Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994)

Directed by: Andrew Morahan | 99 minutes | action, fantasy | Actors: Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, Deborah Kara Unger, Mako, Raoul Max Trujillo, Jean-Pierre Pérusse, Martin Neufeld, Frederick Y. Okimura, Daniel Do, Gabriel Kakon, Louis Bertignac, Michael Jayston

Nothing is more annoying than a story drawn out too long. Think of a joke that works for minutes to a downright lame punch line, that anecdote that seems to never end and that product presentation that has nothing new to offer. The ‘Highlander’ franchise has to do with the same shortcoming. A successful first part was followed by a heap of sequels that were quite disappointing to say the least. In addition, a real TV series about this cult phenomenon was also canned. It never got as good as the original. This second sequel to Russell Mulcahy’s 1986 film is therefore not recommended.

In ‘Highlander III: The Sorcerer’ Christopher Lambert takes on the role of Connor MacLeod for the third time. Immortal, this Scotsman has to stand by as the world changes around him when he doesn’t. Not in appearance anyway. After the death of his beloved, our hero moves to Japan to find meaning there. It is not granted to him, for other immortals are after his blood. Immortal Kane (Mario Van Peebles) wants him dead. Immortals can still die (!) if their heads are cut off.

The now classic ‘Highlander’ from 1986 is a typical eighties action flick. The pulpy atmosphere and the dingy atmosphere gave this film a special appearance. In addition, the presence of Sean Connery was also a nice bonus and Clancy Brown put down a great villain in the form of the beastly Kurgan. Even the expressionless Lambert played with it. The production of Mullcahy was well received and that justified a number of sequels, according to Hollywood. After a disastrous sequel in the form of ‘Highlander II: The Quickening’, this third part had to pull the franchise out of the doldrums again. So somehow it worked, because in addition to a few sequels, a TV show (with other actors) was set up. Why is a mystery, because ‘Highlander III: The Sorcerer’ is not good.

How many films about an immortal man who can die can you make without being repetitive? Not much turns out. The cake is just gone. This third part presents new elements in the form of magic, but that doesn’t make it any better. Lambert misses Connery’s presence. He has to pull the cart on his own, but for that he lacks charisma and talent. Lambert is downright boring as the title hero. The casting of Van Peebles has been the second wrong choice. The clownish villain he portrays does not radiate any threat and immediately gets on the nerves. The original mixed pulpy characters with strong acting and it worked well. Part three is mainly childish and seems to be aimed at a young target group under the age of thirteen. It makes for a very different kind of action movie.

Add to that poorly choreographed fight scenes, sad special effects and a weak soundtrack and you understand that this part of the franchise is completely unnecessary. However, it is almost admirable that later sequels were even worse…