The Omen

[Friac]

I KNOW it's a classic, but I have to admit I haven't seen this one yet (I saw some scenes out of it when I was a little kid, but I don't remember much thing, except for the raven that was attacking a lady in red) :(

Because I know it's a classic series, I'm thinking about buying the DVD-box (the 3 movies)...

But I have to know:

What's this movie all about?
Does it has the same vibe as "The Exorcist" (A movie that I didn't like at all!)?
Does it contain gore?
Is it "Halloweenish"-intense or creepy?


I'd like to get an idea of these films, and if they're all good.

Thanks!

[the dead one]

the Omen

I consider the 1st film the best in the series, written by David Seltzer and directed by Richard Donner of Superman and Lethal Weapon fame. It features a cast of heavy hitters, Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. It also features a very young David Warner as a newspaper man, his performance is tense and believable...whats not to love about this guy? The original film is about the birth of the Anti-Christ, loosley based on events foretold in the book of revealtions. Pretty scary stuff indeed!! I remember seeing this when it 1st hit the big screen, I was about 16 at the time. I came out completely freaked and scared shitless, mostly due to the biblical implications involved. I still remember the effect it had on the general public, giving many cause to flock to church seeking repentence. The same effect "The Passion of Christ" had on people!

I found the 2nd Omen to be a pretty decent follow up, but the 3rd one with Sam Neil was kind of low rent~imho. Yet at the same time I give Sam all the credit in the world, making the best of the material he had to work with! His portrayl of Damien Thorn in adulthood was very chilling indeed, I have always been a BIG fan of Sam Neil...He is a fine actor and deserves all the praise for carrying the 3rd film!!!

You may want to consider renting the series before deciding to make any kind of purchase! Even though I do enjoy the entire series...the 1st film is the best!!!

You are not alone in your feelings regarding "the Exorcist".
Way overrated!

[adamjohnson]

The fourth one was a made for Tv movie, and not really worth your time, but the collection is still worth it.

The first movie has a couple of 'The Bests" in movie history.


SPOILERS THOUGH

Best Hanging
Best Beheading
Best Second-story fall

[EVILxxx]

The first Omen is very close to a perfect horror movie. I have not seen the others yet.

[the dead one]

I forgot about the 4th Omen, good call adam.
Never seen it...but I heard it pretty much blew!

[adamjohnson]

Originally posted by the dead one
I forgot about the 4th Omen, good call adam.
Never seen it...but I heard it pretty much blew!

SPOILERS

Well, it tried to revitalize the series but creating a new omen-child. But without the acting prowesses of the first movie it just doesnt work.

I do enjoy the third film, Sam is great in it. It can be a bit confusing first time through I thought, but good enough to watch.

[Cronos]

the first two omens are great, lots of atmosphere, great acting, many great kills and excellent scenes

Omen 3 is terrible though, i havent seen part 4 and dont know if ill bother

Omen - 10/10
Omen 2 - 9/10
Omen 3 - 2/10

[Kidsilk]

I just recently watched The Omen again, and must say, it's great. I loved it. Very well done and creepy.

[jagged halo]

I was reading an article in a local newspaper a few weeks ago which featured the now all grown up Harvey Stephens aka Damien. Harvey now works as a successful property developer here in England, apart from one other film (1993's I Killed My Lesbian Wife, Hung Her on a Meat Hook, and Now I Have a Three-Picture Deal at Disney :eek: ) his acting career never really took off. The Omen is one of my favs, rock solid casting, excellent cinematography, and I shall never forget that pesky dog!!.

[BorderEevilIII]

The first one is VERY Creepy..
Haven't seen in awhile.... :(


Interesting trivia from IMDB.....

- Charlton Heston, 'Schieder, Roy' and 'Holden, William' turned down the lead role. Gregory Peck who hadn't worked for a while accepted the lead. William Holden did eventually accept a role in a sequel.

and few others HERE (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075005/trivia)

[XCoRyX]

I consider this a classic, a solid one too...

[ERIN_LoJ]

The omen box set is great. I loved the first, loved the second, adn liked the third. Havent had the chance to watch the fourth yet but if I dont enjoy it, who cares? I sitll liked the first three.

From DDD You can get it for under 25 with free shipping. Cant beat that. The cover is also pretty cool.

My only complaint is the bastards didnt include the omen legacy dvd with the set. I would have paid more money to have it included. Now I need to go and buy the damn thing seperately. I have rented it and it was a great watch.

[Richard Stuart]

I like all the first 3 Omen films. The Dead One summed 'em up well, although I actually prefer the 2nd and 3rd films, as the character of Damien is developed a bit more. In the 2nd film, he's an adolescent, who goes from being a 'normal' youngster to learning exactly who he is - something which, to begin with, he's reluctant to accept.

As has been said, Sam Niell gives a great performance as the adult Damien in the 3rd film - kind of charasmatic but quiet and menacing, not OTT or overplayed in the way some actors would've done. But he has some great dialogue - some of which can be heard at this site:

http://www.ibiblio.org/samneill/sounds/omeniii/

"Oh my Father, Lord of Silence, Supreme God of Desolation, though mankind reviles yet aches to embrace, strengthen my purpose to save the world from a second ordeal of Jesus Christ and his grubby mundane creed!"

"Most people confuse evil with their own trivial lusts and perversions. Now, true evil is as pure as innocence."

Fantastic...