This 80s Cult Classic Is Way More Hilarious Than You Remember
by Abigail Isaacson in MoviesHighlander, the 1986 film blending science fiction, fantasy, and romance, is more than just a pop culture punchline. Despite its absurd premise of immortal warriors battling in a beheading royale, the film's charm lies in its quirky self-awareness and 80s music video aesthetic. Director Russell Mulcahy's unconventional choices, such as casting Christopher Lambert as the Scottish hero and Sean Connery as his mentor, add to the film's unique flavor. The movie's humor is found in its details: the fish falling from MacLeod's kilt, a sarcastic hotdog vendor's comments on the decapitations, and the Kurgan's hilariously bad disguise. Even the ultimate prize, granting MacLeod the ability to read minds, is presented as a sly cosmic joke. The review concludes by suggesting that any reboot should focus on preserving the original's fun-loving spirit.
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