The Omen (2006)

This review was originally published on: Tuesday June 20th, 2006.


The Omen

2006

Starring: Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, Mia Farrow, David Thewlis, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick


Directed by: John Moore



If you've seen the original version of The Omen, you basically know what to expect going in, but something that actually suprised me was that this was almost a shot for shot remake of the original. In fact, the script is almost verbatim to the original film. The differences between the two (other than it's updated and includes some references to current events) lies soley in the directing and portrayal of the central characters. Let me explain:


In the original version, it took the audience a while to realize that Damien was actually the antichrist. In the remake, you basically find out within a few minutes. Does this hurt the new version? Not really. The remake takes it's source material and the original Richard Donner film so seriously that I felt at times I was watching the Donner version remade by Donner himself. The directing in this film is actually really good and at times leaves you questioning your own faith.


Now on to the acting: I've never been a fan of Julia Stiles, but can actually say that after The Omen, I see her in another light other than some actress from those foo-foo-fluffy-crap chick flicks. Liev Schrieber is actually very convincing and cold in the role of Damien's father and does a good job at playing a straight-laced politician with a family secret to keep hidden. David Thewlis does a phenominal job at keeping all the pieces of non-believers together while coming to his own self-realization that something beyond human control could be there pulling strings. My only real problem with the film is Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick (Damien himself). The kid, although creepy looking as all Hell, didn't really do much but stare at the camera and look pissed at the world. Wouldn't the antichrist be a little more decietful and trick people into thinking he's normal? In this, Damien basically looks evil, thus giving away his master plan of death and destruction. By the acting this kid gives away, you'd think his parents would catch on, but they never did. Like I said, this was really my only gripe with the film.



All in all this was a great film that almost lived up to the original, but once again proves what remakes prove: they're not quite as good as the original and never will be. Don't get me wrong, this was one of the best remakes I've seen, but when it boils down to it, I prefer the original over any remake. Though that doesn't mean I like the remakes any less.



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