O Ataque dos Cylons

After the destruction of their home planets by a race of machine creatures known as "Cylons", a desperate group of human survivors manage to flee in a motley collection of space ships which are protected by their last major warship-the "Battlestar Galactica". Unfortunately, having already traveled a great distance, the Commander of the Battlestar Galactica, "Adama" (Lorne Greene) is informed that the flotilla is perilously close to running out of fuel. On top of that, two of his two best Viper pilots, "Captain Apollo" (Richard Hatch) and "Lieutenant Starbuck" (Dirk Benedict) are overdue from their latest patrol. It's at this time that long range scanners aboard the Galactica begin to pick up a strange mirror image of their own warship. But the image is too perfect to be just an ordinary mirror image. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this movie is essentially two and a half episodes of the television series, "Battlestar Galactica" (comprised of "The Living Legend, Part I", "The Living Legend, Part II" and "Fire in Space") all rolled into one. That being the case, those who are somewhat familiar with the television series should have few problems understanding the overall plot. Those unfamiliar with the show might miss a few nuances here and there but otherwise there really isn't anything too advanced or unusual for first-time viewers to be unable to understand. As far as the overall merits of the movie is concerned let me just say that this film is clearly dated as the CGI, while state-of-the-art at the time (1978), is clearly not in the same class as that seen today. Likewise, the acting was pretty standard and some of the dialogue seemed a bit too corny at times. But all things considered this isn't a bad movie and I rate it as about average-no more and no less.

This film was edited from the episodes LIVING LEGEND parts 1 and 2 and FIRE IN SPACE. MISSION GALACTICA is ok as a film, but is nothing more than edited tv footage. The story revolves around the Galactica finding another Battlestar called the Pegasus and a fierce battle the two warships must fight over two planets in a system of planets controlled by the cylons. The film features LLOYD BRIDES as Cain the commander of the second battlestar who is essentially a celestial Patton. The film also focuses on the clash between the comand styles of Adama and cain. MISSION GALACTICA makes for fine family viewing. If the film were to get a MPAA rating it would be G.

Although others have commented that this video is just an edited version of the two shows: "Fire in Space" and "Living Legend", if you watch the original shows you'll find that dialogue from this video edition was edited out. I found this video version much better because scenes and lines were added to it. I would say if you want to see the show in its original version, see the video versions on VHS. They have more to offer the fan than the original episodes being offered on DVD now. Another good video is Conquest for the Earth, which had more scenes from Galactica 1980 than did the actual broadcasts themselves. Overall, I rate this as a 10 because it gives you more to enjoy than what the networks wanted to show in the time slot they gave the producers.

As I said in my comment about the first part: These two movies are better than most Science Fiction Fans confess.

The scenario in the second movie is not that moving as we don't see the destruction of human civilization, but the aftermath, thousands of refugees fleeing in tiny space cans, protected by only one powerful spaceship.

But when Battlestar Pegasus appears, the story heats up, carrying the battle back to the Cylon Planets. Okay, it has a little bit of Mad Max because all they fight for is fuel for their spaceships to travel on to find the distant Earth, but it works for me. It is thrilling Science Fiction entertainment featuring fine actors and decent special effects (even though those tend to repeat themselves, to say the least :-) ).

I would have loved a continuation with Starbuck and Apollo on board. Instead, we got a second sequel with no name characters who proved that the story had worked before especially because the feature characters were so well-chosen...

So thumbs down for the productions of 1980, but thumbs up for the two movies from 1978.

Let's think people , quit bad-mouthing the original , for it's time the original Battlestar series was a masterpiece , even still with all the stars , story lines and art . Lorne Greene was great as Adama and Richard Hatch was perfect as Apollo and Dirk Benedict was funny as Starbuck , but I dare say , not as pretty as Katee as Starbuck .

I loved the episode with the Pegasus and Greetings from Earth was good John Calicos was great as Baltar , War of the Gods , the best was Experiment in Terra , I thought that was a tribute in a way to Heaven Can Wait , then you had the women of Battlestar , not to compare them to let's say Tricia who is outstandingly beautiful as Number Six , but Jane Seymour's beauty could not be compared to . Let alone Loerrta Spang as Cassiopea was fantastic .She had beauty that a rainbow would be embarrassed by . I loved the original as much as the new .

Can you imagine if John Calicos had a number six ? :)

Thankyou for listening .