Review of The Omen (2006) by Adam M — 03 Oct 2010

The Omen is a decent remake of the 1976 classic. It puts a 21st century spin on it, while staying true to its origins. While being a solid remake, it is not nearly as powerful as the original. John Moore's direction is well done, and both Julia Stiles and Liev Schreiber have strong performances. Compared to many of the awful horror movies made in the last ten years, The Omen is much more enjoyable. David Seltzer's well done modern script keeps viewers interested, while overall the film is not that scary. This remake is able to take more risks than the original that was released in 1976, the 2006 version is able to add more violence, and use new technology for newer scares.

Robert Thorn (Liev Schreiber) an American diplomant, stationed in Italy, is told that his first-born son died soon after birth. So to keep his wife Katherine (Julia Stiles) from being overwelmed with anguish he takes the advice of Catholic priest, Father Spiletto (Giovanni Lombardo Radice) to adopt a child thats mother died during child birth. Robert is promoted to Deputy Ambassador and his family moves to London. Disturbing events begin to happen around their son Damien (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) one of the first being their nanny hanging herslef at Damien birthday party. She was driven to do so by a black dog. Robert is approached by Father Brennan (Pete Postlethwaite) who gives him a creepy warning that he knows secrets about Damien's birth. Robert and Katherine hire a nanny Mrs. Baylock (Mia Farrow) who is really sent to protect Damien. Katherine begins to sense that something is wrong with Damien, and has various dreams showing him as some evil being. Robert meets with Father Brennan again, and Father Brennan tells him he must go to Italy and meet a man called Bugenhagen. And he says that he must kill Damien before he kills Katherine who is preganant with their child. Robert who has been ignoring all of the warnings finally realizes they could be true when Father Brennan is found dead, and Damien tries to kill Katherine. He meets a photagrapher Keith Jennings (David Thewlis) who has found himself involved in the same mystery as Robert. Them both must find out the truth about Damien.

The Omen lacks the scares of the original, but makes up for it with a clever updated storyline. Liev Schreiber's powerful performance as Robert Thorn the father of Damien is engrossing. The religous symbolism, and twists will keep you interested all throughout the film which is very much needed since the lack of scares. Julia Stiles as Katherine is very well done performance, and one of the consistent parts of the film. John Moore doesn't bring anything special to the table, but he does succeed in not making a awful film. Some very good performances and a 21st century script/storyline make The Omen solid, and very watchable.

Mood-O-Meter: 60%.