4th and Goal: Highlander 4: Endgame

Another fourthquel already? If you insist.

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While the characters in this series can live forever, the longevity of the films is questionable. Without further ado, I bring you:

Highlander 4: Endgame

First off, let me address the obvious. While this is the fourth movie, it is often just called as 'Highlander: Endgame.' There are a couple of reasons for this. For one thing, people are wary to refers to movies as numeric sequels. Second, the series is so convoluted that the film connections are tenuous at best. In "Highlander," Connor McCleod becomes the last immortal and gains 'the prize.' In the sequel, it is the future and he has the prize, but gives it up. In the third film, it is the past and he loses the prize. I'm confused.

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This film is even more confusing because it ties into the television series. The series, you see, took the continuity of the film and warped it. Instead of one immortal, there are now thousands. Connor does not have the prize, but is friends with a clansman named Duncan. A little known fact is that the TV show pilot initially began as "Highlander 4," but was sold to television instead. So, the attempt to make "Highlander 4" eventually gave us..."Highlander 4." Amazing.

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Oh, you actually want to know about the movie itself? Basically, an immortal's father was killed 600ish years ago and he has held a grudge since then. Since he is a slow planner, he is only now taking his shot. He kills Connor's friends and finally tries to actually, you know, kill him. His hired guns- including famed kung-fu master Donnie Yen- battle Duncan, but he manages to escape.

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The film relies on re-shot flashbacks and new ones (consider that for a moment- new flashbacks) to pad the film and build up all the character interaction. The actual scenes in the present tend to rehash story aspects from the TV show for neophytes (i.e. me) or contain fight scenes. The latter are not bad, but they are rarely great. The whole thing builds up the villain Kell as nearly unstoppable so that our two heroes might fight until only one is standing. The final battle is pretty good, though there is an overabundance of sparks and a reliance on one move built up in a flashback.

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While the movie does not suck, it is just not that great either. It is too bogged down in back-story for newcomers and too reliant on rehashing for all but the most forgiving on series fans. When the actual story begins, it is a very complex setup to a simple revenge scheme that builds up to one fight. Say it with me: whatever.

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More movies to come. Demon children, space a-holes and evil doctors. Stay tuned...