The Omen is messed up
Starring: Julia Stiles, Liev Schreiber, Mia Farrow
Director: John Moore
4.5 Stars
Remaking The Omen was an immense undertaking, one which has paid off brilliantly. The 2006 version sports strong imagery, better plot development, and a modern edge that makes the movie more realistic. At the same time, the story line follows the original to the t, staying true to what made the orignial such a strong thriller. While there are the occasional "gotcha" moments, the real horror of the movie lies in its psychological aspects which are made more tangible by Julia Stiles's preformance as Kathy Thorn. Overall, the 2006 Omen improves on the original version and creates an exciting summer blockbuster.
The Omen
1976 vs. 2006
Robert Thorn
While Liev Screiber (Manchurian Candidate) fills the role of the wealthy Thorn quite well in the 2006 version, his performance is no competition for that of Gregory Peck's in 1976. I'm sorry, but you just can't top Atticus Finch. Just remember you can kill all the psycho babies you want, but it would be a sin to kill a mockingbird.
Katherine Thorn
In examining how well each actress fits this role, we first look at Lee Remick from the original. Remick has that good ole days housewife feel to her - that "Honey, dinner's ready. Now come rip my apron off and do me" charm that fits right into character. Surprisingly, Julia Stiles is also able to pull off this persona in the remake. However, Stiles is at the sexy age of 25 as Thorn, while Remick was pushing 50 when she played the character. Advantage Stiles. I'll save the last dance for you any day.
Damien
As Damien has a whopping total of about 3 lines in the entire movie, this comes down to which kid can be creepier without saying a word. Harvey Stephens, who plays Damien in the original, actually makes a minor appearance as an extra in the remake. Let's just say Stephens will always look like an extra compared to Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick's performance as the devil's child in the 2006 version. I mean just look at that kid. Eesh.
