The Omen (remake): a mini-review

zombie boy 2000

I braved the opening night brat pack crowd last night to go see this movie and was rather entertained. It was very similar to Gus Van Sant's remake of Psycho in that it kept nearly all of the original dialogue, scenes, and camera shots. I know Psycho took a lot of heat for this, but in this instance, it worked. The only noticable deviations from the original came in the form of what has always been the franchise's centerpieces -- the death scenes. For those of you familiar with the original, these "changes" are more or less an homage to their previous incarnations with enough of a twist to make 'em fun and surprising for those already too familiar with the movie. Julia Stiles's (Kathy) death is one the best in recent horror cinema history.

The kid is cute and creepy, though more of a presence than a character. The dogs are more vicious. The lighting creepier. And the overall mood less 70's cheese. I know Donner's original is heralded by many as a classic (I believe this myself), but like so many horror movies of its era, it hasn't aged as well as we'd like to believe. So where many might think this remake unnecessary, I won't side myself with 'em.

I don't know if it was the theater I was in, but the SQ was phenomenal for this film. Maybe because everything was "calibrated" perfectly for opening night?
I'd usually expect this of summer blockbusters, but the surround sound was used optimally for muscial score, whispering, action, fright scenes, etc. Pleasant surprise.

With the exception of the actor who played Bugenhagen (sp?), the performances were spot on.

8/10

Demiurge

Glad to see it was at least entertaining. I'm sure it'll be a NetFlix rental for me. Speaking of the first 2...I think you're right on that they didn't hold up well. We watched both of them last week and we just constantly mocked the movie. I think what makes a movie a classic is if it can hold up over time. These movies just didn't. I'm sure there still good to those who saw them back then and have retained some memories of the first time they saw it.

zombie boy 2000

My family had 'em in constant rotation, so I've seen them many, many times. So the "rewatchable factor" has always been slightly tinged by the nostalgia I impart upon them. It wasn't until I watched them recently with the wife (who had never seen them before), that I realized they hadn't aged gracefully. Kind of like I was watching them for the first time through her...
However, The Omen 3 (with a young Sam Neill as the Anti-Christ) has always stunk:D

bobman1235

Meh.... old dramas age gracefully. Old horror movies are ALWAYS cheesy. That's what gives them their charm It's still a good movie, despite the campiness.

I haven't seen the remake yet, but the previews just look god-awful. I'll actually j udge it when I see it (I'm sure on DVD), but I don't have high hopes.

Hvrnaut

The original was ingrained into my young (early teen?) mind. I think I'll wait for the DVD, but I will take a look. It seems it will be hard to replace G. Peck in the lead role, though.

capecodder

Original was one of my favs for this genre. I don't like anything Julia Stiles has done and I just read Peter Travers (Rolling Stone) 1 star review. Think I'll skip.

MrNightly

I saw it opening night, 06/06/06.

I thought the movie was very well done. Not a real scary movie, by any stretch and therefore, I was slightly disappointed in this. From the website, and previews, I expected more of the Terror / Horror aspect, but it was sorely lacking. A few jumpy scenes, but nothing to make you want to cover your eyes

Excellent performance by Liev Schreiber. One of his most stirring I believe, who I believe history will look back on and judge as an incredible actor. On the other hand, Julia Stiles should stick to something other than acting; Grocery clerk, Bank teller... not actress. The kid did pretty good, and was believable, though he didn't really play a HUGE role. I have not seen the original, but this one stood on it's own two feet just fine.

Overall, a solid movie. More intense than scary. Shorter film as well. If you enjoyed, "The Secret Window" type of film with an anti-Christ theme, it may be for you.

7 outta 10 for me. I would have given it 8 but I was slightly let-down from the lack of horror or "Demons" or whatnot. Constantine was WAY better IMO, from the Spiritual / demonic view as well as action. Worth a trip to see in the theater, or just an excellent rent. I will probably buy it on DVD.

janmike

I thought the original was great. Then again, Mr. Peck was in the show.

Strong Bad

See the original. It's a shame Richard Donner didn't do 2 & 3.