Were it not for the brilliant casting in this film,
The Omen would likely be relegated to the B-movie archives for a cheesy plotline, predictable script, and a total lack of compelling narrative or characters. The priests, devil worshippers, and lead characters all lend an air of respectability to the movie. Gregory Peck commands respect, even when his character isn't well fleshed out. Lee Remick doesn't have the whiny-ness that Mia Farrow so exemplifies in
Rosemary's Baby. And the kid (Damien, the son of the devil) is pretty damn freaky--makes me wonder if the actor ever turned out a normal well-adjusted adult. From the very opening scenes of the movie, you are immediately sucked into the birth and upbringing of the devil child. Between the powerful performances, gruesome special effects, and constant movement, it may take you a while to realize it, but somewhere toward the end of the film you'll start wondering: "Where did these people come from? Why do we care about them? Where's the back story? Is this going anywhere?" The twist (if you can call it that) at the end of the film almost saves the day. Ultimately, it is worth watching, just to see Gregory Peck and Lee Remick in their full glory. You won't learn anything from
The Omen. It won't make you think. It won't even scare you (except for the moments of explicit violence). Watch it when you're bored.
--A.Y.