Review of Damien - Omen II (1978) by Carl M — 31 Jan 2013

Damien Thorn is placed in the care of his uncle, the owner of Thorn Industries, after the untimely deaths of his parents. As he approaches his thirteenth birthday, the demonic forces at work will stop at nothing to see the Antichrist rise to power, meaning death to all those who oppose him! The next thrilling chapter in THE OMEN series is an excellent continuation of Damien's story.

Damien is just coming to understand his own powers, but he has not yet accepted the role of the destructor. As a budding adolescent, he is caught between the innocence of childhood and the unholy destiny that awaits him.

Jonathan Scott-Taylor embodies these dual personas beautifully, allowing the audience to relate to the unfortunate circumstances that surround him though they despise the growing evil that dwells within him.

This is only achieved through Don Taylor's deliberately slow pace and a character-driven story arch. Academy Award winner William Holden also offers a dignified performance as Richard Thorn, while Jerry Goldsmith returns with another powerful score.

The scene is now set for the Antichrist to come to full power in THE OMEN 3: FINAL CONFLICT.