Latest news with #ChristopherLambert
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Visionary' sci-fi film to be axed from streaming in just a few days
Fans have one last chance to watch the 'extraordinary' cult classic A cult classic hailed as "visionary" and "extraordinary" is on the brink of departing from BBC iPlayer in mere days. This is therefore the last opportunity for aficionados of sci-fi and fantasy to either revisit or uncover for the first time one of the most audacious fusions of genres from the 1980s. The 1986 film Highlander, under the direction of Russell Mulcahy, has earned its stripes as a seminal piece that melds the aesthetics of sword-and-sorcery with contemporary urban action. Starring Christopher Lambert, the film follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander from the 1500s who, after surviving a seemingly lethal wound in battle, comes to realise his immortality. Under the guidance of the enigmatic Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, portrayed by Sean Connery, MacLeod is schooled in the ways of the immortals, destined to duel to the death through the ages, with the sole survivor claiming "The Prize" - an enigmatic boon tied to absolute power and enlightenment. Spanning the medieval highlands of Scotland to the bustling streets of 1980s New York, Highlander weaves its narrative through a tapestry of flashbacks and clashing swords, delving into themes of love, bereavement, and the existential burden of eternal life amidst the mortality of others. The film's unique visual flair owes much to Russel Mulcahy's dynamic, music video-inspired directorial approach, reflecting his background crafting promos for iconic 1980s acts like Duran Duran and Elton John. Yet, it is the soundtrack by Queen that truly propels Highlander to greater heights, reports the Express. The band contributed a host of tunes to the film. These included 'Princes of the Universe' and the evocative 'Who Wants to Live Forever', both tracks cementing their place as anthems for Highlander enthusiasts and Queen's enduring influence. Over the years, Highlander has ascended to cult status. With a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, fans have taken to the platform to share their adoration. One critic wrote: "Highlander is a visionary action/sci-fi film which deftly explores themes of eternal life, the temptation of power, and true love." Another lauded its distinctiveness and audacity: "It's THE fantasy movie. No movie has ever done sword and sorcery in a modern day setting like Highlander. Not even close. I'm going to go ahead and call a spade a spade: this is the greatest action movie of all-time. "Queen's score, Clancy Brown, Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart, Beatie Edney... Russell Mulcahy's revolutionary, music video-style directing; this is as good as movies get." Another person wrote: "Certainly better than anything else that's came out in the past decade." Some viewers also link its sustained allure to the fanbase of Queen: "An extraordinary cult classic movie that will endure for so many many generations. Not only with the cinema fans but also Queen fans." Despite its initial struggle at the US box office, Highlander has spawned a plethora of sequels, a television series, and graphic novels. There's been chatter about a reboot for some time, with John Wick's Chad Stahelski being recently attached to direct. Highlander (1986) is currently available on BBC iPlayer, but it will be taken off the platform on 9 June.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander fans urged to watch 'one of the best fantasy films ever made' as it streams for free
Outlander fans are invited to watch the Scotland-based fantasty adventure film that is streaming for free. A historical fantasy drama with a cult following is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer, and fans of Outlander will not want to miss this free streaming opportunity. The film, titled Highlander, is a surreal action-adventure that tells the story of an age-old war between immortal warriors. The narrative weaves together past and present-day storylines, focusing on Connor MacLeod, a man born in the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century. Christopher Lambert stars in the leading role, alongside Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and James Bond legend Sean Connery. Despite being a commercial flop upon its initial release, the film has since gained cult status and has inspired several sequels and television spin-offs. Rotten Tomatoes provides the following synopsis: "When the mystical Russell Nash (Christopher Lambert) kills a man in a sword fight in a New York City parking lot, he leaves a sliver of an ancient weapon lodged in a car in the process. "After brilliant forensics specialist Brenda Wyatt (Roxanne Hart) recovers evidence of the mysterious weapon, she and her partner, Lt. Frank Moran (Alan North), embark on an investigation of Nash that will land them in the middle of a dangerous, centuries-old feud between powerful immortals." While parts of the film are set in 1980s New York, there are also flashbacks to the Scottish Highlands in 1536, where Connor fights against the rival Fraser clan as a warrior of the MacLeod clan, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Outlander enthusiasts surely know the Fraser name well, as the series stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe as Jamie and Claire Fraser in the enchanting tale. Similar to Highlander, Outlander traverses different eras, starting in 1946 post-World War II Britain and then travelling back to 1743 on the cusp of the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland. Decades on, Highlander maintains a 69% fresh rating from critics and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, where viewers continue to discuss the film. The Telegraph penned: "Made with such superstyle Highlander does have entertainment value but this can only be a one-off." The Financial Times opined: "Close your brain to the illogicalities of the time-chopping structure and there is much to marvel at. "A truly heroic stomp through time and space," the BBC added, with the Chicago Reader commenting: "Lambert, with his beetle brow, broken nose, and vaguely crossed eyes, remains an amiable oddball presence, and Sean Connery radiates charm and nobility in a bit as an elder immortal who shows Lambert the rules of the game." Some critics were less impressed, as the Guardian wrote: "Even Gerry Fisher's camerawork can't convince me that this is other than the most inutterable tosh." The New York Times expressed: "Since none of the characters makes sense even on the movie's own terms, Highlander keeps on exploding for almost two hours, with nothing at stake." Empire Magazine offered a more measured approach, adding: "Don't go in expecting too much and you should be ok." Fans have been sharing their heartfelt endorsements, with one writing: "Growing up there were many movies of action and adventure and dragons and sorcery and this movie took the fantasy genre for me as a child and expanded it into the future of possibilities." Another fan, expressing admiration for Queen's contribution to the film's music, said: "An extraordinary cult classic movie that will endure for so many many generations. Not only with the cinema fans but also Queen fans." A third admirer commented on the film's overall impact, commenting: "An excellent epic fantasy film with a great soundtrack by Queen and plenty of action. Not boring in anyway. One of the best films ever made with a nice Scottish Theme." One more stated: "One of the greatest sci fi action movies of all time even the out dated effects work here and awesome story, excellent plot." And yet another viewer praised the film enthusiastically, adding: "A fantastic film. Story, acting, score, an action. It has it all. Clancy Brown plays a fantastic villain one of the best performances to date. Highlander is a true classic." Highlander will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from May 9.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cineverse Signs Highlander Franchise Digital Rights Deal with Davis-Panzer Productions
Popular Action- Adventure Fantasy Films and Television Series Available on Cineverse Streaming Services and Other Digital Platforms LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, today announced the extension of its partnership with Davis-Panzer Productions, Inc., securing digital rights to multiple titles from the iconic Highlander film and television franchise, along with additional titles from the Davis-Panzer renowned catalog. Under the multi-year and multi-territory agreement, Cineverse has the rights to nine movie and television series titles for its streaming services – including Cineverse and Midnight Pulp – and distribution over other digital platforms and streaming services. Cineverse's catalog features the original Highlander film, all six seasons of Highlander: The Series, and its spin-off, Highlander: The Raven. Additionally, the collection includes a diverse selection of films produced by Davis-Panzer, such as Cat Chaser, O'Hara's Wife, The Osterman Weekend, St. Helens, and Steel. Highlander, the iconic action-adventure fantasy franchise and pop culture phenomenon launched in 1986 with the original movie starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. The film developed a devoted global following around the immortal hero Connor MacLeod, leading to the production of multiple sequels and a globally successful television series that aired from 1992 to 1998. A major reboot of the feature film and franchise is currently in development at Lionsgate with Chad Stahelski (John Wick) set to helm starring Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, The Witcher). "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Davis-Panzer Productions and re-imagine new ways to deliver such a valuable IP to its fans," said Cineverse Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias. "On the dawn of the highly anticipated new Highlander feature film currently in the works, the popular franchise will now be able to reach new streaming audiences." The owners and executive team of Davis Panzer Productions (Priscilla Panzer and Katia Vitale Davis) stated, "As we approach the 40th Anniversary of Highlander and the production of the Highlander reboot we are excited to continue our partnership with Cineverse. This collaboration allows our beloved stories to reach devoted fans and new generations while honoring the memory of Peter Davis and Bill Panzer, whose visionary work continues to inspire and shape the future of our company." ABOUT CINEVERSE Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is a next-generation entertainment studio that empowers creators and entertains fans with a wide breadth of content through the power of technology. It has developed a new blueprint for delivering entertainment experiences to passionate audiences and results for its partners with unprecedented efficiency, and distributes more than 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Cineverse connects fans with bold, authentic, independent stories. Properties include the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history; dozens of streaming fandom channels; a premier podcast network; top horror destination Bloody Disgusting; and more. Powering visionary storytelling with cutting-edge innovation, Cineverse's proprietary streaming tools and AI technology drive revenue and reach to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit Press Contacts: For MediaThe Lippin Group for Cineverse, cineverse@ For InvestorsJulie Milstead, investorrelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cineverse Corp.
