Very well executed

Horrible, fascist and poorly acted

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

When most TV shows hit the airwaves, they struggle to make it an entire season and hope to find themselves along the way. Battlestar Galactica, however, began with this shiny miniseries, clearly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the sci-fi TV ranks.For a basic plot summary, the BSG miniseries sees the Galactica spaceship set to be decommissioned after many years of service in the Cylon wars. Deemed too "outdated" for the modern era, the creaky ship is pressed into duty when the mysterious Cylons (a rebelling race of machines created by humans) suddenly return to wreak havoc on the galaxy.This is a clear example of a show that knew it would be good from the get-go. The acting is spot-on, the plot is intriguing, and the production values rival the pilot episode of LOST. It might come across as a bit egotistical, but BSG takes itself very seriously. Luckily, it has the gravitas to back it up.As far as the comparisons to the original BSG series, I can't make any, as I haven't watched a single second of it. Suffice it to say, though, that you don't have to have ANY prior knowledge to get sucked into the plot.Overall, this 3-hour miniseries sets the stage for the Sci-Fi Channel TV series, proving that shows ending in "Trek" or beginning with "Star" don't necessarily corner the market on sci-fi fare.

I would recommend this version of Battlestar Galactica to the 8 and older crowd, in addition to any and all SciFi lovers. The sets were detailed and truly exceptional in some places (probably computer graphics). There are plenty to tech toys and eye candy in this movie. The characters help draw you into the film. Yet, although Battlestar Galacttica does move along quite nicely, it gives you plenty of time to catch your breath without getting bored. In this version of Battlestar Galactica, Starbuck is a woman. I guess that was some of the political correctness the director/writer wanted to show. I found it good entertainment but not a classic. I give it four thumbs up.

The Battlestar Galactica mini-series is a two hour and a half extravaganza that sets itself up as an introduction to the forth coming full series, detailing the Cylon's attack on the twelve human colonies, that leaves the 'Galactica' and her rag tag fleet of civilian vehicles as the only thing between their robotic nemeses and total eradication of the human race. It pays homage to the original series and indeed as well as re-imagining its predecessor, attempts in its own way to gift them both existence in the same plane. More importantly, however, the mini- series sets out to stamp its own authority on the highly lacking sci-fi series universe using its brand of sublime special effects, intense action, gripping storyline and absorbing characters (even if one in particular is, thankfully, never seen again) to hook you from the get go so that you go further and search for its subsequent seasons. However, and unfortunately there is a however, the very first episode of the first season is an incredibly difficult place to start for those that have not watched the mini-series. Personally half way through the lengthy introduction I went out to purchase both seasons 1 and 2 on DVD as I was hooked, but the seasons do not lend themselves to watching without the introduction. So much happens and takes place and is set up in the preceding film that any one who you have recommended the new look "Battlestar" to simply must view this first, otherwise subtle nuances and plot points will be lost. Why is this such an issue? Simply because the "Mini-Series", while an enjoyable entertaining affair, does not prepare you for how good episode one is, and how you are then catapulted into a world which will eat away hours of your life. This first instalment is unrefined: certain quotations and characters are unnecessarily placed within it to cater to the original fan base (I'm also aware the director and producer are seeing what works within their construct) one of which is so far removed from needed that it almost spoils the experience. The dialogue is also in a rough stage of development, whereby the outlines of characters must be forged so the conversations and interactions don't flow as smoothly as they should, and can provide for a partially cringe worthy affair.However, I will maintain (as I have to many friends I have recommended it to) that perseverance is the key. You will not appreciate the greatness of the subsequent seasons without ploughing through the mini-series. Not that the mini-series isn't an enjoyable watch, but for those who are still undecided about the concept or not immensely avid science fiction fans, it can come across as turgid and clichéd, which is why I would suggest watching the first episode of the series immediately thereafter. If that doesn't capture your imagination then Battlestar Galactica is not for you. It is a great deal of time to invest in what is nothing more, for the cynics, than a dirge-fest of a 70s show transported into the noughties equipped with blonde bombshells and everything that any prepubescent needs in its sci-fi, but BSG is so much more than that, and to be frank, the quality of the show means that there are not many cynics about. Countless times, before I began watching, I read and read in various television supplements that this was and is the best thing on television, and to be frank they are right, for once you are involved it's a sterling whirlwind, but this two and a half hour affair is a must if you are to fully appreciate the series. If you enjoy or have enjoyed this instalment you will adore the series, for those still undecided I would recommend watching the first episode and judge from there whether you wish to continue, and for those that found this tedious and science fiction twaddle...well...you can just frak off!

I hate space. I've never longed to be an astronaut, I have absolutely no passion for solar systems and the sight of technologically advanced super spacecrafts does not give me a redwood in my khakis. So when a friend told me that I should really start watching BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, I was less than thrilled to do so. Sure, it's being lauded by critics and viewers worldwide - but so is Star Wars, and I never even made it through The Phantom Menace.Yet I have to come clean. While watching the miniseries I was thrilled, exhilarated, baffled and immensely satisfied. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA proved to be perhaps the most rewarding and instantly striking three hour television event I've seen in a while. Or... well... 'a while...' I can't remember the last time I have been sitting in complete concentration for three straight hours, with my heart skipping a few beats every five minutes. The show is pulsing with rich scenery, imaginative story twists and beautiful camera-work.The writing and acting are both superb. Within its three hour canvas, the show paints a striking setting with little gems of perfect craftsmanship. My favorite of these gems was the character of Laura Roslin, who is sworn into presidency when the real president is killed. There's so much you can read in her eyes, and feel in her dialogue. Throughout the show she struggles to find the perfect balance between selflessness, authority and courage of conviction. A lot of this should be credited to actress Mary McDonnell, who plays the character sublimely.And there is another gem I would like to single out, since it shows - in my opinion - that this show is more subtle and intelligent than the surrounding ethos would lend you to believe. When Captain Apollo visits his father (who he is having a difficult relationship with) to let him know he's still alive, there is a hug between the two which is so well acted and written that I was actually baffled by it's subtlety. The commander never even looks his son in the eye after the hug and their eyes tell the tales of a lifetime of heartache in a single moment.So why not a perfect ten? Well, 0,5 points are lost because sometimes BATTLESTAR GALACTICA seems to think it should dip into the space battle clichés to make its running time worth while. The other 0,5 points are lost because of the character of Gaius Baltar, who (although played beautifully by James Callis) manifested himself as the only character I wouldn't mind seeing killed off.BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Mini-Series (2003) Running Time: 175 minutesRating: 4,5 / 5