Highlander: The Search for Vengeance
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Highlander:The Search for Vengeance is something of a shock as it marks the first time a quite a while that a Highlander film didn’t sort of suck. This animated feature follows, once again, the adventures of Immortal Colin MacLeod, but this time he’s way out there in the future in the late 21st century. Of course, the world has degenerated due to global warming and terrorism and humans find themselves a New York City that is in desperate need of some repair work. While much of the city is a total disaster, think Bagdad today and probably Bagdad tomorrow, but there is a gimmer of the slick and the new as the main super villian has created a walled off megatower for the rich and obedient. Colin’s sparing partner is a ancient baddie named Marcus who longs to bring back the fun loving times of the good old Roman Empire. In many ways, Highlander: The Search for Vengeance does borrow from a variety of science-fiction works, most notably Aeon Flux.
What Was Cool:
Recent Highlander flicks have suffered from horrible scripts that don’t make a lot of sense. The problem is an obvious one as writers and directors struggle with the simple fact that the end of the first Highlander movie basically seals off sequels for all logical purposes. But Highlander: The Search for Vengeance has enough style in its animation and a coherent enough plot that most fans of the films will likely be pleased. The film is innovative within the Highlander universe and spares itself from attempting to become too sweeping and epic, which has been the downfall of almost all the sequels.
What Was Stupid:
Sadly, Highlander: The Search for Vengeance falls into the trap of so incorporating the oh-so tired prostitute with a heart of gold in the character of Dahlia, who plays Colin’s love interest. I could say more about their relationship but it would be something of a spoiler. Unfortuantely, the Dahlia character, while possessing depth, is such a overall cliché that it borders on the absurd. And speaking of the absurd is the way Dahlia is dressed, as it is so over the top, street whore prostitute, that many viewers may simply be left dumbfounded that they “went there.” To be sure there are other clichés as well, such as the young street kid that can “hook you up with whatever you need.” That turns out to be a key asset on the hero’s quest, yeah they went there too…
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
All the animators on the film are the real stars here, even the ones who animated all the slut wear. No doubt they did a fantastic job and make the coherent but only mildly inspired script come to life. Credit must also be given to director Yoshiaki Kawajiri for crafted a well paced animated film that will please most fans of the series and the voice acting, solid throughout really helps lift up the script.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
A Highlander movie that doesn’t suck, that is an accomplishment.
Story C+
Use of Science B-
Acting B
Portrayal of Women C- (The character of Dahlia is strong and capable but the whole prostitute thing left me cold.)
Quality of Animation B (Not the greatest animation you’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done.)
Style/Sex Appeal B (The film has a consistently interesting look throughout.)
Enjoyability Grade B-
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) C-
Overall Innovation B (Highlander: The Search for Vengeance did infuse a little life in the otherwise old, stale francise.
Overall Grade B-
A Little Fact About Cherie:
Loved the first Highlander flick, even with its problems, but the others, well its been rough.
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