Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries

2003

Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

89%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 9

95%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 12,379

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Movie Info

One of the most popular television series of the late '70s science fiction boom gets a new look for the new millennium in remake, created as a made-for-cable miniseries. Four decades after the Cylon Wars, the Cylon robots (some of whom have since assumed human form) have launched a vicious nuclear attack, leaving only a few Colonial forces to lead the survivors to safety. Led by starship commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) and politician and possible presidential successor Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), the crew of the Battlestar Galactica searches the galaxy for the mythic 13th Colony of Kobol (otherwise known as Earth), their destination and only hope for survival. Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries also stars Jamie Bamber, James Callis, and Grace Park.

Cast

Edward James Olmos
as Cdr. Adama
Mary McDonnell
as Laura Roslin
Jamie Bamber
as Capt. Lee `Apollo' Adama
Katee Sackhoff
as Lt. Kara `Starbuck' Thrace
Michael Hogan
as Col. Tigh
Grace Park
as Lt. Sharon `Boomer' Valerii
Tricia Helfer
as Number Six
Aaron Douglas
as Crew Chief Tyrol
James Callis
as Gaius Baltar
Matthew Bennett
as Aaron Doral
Paul Campbell VIII
as Billy
Connor Widdows
as Boxey
John Mann
as Cag
Lorena Gale
as Priest Elosha
Barclay Hope
as Transport Pilot
Callum Keith Rennie
as Leoben Conroy
Kandyse McClure
as Dualla
Michael Eklund
as Crewman Specialist Prosna
Alessandro Juliani
as Lt. Gaeta
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Critic Reviews for Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries

All Critics (9) | Top Critics (2)

  • The project might all be an exploitative departure from the ''Battlestar Galactica'' brand name, but it's hard not to like where the spacemen (and spacewomen) are going.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Full Review…

    Ned Martel

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • It's a type of world-building best-suited to endless franchises-the multi-book series, the film trilogy, the serialized television show. The detail is there for richness, not for third-act plot expediency.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

    Sonia Saraiya

    AV Club
    Top Critic

  • The strength of this series is the way its characters each choose to react to this untenable situation.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Will Wade

    Common Sense Media

  • The result is surprisingly good, with a strong character driven story that leaves you wanting more.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review…

    Rafe Telsch

    CinemaBlend

  • The success of the miniseries gave momentum for the weekly series. I hope the series is as enjoyable as this.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…

    Andy Patrizio

    IGN Movies

  • There's plenty more that could be picked out here, but the one other thing I wanted to focus on was the ending. This was scream-at-the-telly good, and what great cliffhangers are all about.

    Sep 5, 2018 | Full Review…

    Simon Brew

    Den of Geek
View All Critic Reviews (9)

Audience Reviews for Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries

  • Jul 14, 2012
    this epic mini series leading up to the television show is by far one of the best sci fi movies ever created. the only problem I now have is that the show took a drastic turn and would never reach these heights again. The fighting scenes alone will keep you glued awaiting some impressive flight scenes. the casting of James Olmos clearly set the bench mark for quality and its he's strength that gives this film and the series a backbone.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Dec 16, 2011
    This breathtaking miniseries that started the exceptional TV series features a steady direction, great dialogue and elegant long takes, while also raises many moral issues with intelligence and keeps the focus always on the characters and on the human aspect of the battle.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 30, 2010
    This three hour miniseries is absolutely stunning in so many ways I don't even know where to begin. It puts us in the middle of a world with a complex history. It, unapologetically, launches the story straight away. I like the fact it assumes we know this fictitious world. It forces you to keep paying attention, as there is a lot going on. History, plot, characters, twists and turns are all crammed into 180 minutes, but it doesn't feel bloated or rushed. If anything, it has perfect pacing. To feel this connected and this involved with a large group of characters after just three hours is quite amazing. The large group of characters contains familiar but reliable archetypes, and more complex characters. My favorite would have to be James Callis. He portrays a selfish but conflicted man, somewhat responsible for the end of humanity. He is joined by a Jiminy Cricketesque subconscious, that takes the form of a very sexy Cyclon. Lots of terminology, politics, religious and technological debates abound. If you like your TV (or even movies) dense, well rounded, beautifully scripted, and utterly engaging, please check this out. Now if you'll excuse me, I have 4 seasons to be getting on with.
    Luke B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 09, 2010
    Partially funded by Mormon organizations. LDS subtexts. Adama = Adam. Borderline church propaganda. How the Earth was repopulated by "aliens', prophecies, martyrs etc. Strickly for the Sci-Fi aspect: not bad. I liked Firefly better.
    Sean G Super Reviewer
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