Saw this on the big screen at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne. I've always had fondness because I saw it at the cinema when it came out as a kid. So I can't be in any way objective.
It starts well - swiftly establishing the world and the key characters of Starbuck, Apollo, Adama, Anthena, Tigh, etc. The central conflict is strong, the Pearl Harbour-esque attack is fantastic - Adama telling Lew Ayres "that... was my son" still has power. Then all humanity wiped out - full on. Adam headed to Earth - fantastic.
But then things go wonky. The central concept - that the human race has been wiped out - is inherently dark. The TV series veered away from it - that's why this was a show worth remaking, to be true to the concept.
Instead Glen A Larson concentrates on side tracks - cheering up Boxey with Muffit, a really boring flight through a minefield, shenanigans on Carillon. The final success of the humans is very rousing.
I was surprised how strong the acting was. Dirk Benedict is engaging, Richard Hatch very good in a difficult role (a goody two shoes). Old hands like Lorne Greene, Lew Ayres, John Colicos, Terry Carter and Ray Milland lift the standard across the board. Jane Seymour is stunningly beautiful. The other women are better than they get credit for - Laurette Spang is really bright and even Maren Jensen is fine. Some of the smaller roles are iffy, like the woman who laughs hysterically on the container and that creepy doctor.
Magnificent music. Special effects decent for the time. Lots of logic problems. Good fun for Gen X'ers.
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