In 1981 the third installment of "The Omen" series hit theaters. Actors such as Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando were considered for the role of the adult Damien Thorn- one can only imagine what the likes of Jack Nicholson could do with a part like that. However, I personally think Sam Neill was the perfect choice for the adult Damien. He just fits the part. A well-known actor would have distracted from the performance, I think. This time around Damien is eyeing the Presidency, intent on world domination. He very much knows now who he is and his purpose, and Sam Neill does a great job with the evil nature of the role. He's quite convincing.
As the world plunges deeper and deeper into despair, (worldwide starvation and economic doom) Damien carries on his sinister plot to rule the world. Seems the daggers of Megiddo have been excavated from the ruins of the Thorn museum in Chicago that exploded in the second film. The knives end up with a band of priests, intent on destroying the Anti-Christ. Another comet is coming- suggesting another child is on the way? It echoes the birth of Damien in 1976. Is it the second coming of Christ? Damien seems to think so, as he unleashes a truly chilling plot to murder all newborns in England. The Rottweiler makes a welcome return, as well as some downright nasty and shocking death sequences. Despite a somewhat weak climax, it's a fitting and proper end to one of the classiest horror trilogies in history. I really do love the "Omen" films- I really respect the original trilogy and grew up watching them. The ridiculous "Omen 4: The Awakening" was produced for television, in a failed attempt to start a franchise like "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th", yet it didn't quite work. Why? Because it was TERRIBLE. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous remake.
"The Omen" was such a blockbuster success in 1976 that a sequel was inevitable. Gathering up another stellar cast, along with the great Jerry Goldsmith returning, "Damien: Omen 2" attempts to continue the pace and style of the original. It mostly succeeds. Some shortcomings aside, it still manages to entertain and becomes quite shocking. William Holden was the first choice to play Gregory Peck's character in the first "Omen" movie, but turned it down because of its diabolical nature. After seeing the enormous success of "The Omen", he suddenly changed his mind and signed up to play Peck's brother, who's now taking care of 13-year old Damien. Lee Remick was a fan of the original and took the role of Holden's wife, Ann.
Our little Damien is now enrolled in the military, and on the verge of discovering his true identity. The always welcome Lance Henriksen shows up as Damien's drill sergeant, acting as mentor and watchdog. The film received mixed reviews upon its release in 1978, and was a modest hit. Richard Donner, who directed the first "Omen" movie so wonderfully, was busy on "Superman", and his presence is sorely lacking. Still, "Damien: Omen 2" has some memorable scenes, and Jerry Goldsmith's score helps alot. The menacing dog from the first is now replaced with a crow and some of the "accidents" are quite grisly- probably the most famous being the woman whos eyes are pecked out by the crow.
The appearance of William Holden and Lee Grant do add a touch of class to the project. "Damien: Omen 2" can be somewhat frustrating- with the right editing, it could have been really good. And, it does run about 30 minutes too long. Although Billie Whitelaw's presence is sorely lacking, it's still a fun ride and a pretty decent sequel. This is the movie where Damien actually learns who he is and what his purpose is. Jerry Goldsmith once again delivers a deliciously menacing score.
"Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist" shocked the world and changed horror movies forever. And in doing so spawned a seemingly endless string of religious and supernatural themed movies. Completing the "Unholy Trilogy" after "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist", "The Omen" tells the story of two unsuspecting parents (the Ambassador to Great Britain and his wife) who slowly discover that their child is the Anti-Christ. Strangely enough, many Christians see this movie as blasphemous, when the story is taken straight from the Bible. But we won't go into that now...
"The Omen" is one of the greatest horror movies of all time, and still stands far superior above most modern chillers. We absolutely believe what we're seeing every second of "The Omen", and that's a testament to director Richard Donner and crew. The movie is pure movie-making genius- everything falls into place perfectly. Cast, acting, directing, music, editing- all superb. Dark and atmospheric, Jerry Goldsmith's score to the film is unforgettable and some of the most iconic and scariest music ever composed for a horror movie.
Harvey Stephens is nothing but chilling as little Damien, and Billie Whitelaw is one of the scariest characters in any movie. Period. She is truly spooky and evil personified. "The Omen" absolutely did not need to be remade. Frankly, this movie is as good as it gets. Liev Schrieber and Julia Stiles pale in comparison to Gregory Peck and Lee Remick- what they were thinking with the remake is beyond me. Quite shocking effects for it's day, and a pretty nifty decapitation scene that still holds up well. The special edition DVD has some fascinating documentaries on the making of this movie, and the soundtrack is a must-have for any self-respecting horror fan. A devilishly gothic good time, and one of the best 70's supernatural flicks. Hell, one of the best supernatural flicks of any decade. It's hard to imagine in this day and age a horror fan not having seen
"The Omen". And if you haven't... well, what are you waiting for?
