortals come from another planet" and "the ozone layer is protected by a huge shield around the earth blah, blah" they kept everything the same, everything what Highlander should be, they stick to the same origins as the original.And for a change, the bad guy was excellent.
Christopher Lambert once again reprised his role as Connor MacLeod and Adrian Paul (the Highlander from the series) also made his first major role in a movie as Duncan MacLeod.
I enjoyed his performance in all the Highlander movies and was crestfallen when the battle between him and Adrian ended in his death.Adrian Paul is a new face that I honestly hope will be around for quite awhile.
One of the best villans EVER.The plot was slightly confusing at times, so be sure to watch it with a Highlander fan from both the movie and tv show.
First off,let me tell you the producer´s cut is far more superior than the theatrical release,this cut is the one we have been waiting for,Christopher Lambert´s acting is normal,nowhere near as Gideon,but watching him play Connor Macleod for the last time is great,I hope that his upcoming drama "Joshua" will be as good as Gideon.Now for the review:For the past 400 years or so, immortal Scotsman Connor Macleod (Christopher Lambert) has been forced to do combat with his kin in a never ending game where the loser gives up his head and Quickening or their life force and memories - to the victor making them stronger.
So after visiting his former apprentice Duncan (Adrian Paul), Connor vanishes without a trace having turned himself over to a group of monk-like chroniclers called Watchers who proceed to lock him away in a secret sanctuary where immortals go when they want to be taken out of the game.10 years pass and through a series of flashbacks which are a staple of the television series structure in which this movie closely follows  we learn of Connor´s past with Jacob Kell (Bruce Payne), a former kinsmen who blames him for the death of the man who raised him and at who´s hand his immortal rebirth took place.
Fueled by his hatred of Connor, Kell has slowly become the fiercest immortal of them all and now as set his sights on both Macleods in an attempt at final justice once and for all.I must admit that I´ve never given Paul much credit and the idea that the producers behind the franchise wanted to hand over the feature film reins to him angered me greatly.
Endgame proves to be both true to the spirit of the first film (at least) and the television series, whose fans will be pleased to see that series co-stars Jim Byrnes and Peter Wingfield have supporting roles in the film as well.As for you action fans who come to the series only wanting to see fights and decapitations, you´ll also be pleased to learn that Endgame features the best fight sequences of the series thanks in no part to HK legend Donnie Yen, who also plays one of Kell´s evil henchmen in the film.With better production values and for once a solid story to tell, it seems as if a Highlander film finally got it right for a change.
(Best I have seen since the original Highlander) Overall this movie is pretty enjoyable.Now that I have got that out of the way, what exactly annoys every film critic that sees this movie?
Highlander Endgame is the fourth episode of the successful Highlander series, which stars both the actor of the movies (Christopher Lambert) as well as the tv-show (Adrian Paul).
I thought it was really done well and was very close to Highlander the original the way the story followed.Highlander: Endgame was an non stop action rush with having really good martial arts & sword fighting plus pretty good special effects.The story follows Conner Macleod and his brother Duncan Macleod battling the strongest of immortals through a dark New York city.
A force known as Jacob Kell, to strong for any one to fight has gone renagade breaking the strict rules that immortals must follow.There is alot of history that has been hidden in the first 3 highlander films and highlander: Endgame uncovers the truth and the lies that have made Conner become so mornful over the people that he has seen die.As Duncan Macleod and Conner Macleod battle Kell they are torn between each other.
Being a Big Fan of the highlander series..I thoroughly enjoyed this film...from Start to End.I know many people have complained that in highlander 2, Connor Mcloud lives into the future, But in my Opinion...Highlander 2 was a Mistake.
In fact I have all the seasons (the series)on video but anyway, back to the movie it had action, romance, touching story line but mostly Adrian Paul it was very exciting, I was on the edge of my seat.
I am really hoping that the way the movie ended means that the legacy of Duncan MacLeod The Highlander will continue.PEACE.
This is the first time I ever remember seeing her in anything and I was impressed.The only thing that struck me as odd about "Highlander Endgame" was that it was very reminiscient of "Mad Max" when the immortals started riding around on their motor cycles chasing after "Duncan"., which wasn't bad, really.
It changed many of the 'established facts' of the original movie to better suit a long running series, rather than a 2 hr film.
Not as chummy, but not 100% cold shoulder either.The film works hard to explain differences in the life of Connor from first movie to series/last movie, doing a pretty good job, it does seem rushed, and a little contrived, but it worked.
Endgame is really an ending to the TV series that connects it to the original movie, and telling it from the perspectives of both characters.
This is Duncan's movie, as Connor is removed for periods of time.Honestly, if the modern scenes were cut from this movie completely, it would actually be a good Highlander film..
And there's a huge cop-out at the end that allows Duncan to get a happy ending even though it directly contradicts things the villain did in the film, and the movie doesn't even TRY to justify it.But, as someone who watched Highlander: The Series, who DOES know why there are other Immortals about, who KNOWS who the Watchers are and what the Sanctuary is, it's a pretty entertaining watch.
Highlander: Endgame makes a valiant effort at cleaning things up, presumably to hand the films over to Adrian Paul (star of the TV series, whose producers, Davis/Panzer Productions, are at the helm here), but in the end it's just too massive a job.
'misty.'I'm not begrudging either the film, Nor Mr. Lambert - however it's disconcerting to see someone who played the same role as a strong, vital, youthful actor, and then, to see him, and try to ignore what is plain to see.I DO like the HIGHLANDER franchise, and, I think that, with this one - the last (as far as THIS series is considered), is a fine farewell to it..
The resultant film feels like a television movie or a longer episode of the series with Christopher Lambert in an extended cameo role.It's hard to know what hurts this film more: the derivative script or the pitifully low budget.
This time Connor McCleod(Christopher Lambert) and Duncan McCleod(Adrian Paul) must decide who must kill the other, in order to gain the necessary edge to kill an evil immortal who has gotten far too strong to take on alone in this confusing sequel which gets by only due to some fresh ideas and some good action.
Obviously I can't describe this how it should be described, so you will just have to see it for yourself.Endgame is a very emotional film, which for fans of the movies and TV series will do justice to all things Highlander.
Of course, as I already mentioned, Lambert and Paul are both extraordinary as Connor and Duncan MacLeod respectively.I don't know if this is the last installment in this excellent series of films but if it is, then I can honestly say that Endgame is the perfect ending to a legendary story.In the end, there can be only one....
It was wonderful to see both Duncan (Adrian Paul) and Connor (Christopher Lambert)MacLeod reunited in this long awaited movie.
It was worth waiting for - a lush, beautifully filmed movie with a good story, great performances, and a wonderful soundtrack.
If you liked the original Highlander movie, DO NOT SEE THIS FILM.
Adrian Paul was excellent as a tortured Duncan MacLeod and Christopher Lambert was good as the weary Connor.
I am a huge fan of the first movie, and all End Game did was anger me and continue to demonstrate why "there can be only one." Granted, the TV series was good and entertaining, for which hardcore fans of the show and Duncan MacLeod should see the movie, but fans of Connor will NOT like this movie at all.This film as many other problems with it aside from the affects it will have with the Highlander fan base, but I will not comment on them because this would turn into a novel.
Again, I emphasize that if you are a Highlander 1 and Connor MacLeod fan, do not see this movie.
This movie that introduces the series Highlander, Duncan MacLeod, is also a Connor film par excellence.