The Omen Review
by Jerry at the Movies (Faust668 AT msn DOT com)June 7th, 2007
THE OMEN (2006)
Reviewed by Jerry Saravia
RATING: Two stars
After seeing the remake to the classic 1976 chiller, I must wonder the obvious: what was the point? Even "Superman Returns" felt like "Superman I and 2" revisited, so what exactly does one accomplish by remaking a movie in almost the exact same way without hesitancy? One could ask Gus Van Sant that same question when he unwisely chose to remake or "recreate" "Psycho." Now Rob Zombie is doing the same with "Halloween." When will it stop?
Richard Donner's melodramatic original "Omen" was keenly aware of the evil that exists in the world, and how Damien merely embodies it. Of course, thanks to the sneaky charm and eerieness of black-haired hellraiser Harvey Stephens as the Anti-Christ in that film, Damien seemed unaware of who he was or what power he had (the character discovered it in "Damien: Omen II"). But Stephens possessed something more - an innate ability to portray evil with a smile, a wink, a simple laugh, and some frightening stares (particularly when he's staring at a church he is about to enter). And with the towering and penetrating eyes of the late Gregory Peck as Damien's father, an ambassador, and Lee Remick's wistfulness as Damien's mother, the film, though flawed, had an atmopsheric power and beauty like the old Hammer horror flicks, with less emphasis on blood and gore.
This new "Omen" has all the hallmarks of the original, and includes a literal shot-by-shot redo of those bizarre murders perpetrated against those who reveal Damien's actual identity. This film is also desaturated with grimy colors and lots of overcast skies (well, nothing should be too sunny and cheery in the world of "The Omen"). The script is practically lifted from the original as well (I love that cinematic line: "He will lead a life in the world of politics"). But frankly, there is not much more. I do not mind a remake as long as it is improved upon, and there is not much improvement here. The film is squandered by lacking a real dramatic push in the narrative - there is not much urgency. The only urgency is supplied by an offensive opening scene where the Pope and other members of the congregation discuss images of tragedies post-9/11, including tsunamis, Hurricane Katrina and a brief allusion to 9/11. I am no prude but I think it is unnecessary to bring up recent tragedies to stir interest in the coming of the Anti-Christ. Isn't it enough that some child bears the tattoo 666 and could be the son of Satan? Or were the filmmakers inspired by Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell?
Speaking of other inanities, there is the bloodless Seamus Davey- Fitzpatrick as the black-haired Damien who seems ready to smile at the most inappropriate moments. Liev Schreiber in the Peck role isn't badly cast but he doesn't show the determination or will to make things right - someone like Liam Neeson might've been a better choice. Same with Julia Stiles as Damien's mother - she seems completely miscast and indifferent when compared to Remick.
There is one performance that rises above this remake. It is Mia Farrow in the role of the devilish nanny. Her smile and demeanor reminds me of Rosemary Gone Bad. In fact, I'd pay to see a sequel to "Rosemary's Baby" with Farrow reprising one of her most famous roles. There's truly something diabolical about her in this role - something that "The Omen" should've been infused with.
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