A few weeks ago Highlander: The Source, the fifth (and almost certainly final) sequel in the Highlander franchise debuted here in the United States on the basic cable, Sci-Fi television channel. Yeah that’s right. Highlander has fallen so far that it can’t even get in theaters.
As the site’s only remaining Highlander fan (everyone else had the good sense to jump ship before the last movie), I tuned in. I loved the first movie, worship the amazing television series, and always hope for the best from these movies… even though I’m always disappointed. But even at their worst, the films have always had some great moments. Good swordfighting choreography, a nice speech by one of the MacLeods, something.
Not this one. It’s so bad, I didn’t have the heart to review it. The fact that The Source even exists embarrassed me. It still does. It’s not just bad, it’s offensively bad. Worse, they kill off one of the best things about the television series. Actually they set out to intentionally ruin or destroy everything that’s ever been good about the Duncan MacLeod version of Highlander… rather than learning from the last movie and giving us more of it. Rest assured this is the last you’ll ever see or hear of Highlander, on this site or anywhere. I feel bad for Adrian Paul, who has always deserved more credit for his amazing work as Duncan MacLeod in the old television show, but it’s done. He’s done. Goodbye Highlander and sadly… good riddance.
But if you’re looking for a post-mortem, our friend Clint over at Moviehole found the courage that I was unable to muster, and faced up to reviewing the film. Like me, he’s been one of the few remaining fans the franchise had, and like me, they’ve now lost even him. So if you’ve been wondering just how god awful Highlander: The Source really is, click over there and listen closely to Clint. He’s dead on.
