Omen, The (1976) > Reviews

Advantages: Genuinely scary in parts, excellent acting, solid film
Disadvantages: Maybe better described as a pyschological thriller than a horror

...to the idea in The Omen, but is similar! Some of the scenes are honestly very frightening, such as the ones in the hospital and the one near the end, involving the deranged nanny. The most unpleasant part for me though, was at the very end where Damien turns towards the camera and smiles. That image stayed with me for a very long time and gave me the shivers! He is evil and caused so much trouble, but yet looks so angelic! If you watch The Omen ... Read review

Advantages: Terrifying! Outstanding performances, breath-taking death sequences. Ominous score.
Disadvantages: Drags a little in places. Comic relief? (No, maybe not.)

Before postmodern horrors such as 'Scream' and before lurid stalk n' slashers such as 'Friday the 13th', horror movies used to be taken seriously. Possibly none more seriously than this gloomy, po-faced satanic thriller, where all the leads - Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, Billie Whitelaw - treat their roles deadly seriously, as though making an adaptation of the Bible. Which, in some senses, 'The Omen' is... Earnest senator Richard Thorne ... Read review

Advantages: see op
Disadvantages: see op

‘The Omen’ is based on religion and uses psychology to provide the scary parts. Unlike current horror films which rely on special effects, ‘The Omen’ makes your imagination run riot and create imagery far scarier than any effects. It was made in the 70s so at times it can seem a bit dated, however the scary factor is still at boiling point. Here’s the basic plot: Robert Thorn's (successful American Diplomat) wife gives ... Read review