Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007) (TV)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Félix Enríquez Alcalá

Writers:

Ronald D. Moore (developer)
Michael Taylor (written by)

Release Date:

24 November 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Thriller | War

Plot:

A two-hour Battlestar Galactica special that tells the story of the Battlestar Pegasus several months prior to it finding the Galactica. |

Plot Keywords:

Man In Uniform | Cylon | Woman In Uniform | Lesbian Kiss | Lesbian

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Edward James Olmos	...	Admiral William Adama
Mary McDonnell	...	President Laura Roslin
Katee Sackhoff	...	Captain Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace
Jamie Bamber	...	Captain Lee 'Apollo' Adama
James Callis	...	Dr. Gaius Baltar
Tricia Helfer	...	Number Six / Gina Inviere
Grace Park	...	Lt. Sharon Valerii
Michael Hogan	...	Colonel Saul Tigh
Aaron Douglas	...	Chief Galen Tyrol (credit only)
Tahmoh Penikett	...	Lt. Karl 'Helo' Agathon (credit only)
Alessandro Juliani	...	Lt. Felix Gaeta (credit only)
Michael Trucco	...	Samuel Anders (credit only)
Kandyse McClure	...	Petty Officer Anastasia Dualla (credit only)
Michelle Forbes	...	Admiral Helena Cain
Graham Beckel	...	Colonel Jack Fisk

Also Known As:

Razor (USA) (short title)
Untitled Battlestar Galactica TV Special (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

88 min (original television version) | 104 min (extended dvd edition)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:14+ (TV rating) | Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:MA | New Zealand:R13

Filming Locations:

Vancouver Film Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

David Eick Productions

Trivia:

Prior to the movie's television debut, the featurette series "Battlestar Galactica: Razor Flashbacks" (2007) was made available on the web. Most (but not all) of the content of the webisodes are integrated into the movie. The webisodes are also available for separate viewing as a bonus on the Razor DVD.

Goofs:

Continuity: During Operation Raptor Talon the Battlestar Columbia changes into the Galactica several times when it is hit by missiles.

Quotes:

Hybrid: Soon there will be four, glorious in awakening. Struggling with the knowledge of their true selves. The pain of revelation bringing new clarity. And in the midst of their confusion, he will find her, enemies brought together by impossible longing, enemies now joined as one...

Movie Connections:

References "Battlestar Galactica: Pegasus (#2.10)" (2005)

Edgy, but Doesn't Really Cut it

I liked this the first time around, but a repeat viewing reduced its interest considerably.

BSG has had to remain in a constant state of flux due to the high standards of innovation and intrigue that the show established for itself. This has, unfortunately, alienated some of its fans - as can be seen from the reactions to this two hour episode broadcast between seasons 3 and 4. What Razor does effectively is to give a lot of dense, somewhat heady back-story, told from the perspective of the troubled Pegasus XO Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen).

What it does not do very well is to integrate and expand on the characters and themes of the regular series.

Favorite characters are threatened by insane turns of events occurring near the end of season 3, and some fans are wondering whether the writing team has lost touch with their characters or there is something brilliant afoot that has yet to be revealed. Razor and Crossroads II are either harbingers of a wild ride in season 4 or of a disappointing but typically Sci-Fi channel finish to what was once a great show.

The Pegasus saga under three COs - Cain, Fisk and Lee Adama - is told in a series of flashbacks from the destruction of the colonies to a mission which took place after Lee Adama became the ship's commander. Cain's presence looms large as Kendra Shaw traces back most of what she considers to be important in her recent experience to Admiral Cain. Michelle Forbes and Steph Jacobsen are both great in this film. Jamie Bamber and Tricia Helfer also add considerably.

The script is a little less lucid than most episodes of BSG, and military clichés occasionally take the place of the show's normally brilliant dialog and excellent characterization. The cinematography is excellent - and it was especially fun to see the old Cylon ships and raiders making an appearance (though the real reasons they show up here are not fully explained - yet). Finally, the last few minutes of Razor alone makes it worth watching. But don't bother if you haven't already seen seasons 1-3.