Omen - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Holly · 06-14-2006, 09:01 AM

It's almost hard to fault the new remake of “The Omen,” since it comes from the same source as the original.

David Seltzer wrote both the 1976 thriller and its update, so that takes away the chance to blame those who have placed any new spins on the material: Seltzer has done that himself. For most part, though, the new “Omen” plays it right down the line and sticks with all the elements that gave Gregory Peck and Lee Remick one of the biggest hits of their careers.

Along with such strong supporting players as David Warner and Billie Whitelaw, they supplied the acting heft the first time around. One of my biggest quibbles with remakes is whether one is really needed, and with “The Omen,” I don't think so. As directed by a pre-”Lethal Weapon” Richard Donner, the picture still works as well as ever (as a just-released special-edition DVD reconfirms), so the current overhaul is largely unnecessary.

It also doesn't necessarily improve on the regular casting. The substitution of Liev Schreiber for Peck as the U.S. ambassador who unwittingly adopts the Antichrist? Uh-uh. And in succeeding Remick as the diplomat's emotionally shaky wife, Julia Stiles pretty much maintains the same pained expression from start to finish ... and particularly in the directly lifted scene that involves a fall from a banister.

Yes, there's still a built-in spookiness to Damien, the cherubic youngster who just happens to bear a “666” on his skull. Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick fills the bill as efficiently as Harvey Stephens (who has a cameo in the remake as a reporter) did in 1976, and Mia Farrow -- who had trouble with a devilish youngster of her own in “Rosemary's Baby” -- is maybe the most inspired casting decision, taking Whitelaw's previous spot as Damien's nanny, who isn't exactly on the up-and-up herself.

Having an update of the tale doesn't make for a bad “Omen.” It's merely one you shouldn't feel compelled to run toward if you see it coming.

(Rated R)

dandelion wine · 06-19-2006, 10:57 AM

I saw the previews for the remake and that had me just a little creeped out. Being a horror fan and curious to see how well they've done with this, I'll be seeing it. Still, you wrote up a great post and I agree.. it didn't need to be touched in the first place and I don't consider it a movie that has to be rushed towards.

06-14-2006, 09:01 AM	#1
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748	Omen It's almost hard to fault the new remake of “The Omen,” since it comes from the same source as the original. David Seltzer wrote both the 1976 thriller and its update, so that takes away the chance to blame those who have placed any new spins on the material: Seltzer has done that himself. For most part, though, the new “Omen” plays it right down the line and sticks with all the elements that gave Gregory Peck and Lee Remick one of the biggest hits of their careers. Along with such strong supporting players as David Warner and Billie Whitelaw, they supplied the acting heft the first time around. One of my biggest quibbles with remakes is whether one is really needed, and with “The Omen,” I don't think so. As directed by a pre-”Lethal Weapon” Richard Donner, the picture still works as well as ever (as a just-released special-edition DVD reconfirms), so the current overhaul is largely unnecessary. It also doesn't necessarily improve on the regular casting. The substitution of Liev Schreiber for Peck as the U.S. ambassador who unwittingly adopts the Antichrist? Uh-uh. And in succeeding Remick as the diplomat's emotionally shaky wife, Julia Stiles pretty much maintains the same pained expression from start to finish ... and particularly in the directly lifted scene that involves a fall from a banister. Yes, there's still a built-in spookiness to Damien, the cherubic youngster who just happens to bear a “666” on his skull. Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick fills the bill as efficiently as Harvey Stephens (who has a cameo in the remake as a reporter) did in 1976, and Mia Farrow -- who had trouble with a devilish youngster of her own in “Rosemary's Baby” -- is maybe the most inspired casting decision, taking Whitelaw's previous spot as Damien's nanny, who isn't exactly on the up-and-up herself. Having an update of the tale doesn't make for a bad “Omen.” It's merely one you shouldn't feel compelled to run toward if you see it coming. (Rated R)

06-19-2006, 10:57 AM	#2
dandelion wine ~ Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 20, 2003 Location: Behind the Couch Posts: 34,967	I saw the previews for the remake and that had me just a little creeped out. Being a horror fan and curious to see how well they've done with this, I'll be seeing it. Still, you wrote up a great post and I agree.. it didn't need to be touched in the first place and I don't consider it a movie that has to be rushed towards.
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