May contain traces of... NUTS.

Director: Michael Rymer

I’ve seen the original 1980’s Battlestar Galactica so many times, and although I have so much respect for the ’78 tv series version of it (w/c started this whole cult sci-fi tv series boom), the movie sucks in every conceivable way. It was a Star Wars rip-off done lamely. Cheesy. Unimaginative. And cheesy… or did I say that already?

So how can the producers remake such a badly-done film?

By recreating it brilliantly… and Battlestar Galactica tv movie/series is exactly that.

First of all, the 3-hr tv film which came out last year just blew me away. It was not a requiem, and it was more than just a remake. They made use of the old values and storyline of the original, re-imagined and retold it in such an exciting, intelligent and visually entertaining fashion. The departure point of both versions is the same: What will happen if man-made creations evolved and turned against Mankind and wipe out the entire human civilization? But the direction, pace and heightened limits that the new plot takes us is it’s winning streak.

They made some really bold leaps. The sugar-coated bubblegum sci- fantasy story line of the original was SCRAPPED OUT completely. Now, the plot is more dark, dreary and sinister... We are presented with the gloomy realities that humans will face--- the pressure of wanting to survive, the emotional turmoil of always having to choose the good of the majority over oneself, the chaos and extreme paranoia--- and its all very dreadfully plausible.

The gender of some characters were changed into females, especially the most iconic character, tobacco puffin’ womaniser Starbuck. (oh c’mon, get over it!). The president is also recasted as a strong willed woman, and mind you, she ain’t a dike! These changes brought in new dimensions, new dynamics to the relationships between the characters, creating more tensions that are not just sexual.

The antagonist, Doctor Gaius Baltar is my favourite. The acting is superb. Unlike the predecessor, this Gaius goes beyond the tired ‘mojo-jojo’ archetype whose sadism and intellect have no bounds. Not having a conscience does not always mean being icy, callous and unfeeling. Gaius is clearly tormented by his own hedonistic desires and self preservation instincts… and he merely uses extreme ‘logic’ to justify them and make up devious plans to his gain. In-depth characterisation and convincing script actually makes the viewers ‘sympathize’ to his inner conflicts and fears… his evilness becomes excusable, reminding us again and again of humanity’s flaws.

And of course, there’s the Cylons. In the new version, the Cylons evolved into human form. If you’re one of those sci-fi geezers, then this is not something new. This is just a mere echo of The Next Generation’s ‘Borgs’, ‘Number 7’ of Star Trek Voyager and yes, even SG-1’s replicator ‘Fifth’ (which the yummy new series started last week too!). However, I can honestly say this concept works best for Battlestar Galactica as it brought out new twists and turns to the plot, making it very intense. Plus, I love the idea that the Cylon human prototypes' thirst for destruction and death is limitless yet they can also be so vulnerable and arousing— a paradoxical quality that is so eerily human.

I watched this tv film with cynical eyes and below standard expectations. Maybe that’s why I’m so impressed with it. But after I heard that it had the 2nd highest ratings of all time for the Sci-Fi network and that they commissioned another 13-part series, I began to suspect that maybe this is really a great flick afterall!

I’ve been holding my breath in suspense awaiting for the first instalment of the tv series and it finally arrived last night (US premier is Jan 7, ’05). I can honestly say, despite my over-the-gauge expectation this time around, that I was not disappointed…so far at least. The series continued along the same thread as the pilot-series and amazingly, maintained the hi-intensity and fast pace. Now whether it ends the same as the original 1978 series, I’ll just have to bite my nails and wait.

I don’t really like giving spoilers, but if this review didn’t taunt your curiosity, then maybe this teaser will: You will never guess who is the Cylon traitor aboard the Galactica.