HIGHLANDER II: THE QUICKENING (1991)

MORGAN'S RATING

In the early 21st century, the decaying civilization on Earth live in perpetual darkness beneath a globe-encircling radiation shield created 25 years ago by immortal warrior Connor MacLeod. But after Connor and a beautiful scientist uncover a startling secret about the Shield, their discovery puts them against Connor's old enemy from the distant planet Zeist: the ruthless Immortal known as Katana. Now, with the aid of his friend and mentor, Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Rameriez, Connor prepares himself to once again take up the mighty sword of the Immortals...and to unleash its legendary power in a life-or-death battle for cosmic honor, justice and survival!

Christopher Lambert (Connor MacLeod), Virginia Madsen (Louise Marcus), Sean Connery (Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez), Michael Ironside (Gen. Katana), Allan Rich (Allan Neyman), John C. McGinley (David Blake), Phil Brock (Cabbie), Rusty Schwimmer (Drunk), Ed Trucco (Jimmy), Steven Grives (Hamlet), Jimmy Murray (Horatio), Pete Antico (Corda), Peter Bucossi (Reno), Peter Bromilow (Joe), Jeff Altman (Doctor), Diana Rossi (Virginia), Randall Newsome (Max Guard), Karin Drexler (Brenda), Max Berliner (Charlie), Eduardo Sapac (Holt), Michel Pevronel, Sebtastian Morgan (Kids), Bruno Curivhelli (Zeist Chief Justice), Daniel Trovo, Diego Leske (Justices), Julio Breshnev (voices), Jonathon Slator (Supervisor), Ted McNabney, Patricia De Biaggi, Andre Gene (TV Reporters), Russell Mulcahy (Shield Control Technician).

IT'S TIME FOR A NEW KIND OF MAGIC.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

DIRECTOR: Russell Mulcahy (Resurrection). WRITERS: Brian Clemens, William Panzer and Peter Bellwood, and based on the characters created by Gregory Widen. PRODUCERS: Peter S. Davis, Jean-Luc Defait, Zaid El Khoury and William N. Panzer. ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS: Stephen Kaye and Mari Provenzano. CO-PRODUCERS: Alejandro Sessa and Robin S. Clark. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Guy Collins and Mario Sotela. LINE PRODUCERS: Jack Cummins and Chris Chrisafis. ORIGINAL MUSIC: Stewart Copeland. DISTRIBUTOR: Columbia/Tri Star Pictures.

FACTS

RELEASE DATE: November 1st, 1991 (USA) BOX OFFICE OPENING: $5.2 million (USA) BOX OFFICE RESULT: $15.5 million (USA) BUDGET: $30 million (USA) - Grossly contradicts Highlander (1986), its prequel. - Completed production exactly four years later to the day of the first Highlander (1986). - Christopher Lambert normally wears glasses, as his eyesight is very poor. During one of the sword fights, Lambert (sans glasses), nearly severed Michael Ironside's right thumb. - Director Russell Mulcahy disliked the theatrical cut so much, he left the premiere after only 15 minutes. - In the renegade version, a documentary following the film has the filmmakers explain why the original theatrical release contradicted the first film. According to them, the inflation in Argentina had risen so high during filming that the film's insurance company started to take creative control, and made a film they thought would make the most money. - Sean Connery received $3.5 million for nine days of filming. - In unused scenes, it is explained that the Kurgan from the first film was also a resident of the dreaded planet Zeist, hired by General Katana to kill Connor MacLeod. The final between between MacLeod and Kurgan from the original film is shown on a large screen to Zeist bettors, and when the Kurgan fails, Katana sends down the two assassins featured in the final cut of the film to take out MacLeod. - The final fight scene between MacLeod and Katana is composed of two separate battles. They are shown correctly in the renegade version. - All the subsequent Highlander productions ignore this film, as if it never happened. - Followed by three sequels: Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994), Highlander: Endgame (2000) and Highlander: The Source (2005).

QUOTES

Ramirez: Most people have a full measure of life, and most people just watch it slowly drip away. But if you can summon it all up in one time, at one place, you can accomplish something glorious.

Ramirez: We are joined in a way that can never been broken, not even by death. When you need me, you'll only have to call my name. I will always find you.

Louise Marcus: Okay, now let me just see if I can get this straight: you're mortal there, but you're immortal here, until you kill all the guys from there who have come back here, and then you're mortal...here. Unless, you go back there, or some more guys from there came here, in which case you become immortal here...again. Connor: Something like that.

Connor: Now, Ms. Marcus, you'll have to excuse me. I've just recieved some disturbing news. Louise Marcus: Did someone die? Connor: Unfortunately, no.

Drunk: Are you MacLeod? Connor: Yes, I am. Drunk: Good. I always wanted to meet the guy who turned the world to shit.

CRITICAL COMMENTS

"Beyond redemption." -- Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com

"It would be best if we all just agreed amongst ourselves that this movie never happened." -- Rob Vaux, Filpside Movie Emporium