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10 out of 12 people found the following review useful: a must-see, 21 December 2000 Author: mattkratz (themattk@hotmail.com) from Richardson, TX
This was the perfect sequel to the original miniseries about the aliens who arrive on earth and establish a fascist government there, only to be met with a successful resistance movement. The cast was first-rate, as Michael Ironside was a perfect addition to Marc Singer, Robert Englund, Faye Grant, and co. The suspense and overall storyline were first-rate as well.I loved the series when I was a kid, but like it even better now that I know more about the undertones and historical allusions. (Nazi takeover of Europe, McCarthyism, etc.) This is a must for sci-fi fans.*** 1/2 out of ****
7 out of 8 people found the following review useful: 'Twas good, but it could have been better..., 31 July 2004 Author: mentalcritic from Southern Hemisphere
In 1983, one of the best-rated miniseries broadcast on television in the English-speaking world was V, a quaint little story about aliens landing on Earth and using Hitleresque tactics to take it over. The scenario is only unbelievable because of where the invaders come from. Their motives, and the means that these motives drive them to, make the scenario so real that it's almost scary.The Final Battle picks up at an unspecified time after the original V. The resistance has been struggling to put dents in the Vistors' ability to carry out their sinister plans, but things aren't going so well. A new and improved form of armour ensures that the kind of weapons normally available to the resistance are effectively useless. The fact that most of humanity is being kept in the dark about what is really going on doesn't help matters any.In order to deal with the latter problem, the resistance conceives a plan to unmask the Vistors' leader on television. They figure that since television can be used for propaganda by the vistors, they can manipulate it to the same end. At first, they seem to succeed, even at tremendous cost. But the media's unrivalled ability to tell the people what to think or believe backfires on them. Enter the professional mercenaries who begrudgingly help them with a new armour-piercing ammunition and various other kinds of tools that allow them to put up a more effective fight.It sounds like a great follow-up, but looking back on it twenty years later, it really isn't. For one thing, this sequel seems so determined to wrap up every loose end that there is precious little time for character development. The old characters escape this mainly because they were given a lot of it in the original series. However, they don't progress much further from that point. Donovan is still an adventurer who would take on the entire Visitor army by himself if he could. Julie is still a confused, grumpy young woman who wonders why she, of all people, would be chosen to lead this outfit. Robert Maxwell is still the affable scientist who is torn by his need to protect his daughters, no matter what the cost is. Daniel and Eleanor are still the weak, insubstantial forms who don't realise that when all opposition is eliminated, they'll be the first ones up against the wall. If it hadn't been for the original miniseries, you'd know very little about these characters at the beginning of The Final Battle, and even less at the end.Not that it is all bad. Some of the loose ends are tied up so well that they become classic moments in television history. The fate of Brian is one of the most haunting moments in the story, reflecting a situation that has happened in many wars before now, and will happen in many wars to come. The use of germ warfare against the Visitors is an old story, harkening back to the classic War Of The Worlds scenario. Little was known about the nature of bacteria or virii in Wells' day, so it is even more satisfying that this time around they are able to give it some setup, making the payoff seem less like Deus Ex Machina. The little saga between Caleb and Elias Taylor is also given a payoff that will go down in television history as a classic moment. That Michael Wright and Jason Bernard didn't get more work than they did after this stellar performance is one of the many injustices of the Hollywood system.A special mention, of course, must go to Michael Ironside and Mickey Jones. When we are first introduced to their characters, we're almost bracing ourselves for yet another Rambo type. While we know little more about Chris Faber in the end than we did when we first see him, there's just enough in this series to make Ham Tyler seem vaguely three-dimensional. This, in turn, is a lot more than what can be said for most of the other characters unique to The Final Battle.Interestingly, a new miniseries has been announced with the original series creator Kenneth Johnson at the helm, and with key members of the original cast having already signed on. Whether Johnson intends to ignore or downplay this series remains unknown, but unfortunately, most of The Final Battle could simply be ignored without consequence. Most of the story seems more like a predefined statement of mission goals rather than any dramatic conflict as was shown in the original series, so in this instance, I'd just savour the classic moments and forget the rest. In all, a six out of ten seems about right.
6 out of 7 people found the following review useful: A cult classic, 22 June 1999 Author: Dar Star from San Francisco
While other folks were knee-deep in Star Wars and Star Trek, this was the movie that mesmerized me. The world taken over by Alien Nazis, pretty inventive. Looking back, it is obvious that this is a very high quality production not the ordinary made for TV drivel. With a great concept and terrific acting by Marc Singer, Faye Grant, and Michael Ironside, interest is held throughout the full 10 hours. Except for the phony ending, the entire saga is great. Special effects were also state of the art then. When I compare the laser blasts in Star Wars with V FB, no contest. V rules. PLEASE PUT THIS ON DVD.
8 out of 11 people found the following review useful: A worthy follow-up, 11 November 2002 Author: John Murray from Meriden, Ct, Usa
V:The Final Battle is a worthy follow-up.Singer and Grant lead the large cast once again with standout performancesand are joined by a well-cast Michael Ironside who plays Ham Tyler as the ultimate tough guy with a 'tude.I forgot to mention Jane Badler in my review of the first mini,something I deeply regret.In both minis as Diana,Badler is one of the all-time great sci-fi villainesses.She commands every scenes she's in and her presence is felt when she's not.Having Bad in her last name doesn't hurt either.In terms of pure meanness she blows away Dynasty's Alexis in the Super Bitch sweepstakes.It's a lot of fun,filled with suspense and shocks,and great at the climax where we get to enjoy watching Singer,Grant,Ironside,et al kick some Visitor ass. 9 out of 10!
4 out of 5 people found the following review useful: Could have been better! Could have been worse!!, 9 August 2002 Author: AbeStreet (AbeStreet@aol.com) from Mayfield Heights, OH, U.S.A.
I remember this TV event well. It was big news in the spring of 1984. This mini-series aired over 3 separate nights. I found the characters to be well developed and the story held my attention. I saw this mini-series before the first mini-series and was able to pick up the story and follow it without feeling as though I were missing key parts to the story. My only complaint is similar to the other reviewers and that is that the final scene which involves the resistance and the human-alien offspring Elizabeth trying to avert a self destruction sequence on the mother ship. I, and my friends, found the ending to be a bit simplistic and somewhat anti climatic. However don't let this or other reviewers prevent you from watching this mini-series. It is an excellent story. It is almost as good as "V" and much better than V: THE SERIES. In my opinion the story should have ended here. V: THE SERIES never lived up to the two mini series and damaged the storyline.
2 out of 2 people found the following review useful: Once you walk out that door, there's no turning back., 1 June 2009 Author: Andy (film-critic) from Bookseller of the Blue Ridge
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
In "V: The Miniseries" we see a band of unlikely brothers forge together to stop an indestructible group of aliens determined to rid the world of water and subsequently transform the human race into a combo meal at McDonald's. The aliens eat fuzzy creatures, they like to copulate with humans, and their voices cannot be trusted, yet this group of rebels continues forward. Half homage to past science fiction films, and half an allegory of the events surrounding WWII, "V: The Miniseries" wasn't perfect, but it provided hours of nostalgic entertainment. Now, with "V: The Final Battle", the gloves are thrown off, the symbolic references are destroyed, and the game is transformed into merely a battle between human and alien. It is about resistance, standing up for beliefs, and plenty of fictitious science all rolled into three hours. Our band of outsiders is down, but not finished. They deliver several swift blows to the alien objective and finally one "final battle" that leaves doors unopened and plot holes uncovered. "V: The Final Battle" was a swift ending, but where it built onto action, it lacked that panache that the original episodes did. "The Final Battle" assumed that characters were already developed, and instead of taking a humanistic direction, director Richard Heffron placed his bets on the special effects. This was a completely different ending to a decently sharp beginning.Heffron isn't Kenneth Johnson, and it is obvious that this is a second part to an idea, not a continuation. Not only have the overall themes changed, but the influx of special effects has lead us down the path of horrid dialogue, randomly placed action scenes (i.e. the fistfight over the powder), and the lack of developed story lines. Johnson may have taken longer to get to the point, but at least there was a point. Heffron went in a completely, some may say bold, direction – but it didn't work. Investing over five hours, one could easily demand a conclusion, but none could be found here. The introduction of Elizabeth (the child of an alien and human) was exciting, but nothing happened. The idea of quick growth was introduced, but then easily forgotten – same as Mike's son being changed as a spy. Again, another strong and vexing idea that was mentioned, and then forgotten. It was these smaller nuances that seemed to be clearer in "The Final Battle" than in the original.In addition to the lackluster plot, the acting seemed to be progressively getting worse. Our original characters were not the same as in this final set – the excitement seemed to have dissipated and with too many small story arch's never being fully developed, it was no wonder our characters seemed to be lacking that pioneering gumption. Marc Singer's Mike was more a meathead than a leader, the annoying child who gave birth to the spawn seemed more annoying than helpful – and Ham seemed to be unreasonably angrier. This wasn't the same set we stopped with on the miniseries. The resistance was going to win; it was inevitable, so why did it have to be so mismatched to get there.What was kept? What worked? It was somewhat like that feeling of seeing "Star Wars" for the first time. When the villains finally get it, one cannot help but feel that moment of excitement swell in the throat, but there needed to be more. The alien baby is worth the price of the DVD alone, a cross between originality and a "Ghoulie", it provided at least an hour of laughter. The fist fight between Ham and Mike seemed reminiscent of the film "They Live", so it received some points for that, but overall it just felt cheap. The sets were bigger, the acting was weaker, and the money was tighter. While you should watch this after "The Miniseries", don't expect the same quality.Grade: ** ½ out of *****
4 out of 6 people found the following review useful: worthy, 4 July 2003 Author: mattkratz (themattk@hotmail.com) from Richardson, TX
This was a marvelous follow-up to one of the best TV mini series of all time. Most of the original cast returns, and the human team led by Marc Singer and Faye Grant lead their squad against the Visitors intent on world domination. Michael Ironside's character was a perfect addition to the cast, as he provides the arrogant tough-guy role the good guys needed. If you liked the first one, you'll love this one. I guarantee it. You will never forget the childbirth scene in this film.*** out of ****
1 out of 1 people found the following review useful: unbelievably stupid, 2 October 2007 Author: Gorbo from CZECH REPUBLIC
After seeing this crap I just could not hold myself from vomiting. My mind couldn't continue to accept and defy reason. A bunch of soccer moms, a crack head, a gardener, a tight jeans cameraman and a few nerdy scientists battle against the intergalactic equivalent of the US navy seals or the German waffen SS and win every time? Suddenly regular people know how to shoot rocket launchers and machine guns with hawk eye precision? And that blondie Sylvia Saint look alike ( she's very hot btw ) is the most unlikely leader I've ever seen. How the hell did Barbie got chosen to be the resistance leader? The resistance seems to pick their camps with gorgeous views behind, sometimes it gets so cheesy it seems you are watching an afternoon soap opera.C'on Now, on to the invaders. How can they be so stupid? They are far too technologically advanced and superior to us and apparently they haven't discovered recycling nor farming nor animal domestication to feed their starving people on their home planet? Oh and here's the SUPER secret formula for water invaders: H 20! Plus they are the wimpiest fascists since the Italians in WW 2, they can't seem to plan or execute anything right. Everything they plan goes wrong all the time. And let's not talk about security, one pass apparently opens every door in the mother ship.... or perhaps they don't even bother to lock the doors or update their security codes up there.V: the final battle gets more unbelievably stupid as it goes on. By the time this crap is about to end you'd expect the Ewoks or ALF to show up anytime soon. Diana continues to be super hot even with those terrible 80's hair styles and I guess there was no teeth whitening in the 80's. Many in that cast really needed one.Very disappointing. You can see why creator Kenneth Johnson wants to scrap the whole thing. Great television turned into sappy sentiment. The Visitors come across as imbeciles rather than ruthless villains. The resistance as a gang of klutzes, I really hated the part where they resorted to germ warfare. Nobody raised a moral objection to it. Really sad. And the Visitors can't cure the red dust, stupid. Really lame. Maybe next time they'll get V right.
2 out of 3 people found the following review useful: Fun to Watch, but Kind of Dumb, 18 April 2004 Author: konky2000 from Oakland, CA
While I thought the original mini-series was great, this follow up only ranks as a fun trip down memory lane. I doubt I will ever watch it again after having just seen it on DVD.In the original we watch a band of revolutionaries form a secret underground resistance to the alien visitors. It is a very thinly veiled allegory to Nazism, but that is what makes it so effective.In this second part, we basically follow the 'incredible' adventures of the underground resistance as they perform various deeds. The plot just seems to be treading water and not going anywhere for the first 3 hours. As others have mentioned, the ending feels quite abrupt and unsatisfying.The biggest problem is that the resistance fighters seem capable of pulling the most amazing feats, slipping past security with amazing ease, and hiding out in a 'secret' hideout that would take the aliens about 10 minutes to find. The bottom line problem is, how can an alien race that is capable of travelling 65 million miles through space not also have a proximity detector that tells them when resistance fighters are rustling around in the bushes outside of their 'security headquarters'? With the credibility strained, the action sequences just feel repetative.As in the original, the human sub-plots are what remain the most interesting. The most interesting is the story of the girl who was impregneted by an alien in the first series. Watching her come to grips with being the mother of a possible alien is pretty good.If you remember seeing this when you were young, get it for fun, but don't expect too much from it.
2 out of 3 people found the following review useful: I watched it so much I ruined the tape., 25 August 2003 Author: JX from Vegas
When I was young this show was it. Aliens coming to take over our planet just like we always thought. Now they didn't do it via a all out attack, (although they could) no they had watched us for awhile and realized the best thing to due was to use politics. Then we would willingly turn our selves into slaves, and then when they got what they needed from us they would simply destroy the planet and leave. What a simple, easy, and almost traditional Earth plan.Of course not everyone on the planet was willing to be led like sheep by there leaders. They don't believe the news reports, and they cause trouble for the aliens and the elected officials. Storming news conferences, trying to expose a so called conspiracy, so on and so forth.It was an obvious re-working of the Nazi parties attempt to rid the world of what they thought were inferior people (jews,blacks,most everyone else who wasn't blond haired and blue eyed Aryans). This is mentioned in the very beginning of the series and is never in question. And although the effects are extremely dated at this point in time, the entire series was a up to date for 1983. You need to remember that Return of the Jedi was just coming or just did come out. As I remember Battle Star Galatica was still on, and CGI was a distant dream.Everyone was loving Sci-Fi and this mixed it with politics, humor, suspense and old memories of our own tragic past. The girls looked good in there body suit uni's and there were new weapons and vehicles for the all important merchandising tie ins. It was a movie so we all knew who would win out. And all the aliens came in Russian red. (I wonder why they picked red in the middle of a cold war? Hmmmm...)I remember watching this over and over, my parents just got a new vcr and we discovered that if you watch a movie 100 or so times and use one of those speedy rewinders you can ruin a VHS tape in no time. I believe I was about 8 when it first aired and everyone I knew watched this thing live and on tape, plus we knew about every line. When my copies of this and "The Final Battle" got destroyed from abuse, my parents asked my Uncle to throw his copy away as opposed to giving it to me.This is one of my all time favorite movies along with the follow-up and series. It inspired more sci-fi after it then people will admit to. And although like I said before it looks really dated now days, it was still one of the most popular mini-series of all time. It deserves more credit then people give it. For those who haven't seen it, watch it for the fun story. For those who have seen it, don't hold the effects against it. It is 20 years old now and even ROTJ looks severely dated at this point. Not to mention that The ships in ID4 look like they were digitally removed from this movie and layered into that movie.
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