Review of The Final Conflict (1981) by Byron D — 28 Nov 2009

The first sequel to the 1976 classic, 'The Omen' was surprisingly decent; and indeed this third part isn't bad either. It is true that Damien has gotten less interesting as he got older, but as with the other two films; this stage of the Antichrist's life has its interesting twists and turns. Rather than simply focusing on the central characters this time round, Andrew Birkin's script takes in ideas of the rebirth of Christ, and given everything on display in this movie; it's clear that putting a script together wasn't an easy task. The film also features a sect that is against Damien, and as the Antichrist's powers have grown; he himself has decided to put together a coven of loyal worshippers, all of whom are more than willing to lay their lives down for his cause. The central plot idea takes form in Damien becoming the American Ambassador in Britain, a placement that allows him to put together his plan to murder all the baby boys born on the day of Christ's second coming; as one of them is said to be the son of God, and Damien's powers grow weaker all the time that he is alive!

Sam Neill takes the lead role of The Antichrist himself, and given the two actors that went before him; he really does look the part. His acting is good too, as Neill convinces the audience that he really is dedicated to the cause as he continually professes that evil is a worthy cause. There isn't really a standout among the supporting cast, but it doesn't matter as Neill is clearly the star of the show. Oddly, given that this film was released in the eighties; a decade of trashy horror, the film features fewer and less graphic murder scenes than those seen in the first two films - and that brought it down for me as the grisly scenes in the first two movies provide many of the best bits. But even so; we've still got a man having his face burnt with an iron, and another smashing through a painted glass window; so all is not lost. The plot becomes a little wayward at times, and the film veers off a few times too often; but it's mostly entertaining and there's some nice religious themes thrown in. The ending is disappointing and doesn't fit with the tone of the series if you ask me; but to be honest I'm just pleased that this isn't a complete dead loss.