Madeline
Highlander comes out, swords blazing with 80s value in tow. If the repeated line “There can only be one” does not send waves of recognition, perhaps this is not a movie worth your time. This movie goes down with The Big Chill and Little Shop of Horrors that not only came out around the year I was born in 1986, but also a movie I have heard tons about including hearing this tag line in many different ways. So when it came up on an 80s podcast I listen to, Rewind the Movies, It was finally time to sit down and watch.
Premise of Highlander
The movie opens in modern times. And when I say “modern times” I mean it opens in the fashionable 1980s. Although they are in a parking garage, there is a sword fight that breaks out medieval style. That is when we learn about our hero, Connor McLeod, and his past. And by past I mean the 1500s in Scotland. We learn about how McLeod came to be immortal and how he must defend himself against his nemesis. And it is made clear that “There can only be one.”
The premise mostly focuses on the modern day with the flashbacks to McLeod’s past just adds color to how he came to be. A female forensic scientist, yes it is important that she is female because she also becomes the love interest, is trying to figure out how ancient shards of metal came to be at a crime scene. And all signs point to McLeod, now playing an antiques dealer by an assumed name in New York.
The 80s Value
By open scene it is clear that the 80s is bright and forward with the fashion. And then the music pipes in, all thanks to the wonderful 80s band, Queen. Then comes in the special effects including the sword against sword effects, which at the time probably looked cool, but now looks like something my fifteen year old nephew could do in a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Highlander was a checkbox movie for me. Check, I saw it. This is a movie I do not need multiple check boxes by. I am good in that realm. The only way this movie is coming back out is if I am throwing an 80s themed party and even in that case, there are plenty of movies ahead of this one.
